The Laketown Squadron is expected to make its debut at Pontchartrain Center this fall.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced their G League affiliate is relocating to Kenner’s Pontchartrain Center, and the organization is pouring major money into renovations to make the facility game-ready.

The newly rebranded Laketown Squadron is expected to hit the court at the Pontchartrain Center this fall. The team is relocating from Birmingham, Alabama.

Kenner Mayor Michael Glaser says the timing couldn’t be better as the entire Laketown area undergoes a major transformation.

“The economic development the city of Kenner is going to see from this is great,” Glaser said. “This whole area of Laketown is being redeveloped. Across the street, you have a renewed casino, behind us, if you can see, there’s an amphitheater.”

The Pelicans have agreed to pay $6 million in renovations to prepare the facility for professional basketball. At least initially, that money will serve as the team’s rent.

Glaser says the upgrades will modernize the facility.

“We’ll have all-new audio-visual scoreboards, a full replay system, the new court, new basketball goals, a new locker room and visitor locker room, training center,” he said.

Moving to Kenner puts the Squadron just a few miles from the Pelicans’ headquarters on Airline Drive in Metairie. Pelicans Executive Vice President Joe Dumars says the proximity will help the organization better align its coaching strategies and player development throughout the season.

Pontchartrain Center Sales Director Rob Ory says renovations are expected to begin in June, adding that the move puts the venue on a bigger stage.

“We are all extremely excited for the potential that this could bring to us with the renovations, the exposure, and everything that goes into it, to put us more on the map,” Ory said.

Glaser says the city will soon be able to announce a naming rights sponsor for the renovated facility, a deal expected to bring additional revenue for both the city and the team.

Last year in Birmingham, the Squadron averaged around 1,700 fans per game. The Pontchartrain Center will have a seating capacity of about 3,700.