The first portion of the building was constructed as part of the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition; a series of additions in subsequent decades expanded the center further upriver.

After serving as a temporary medical clinic for some time, the structure again began welcoming conventions in early 2006, including that of the American Library Association.

In the confusion following the disaster, people escaping from flooded neighborhoods were directed to the Convention Center by police and word of mouth, with the expectation that there would be provisions, aid, and evacuation buses there.

[2] Around 20,000–25,000[3] people gathered at the complex in difficult conditions with no power, no water, no food, no medical supplies, no proper sanitation, and with only minimal occasional law enforcement presence within the center, resulting in incidents of crime and gang violence.

Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff falsely claimed to be unaware of any problem with conditions even after the networks had been broadcasting images and live reports from the Convention Center.