Smoothie King Center
“The Blender”
NBA

Smoothie King Center

New Orleans Pelicans

1501 Dave Dixon Drive, New Orleans, LA 70113

A Guide to Smoothie King Center

Here is a refreshed, concise opening introduction for your stadium guide: Nestled in the heart of downtown New Orleans's vibrant Central Business District, the Smoothie King Center stands as the premier indoor sports and entertainment hub of the Gulf South. As the proud home of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, this energetic arena is perfectly situated right next to the iconic Caesars Superdome. It serves as the ultimate launching pad for an unforgettable game night, placing you just steps away from the legendary live music, world-class dining, and unmatched cultural spirit of the French Quarter.

Getting to the Arena

  • Driving & Parking
    When driving to the Smoothie King Center from Interstate 10, motorists should take the dedicated Superdome/Central Business District exits at either Poydras Street or Loyola Avenue to smoothly navigate toward the complex. The facility's integrated, state-managed parking infrastructure features a massive setup of seven public parking garages (designated as #1, #1A, #2, #2A, #5, #6, and the Champions Garage) alongside two primary surface lots (Lot 3 and Lot 4). Located immediately adjacent to both the arena and the Caesars Superdome, these official accommodations provide roughly 7,000 total parking spaces, though drivers can also easily utilize surrounding Central Business District garages and surface lots within a short walk of the stadium gates.
  • Public Transit
    • Train (Streetcar) Routes
      For rail transit, the primary option is the New Orleans RTA Streetcar network, which drops passengers off just a short walk from the stadium gates. The most direct route is the Rampart-Loyola Line (Line 49), which brings riders straight to the Loyola/UPT (Union Passenger Terminal) Station, located right next to the arena property. Alternatively, fans traveling from other parts of the city can take the historic St. Charles Avenue Line (Line 12) or the Canal Street Lines (Line 47 and Line 48) into the Central Business District, exiting at the intersections near Tulane Avenue or Poydras Street to complete the brief 10-to-15-minute walk to the arena.
    • Bus Routes RTA
      The arena is highly accessible via the New Orleans RTA bus system, with multiple high-frequency lines servicing the immediate perimeter. The premier choice for direct access is the Tulane-Elmwood Line (Route 3) and the Poydras-Urban Loop (Route 202), both of which feature dedicated stops along Poydras Street directly across from the arena and the Superdome complex. Additionally, riders can utilize major regional lines such as the Magazine Line (Route 11), Louisiana Line (Route 27), or St. Bernard-Claiborne Line (Route 51), all of which drop off within the Central Business District transit corridor, allowing for a seamless walk to the stadium entrance gates.
  • Rideshare
    The official, strict rideshare drop-off and pick-up location is on Poydras Street, situated directly north of the sports campus.

Pregame Festivities

New Orleans's pregame scene is unmatched in the NBA. The French Quarter, Frenchmen Street, the Warehouse District, and the Garden District all offer world-class dining, music, and cocktails within a short distance.

Bars & Restaurants

  • A Louisiana-born sports bar chain with a location near the arena offering Southern-inspired sports bar fare, po'boys, gumbo, crawfish alongside a game-night atmosphere. Founded in Baton Rouge with LSU ties.
  • A wine-focused restaurant on Carondelet Street near the arena offering creative American cuisine, an extensive wine list, and craft cocktails in an elegant setting.
  • A quick-service spot near the arena serving fried chicken and frozen daiquiris. A uniquely New Orleans combination that captures the city's spirit.
  • A sports bar on Bourbon Street offering drinks and a Bourbon Street atmosphere. Close to the arena via a 15-minute walk through the CBD.
  • A casual bar in the CBD near the arena offering cocktails, beer, and a low-key atmosphere.
  • A Southwestern and Mexican-inspired restaurant on Baronne Street serving creative burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. A New Orleans original.
  • A taqueria on Decatur Street in the French Quarter serving quality tacos and Mexican fare. About a 15-minute walk from the arena.
  • A food hall on Loyola Avenue near the arena featuring multiple local food vendors under one roof. A great option for groups wanting variety.
  • A Cajun restaurant and dance hall on Convention Center Blvd, about a 10-minute walk from the arena. Live Cajun music, dancing, and authentic Cajun cuisine gumbo, crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and boudin.
  • A cocktail bar near the arena offering rum-focused cocktails and Caribbean-inspired fare.
  • The legendary New Orleans beignet shop has a Riverwalk location, about a 10-minute walk from the arena. The powdered-sugar-dusted beignets and café au lait are a New Orleans rite of passage.

Neighborhood Attractions

  • Located about a 10-minute walk from the arena, this is the country's premier World War II museum. Sprawling exhibits, oral histories, aircraft, and interactive experiences tell the story of the war on multiple fronts. It's consistently ranked among the best museums in America.
  • The heart of the French Quarter, about a 15-minute walk from the arena. The square features St. Louis Cathedral (the oldest cathedral in North America), street performers, artists, and the iconic iron fence. The energy is intoxicating.
  • The locals' alternative to Bourbon Street a strip of live music clubs, bars, and restaurants in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. The music here is authentic jazz, blues, funk, brass band and many venues have no cover charge. About 20 minutes from the arena.
  • One of the most beautiful residential neighborhoods in America, about 15 minutes from the arena by streetcar. Antebellum mansions, live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, and the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 create a Southern Gothic atmosphere.

Monuments & Unique Features

  • Banner
    2008 Southwest Division Championship Banner
  • Retired Number
    • #7 "Pistol" Pete Maravich
      When the New Orleans Hornets played their first regular-season game in the city on October 30, 2002, the franchise posthumously retired Maravich’s #7 to honor his legendary contributions to basketball in Louisiana (with the LSU Tigers and the NBA's New Orleans Jazz).
  • All-Star Game Displays
    Because the arena holds the unique distinction of hosting three NBA All-Star Games (2008, 2014, and 2017), there are various graphic murals, commemorative plaques, and photographic timelines integrated throughout the main concourse walls detailing these events and the franchise's foundational history.

Seating & Special Sections

  • Courtside Club & Floor Seats
    Floor Level, directly bordering the court (Rows AA, BB, 2, and 3 of Sections 102, 111–114, 123, and 124). Baselines are in rows AA & BB of Sections 106, 107, 118, and 119: The most exclusive tickets in the venue place fans right next to the hardwood. These tickets grant automatic access to the Courtside Club (located on the East Ground Level), which features an upscale lounge environment, complimentary high-end dining, private bars, and an expedited private entrance into the building.
  • Loge Boxes
    100-Level, on the West side of the bowl above Sections 105 through 108:Designed for smaller groups who want a private experience without feeling separated from the stadium atmosphere, these open-air, glass-walled boxes accommodate 4 to 5 guests. They feature premium office-style swivel chairs, personal LED TV monitors, dedicated attendant service, and inclusive food and beverage packages (such as complimentary charcuterie boards, gourmet snacks, and drink tickets).
  • The HUB Club Super Suite
    200-Suite Level, situated on the West side of the arena bowl: Operating as a massive, shared "Supersuite" for up to 150 guests, the HUB Club is a favorite for socializing. For Pelicans games, this area offers an all-inclusive experience featuring a premium rotational buffet, complimentary craft beer, wine, and soft drinks. The space includes a chic lounge with a large bar and multiple TVs inside, paired with comfortable padded stadium seats looking out over the court.
  • North Club & South Club Seats
    Mezzanine/Club Level, running along both sidelines of the 100-level bowl (specifically servicing the center sections like 111–114): These premium center-court seats feature wider, heavily padded chairs with cup holders. Ticket holders get exclusive access to the upscale North Club Lounge (9,638 sq. ft.) or South Club Lounge (7,600 sq. ft.) depending on their section side. These concourses are entirely separate from the general public, providing shorter lines for premium cocktails, private restrooms, and high-end artisanal food options.
  • Luxury Suites (Premier & Club Suites)
    200-Suite Level, encircling the middle tier of the arena (Suites 201–244 and 253–264): The arena holds 56 privately-owned luxury suites split between Premier (18 tickets) and Club (12 tickets) configurations. Guests enjoy a private VIP entrance, 4 VIP parking passes, private suite-level restrooms, an in-suite catering attendant (managed by Legends/Centerplate), and theater-style cushioned seating paired with private barstools.
  • The Warehouse Suite
    Press Box Level, situated directly above Section 302: Built specifically for large-scale corporate outings or parties, this high-elevation social space accommodates between 35 and 50 guests. It features barstools with continuous countertop space, excellent birds-eye view sight lines, a private party area, and inclusive food packages where fresh popcorn is always flowing.

Concessions

  • Signature Items
    New Orleans food is the best arena food in the NBA. Gumbo, po'boys (roast beef, shrimp, oyster), jambalaya, and crawfish in season. Beignets and pralines provide sweet options. The food program reflects the city's culinary excellence.
  • Smoothie King
    Sections 101 & 313: As the arena's title sponsor, these dedicated hubs serve health-conscious, fan-favorite meal replacement and fruit smoothies alongside refreshing bottled waters to fuel your game day.
  • Krispy Krunchy Chicken
    Sections 109 and 309: A highly popular Louisiana-founded brand delivering exceptionally seasoned, crispy Cajun fried chicken tenders, bone-in wings, and heavily spiced Cajun french fries.
  • Back Court Burger & Three Point Grill
    Section 116 & Section 122: The premier destinations for classic grill items, highlighted by gourmet Double Stack Cheeseburgers, the massive Game Changer Triple-Stack Bacon Burger, classic French fries, and cheese fries.
  • Crescent City Cuisine / Craft Draft Beer
    Sections 114 and 119: The heart of local flavor in the lower bowl. This stand specializes in authentic New Orleans mainstays including Zatarain's Jambalaya, hearty Red Beans and Rice, smoked sausages, and a curated menu of regional craft beers.
  • NOLA Nacho
    Section 106 and Section 313: Taking arena nachos to a local extreme, this stand dishes out Loaded Specialty Nachos (including premium Seafood Nachos), alongside standard chili cheese dogs, classic hot dogs, and large draft beers.
  • Geaux Mac
    Section 113: A specialty stand entirely focused on comfort food, delivering rotating bowls of rich, gourmet Specialty Mac & Cheese topped with various proteins.
  • Pier 121
    Section 121: A nod to the Gulf's seafood culture, this popular outlet cooks up fried Catfish and Shrimp Platters served over hot baskets of seasoned fries.
  • Basin St. Tacos
    Section 113: A quick-service Mexican concepts delivering flavor-packed, street-style steak and chicken tacos served with traditional onions, cilantro, and fresh lime.
  • Parish Pizza
    Sections 102, 105, & 315: The arena’s signature traditional house concession hub, covering baseline traditional stadium fare like all-beef hot dogs on Martin’s potato buns, smoked sausages, warm soft pretzels, nachos, popcorn, and souvenir sodas.
  • Tip Off
    Sections 102, 105, and 315: The arena’s signature traditional house concession hub, covering baseline traditional stadium fare like all-beef hot dogs on Martin’s potato buns, smoked sausages, warm soft pretzels, nachos, popcorn, and souvenir sodas.

Arena Information

Capacity
16,867
Avg Attendance
16,476
Opened
1999
Last Renovated
2014
Architect
Arthur Q. Davis (LOLA)
Construction Cost
$114 million

Notable Events

  • Hurricane Katrina Displacement (2005-2007): The Hornets played home games in Oklahoma City after Katrina devastated New Orleans. The franchise's return to New Orleans in 2007 was an emotional moment for the city.

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