The Smoothie King Center was built in 1999 and sits right next to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on the northwest corner of downtown New Orleans. It is home to the New Orleans Pelicans, who moved in 2002 from the city of Charlotte, North Carolina as the New Orleans Hornets. The arena is within easy access of I-10 and downtown public transportation, and it is also within walking distance of many of New Orleans' downtown hotels and the French Quarter. The venue is known for its large glass facades that are illuminated in the evening and during games with bright floodlights. The seating capacity is 18,000, including 44 luxury suites. Many people arrive early for games to head out to the adjacent Girod Street. The avenue is closed to traffic and hosts a myriad of pregame activities and entertainment, including hoops contests, live music and refreshments.
While Bourbon Street and the French Quarter get much of the attention when people go to visit the Big Easy, there are plenty of fabulous events to be found at the Smoothie King Center. The arena has hosted various big- name tours over the years, such as Rush's Snakes & Arrows Tour, Coldplay's Viva La Vida Tour, R.E.M.'s In Time Tour and Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour. There's always something to do in New Orleans, and knowing that world- class entertainment is a short walk away could seal the deal for many prospective travelers.
Sports at Smoothie King Center
The New Orleans Pelicans are the big draw to the Smoothie King Center. In 2002, the previously named, New Orleans Hornets, basketball team came to the Center. The team officially changed their name to the New Orelans Pelicans in 2013. For the first time as the Pelicans the team quilified for the playoffs and ended as the number 8 seed in the Western Conference when they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Smoothie King Center has been the home of NBA All-Star Games over the years in 2008 and 2014. In 2017, the NBA All-Star will be coming back to New Orleans. Visitors of the Smooothie King Center can also attend Professional Bull Rider and WWE events.New Orleans is a city that knows how to party, so every game seems to have a bit of festive flair that makes it a unique experience for sports fans.
Smoothie King Center Venue Guide
What’s the best way to get to Smoothie King Center?
A public transportation stop is located on Poydras Street across from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at Gate A Ground Level.
Where should I park for a show at Smoothie King Center?
There is a total of 7 parking garages and 2 surface lots for public parking. The parking garages and surface lots are next to the Superdome and the Smoothie King Center. The parking garages are labeled, #1, #1A, #2, #2A, #5, #6 and Champions Garage. The surface lots are called Lot 3 and Lot 4.