Smoothie King Center – Home of the New Orleans Pelicans | Arena Guide

Smoothie King Center has a seating capacity of 16,867 for New Orleans Pelicans NBA games — one of the NBA's more intimate arenas, which concentrates the atmosphere. Total capacity including standing configurations can reach 18,500. The arena is adjacent to the Caesars Superdome on the same campus.

RTA Canal Street streetcar to Poydras Street — a short walk from the arena. Standard fare: $1.25 Jazzy Pass, $1.50 cash. Several RTA bus routes also serve the Central Business District. From Amtrak/Greyhound at Union Passenger Terminal, connect to the Rampart-St. Claude Trolley to Poydras Street.

Most of the seven garages and two lots on the Superdome campus are cash only — bring ATM cash before arriving. The Champions Garage starts at $20 for Pelicans games. Tailgating is prohibited in all campus lots. Superdome Parking Info: 504-587-3805.

Bags, purses, backpacks, and briefcases must be 14"x14"x6" or smaller. One bag per person. Clear vinyl bags and gallon-sized Ziploc bags are permitted. Small clutch purses max 4.5"x6.5". No backpacks, luggage, or strollers. No weapons, outside food or drink, or laser pointers. Smoke-free facility including exterior concourses.

The arena underwent a $54 million renovation before the 2014-15 NBA season, featuring new entrances and box offices, exterior repainting, and renovated clubs and suites. The renovation also coincided with the Hornets franchise rebranding as the Pelicans and the arena's renaming to Smoothie King Center.

New Orleans is arguably the NBA's best pre-game city. The French Quarter (Canal Street streetcar from near the arena) offers Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street jazz clubs, Pat O'Brien's (inventor of the Hurricane cocktail), Cafe Du Monde (beignets), and world-class Creole/Cajun restaurants. Arrive 2-3 hours before tip-off to explore properly.

Yes. RTA Canal Street streetcar provides step-free transit access. Accessible parking in campus garages (most cash only). Accessible seating throughout. Suite accessibility: 504-593-4973. Children 2 and under free. Smoke-free throughout including exterior concourses.

Via Ticketmaster and pelicans.com. Box Office: 504-587-3805 (non-Pelicans/Saints event days: Caesars Superdome Box Office at Gate A, Fridays 9am-4:30pm; event day box office opens by noon). Children 2 and under free. Resale via SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, StubHub.

56 privately owned luxury suites plus two large party suites. Suites accommodate 4-28 guests. Suite prices: $1,500-$3,500 for Pelicans games (premium matchups: $10,000+). VIP Lot 2 or Champions Garage parking. Full Club Level access. East VIP Entrance. All tickets mobile-only. Contact Matt Dixon at 504-593-4973 or smoothiekingcentersuites.com.

The franchise rebranded from New Orleans Hornets to New Orleans Pelicans in 2013 — the same year the Charlotte Bobcats reclaimed the Hornets name. The Pelicans name celebrates Louisiana's state bird and the Gulf Coast wildlife heritage. The franchise relocated from Charlotte to New Orleans in 2002.

Yes — the arena has hosted NCAA basketball games (including Women's Volleyball Championship, 2002), Professional Bull Riding, the Big 3 basketball tournament, WWE events (2001 Royal Rumble, 2014 Hall of Fame, and multiple RAW episodes), MMA, boxing, and arena football. Also major concerts: Bruno Mars, Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, and Rage Against the Machine.

Club Level includes: North Club Lounge (mezzanine, north side), South Club Lounge (mezzanine, south side), and the Hub Club (featuring lounge seating, upgraded concessions, and a full-service cash bar). Suite ticket holders have full access to all Club Level areas. VIP Entrances open 90 minutes before Pelicans games; East VIP Entrance for suite guests.