Game Day Guide
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Data updated: 2025-26 NBA Season
The Chronology
Your complete game day timeline at Smoothie King Center.
Explore the neighborhood
Walk the Warehouse District art galleries or head to the French Quarter for beignets and jazz.
Pregame dining
Eat at one of the Warehouse District restaurants, Cochon, Pêche, or Emeril's. Or grab a po'boy from a local shop.
Doors open
Enter the arena. The intimate size means even upper-deck seats feel close to the action.
Find your seat
Settle in. Pelicans games have a distinctly New Orleans flavor, brass band music, second-line dancing, and Mardi Gras energy.
Game time
The arena may be small but the atmosphere is big. The Pelicans' mascot Pierre is a fan favorite. Total game time is about 2-2.5 hours.
Halftime break
The gumbo and po'boys inside the arena are legit New Orleans food, not just arena fare.
Post-game scene
Walk to the French Quarter for live music and cocktails. Frenchmen Street has the best local music scene.
Atmosphere Intelligence
Games are indoors and climate-controlled, but you'll still be outside for parking and walking to the venue.
October
3.6 inchesFully climate-controlled at ~72°F year-round. Warm conditions outside, light layers for pre/post-game activities.
December
4.5 inchesFully climate-controlled at ~72°F year-round. Mild conditions outside, a light jacket is enough for pre/post-game activities. Bring rain gear, above-average precipitation this month.
January
5.0 inchesFully climate-controlled at ~72°F year-round. Mild conditions outside, a light jacket is enough for pre/post-game activities. Bring rain gear, above-average precipitation this month.
March
4.6 inchesFully climate-controlled at ~72°F year-round. Warm conditions outside, light layers for pre/post-game activities. Bring rain gear, above-average precipitation this month.
April
5.0 inchesFully climate-controlled at ~72°F year-round. Warm conditions outside, light layers for pre/post-game activities. Bring rain gear, above-average precipitation this month.