# New Orleans Pelicans: Smoothie King Center Game Day Guide

> Prices, parking, seating and transit for NBA games at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. This guide covers the 2026-27 NBA Season, last updated 2026-09-01. See Provenance for which figures were independently verified.

Source: https://visityourteam.com/nba/pelicans
League: NBA | Division: Southwest
Data source: Visit Your Team research, Smoothie King Center official site, Pelicans.com

## Venue

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Name | Smoothie King Center |
| Location | New Orleans, LA |
| Capacity | 16,867 |
| Surface | Hardwood (Maple) |
| Roof | Indoor |
| Opened | 1999 |
| Coordinates | 29.949, -90.0821 |
| Official site | https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com |

## Game Day Cost

Cheapest realistic single-person game day at Smoothie King Center: **$38.50** ($12 ticket + $15 parking + $6.50 food + $5 drink).

| Category | Lowest price |
| --- | --- |
| Ticket | $12 |
| Parking | $15 |
| Food item | $6.50 |
| Drink | $5 |

### Ticket tiers

| Tier | Price | Basis | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Upper Level (300-Level) | $12 | secondary-market median | Upper deck seats with full-court view |
| Upper Baseline (300-Level) | $25 | secondary-market median |  |
| Club Level (200-Level) | $75 | secondary-market median | Mid-level premium seats with lounge access |
| Lower Bowl Sideline (100-Level) | $110 | secondary-market median |  |
| Courtside / Floor Seats | $500 | secondary-market median | Floor-level seats right at courtside |

### Concession prices

| Item | Category | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NOLA Favorites | Regional | not published |
| Po'boys & Sandwiches | Regional | not published |
| Seafood | Regional | not published |
| NOLA Cuisine | Regional | not published |
| Cajun & Creole Plates | Regional | not published |
| NOLA Street Tacos | Regional | not published |
| BBQ Sandwiches | Regional | not published |
| Mac and Cheese | Classic | not published |
| Seafood Mac | Regional | not published |
| Pita Sandwiches & Po'boys | Regional | not published |
| All-Beef Burger | Classic | not published |
| All-Beef Frank | Classic | not published |
| Burger and Fries | Classic | not published |
| All-Beef Hot Dog on a Martin's Potato Bun | Classic | not published |
| Chicken Tenders | Classic | not published |
| Chicken Wings | Classic | not published |
| Slam Dunk Chicken Tenders | Classic | not published |
| Slam Dunk Chicken Wings | Classic | not published |
| Pizza | Classic | not published |
| Mexican Flare | Regional | not published |
| Mexican Fare | Regional | not published |
| Made-to-Order Smoothies | Healthy | not published |
| Desserts | Snacks | not published |
| Mini Melts Prepacked Ice Cream | Snacks | not published |
| Popcorn | Snacks | not published |
| Lemonade | Non-Alcoholic | not published |
| Daiquiris | Cocktail | not published |
| Local Beer | Beer | not published |
| Coors Light | Beer | not published |
| Corona | Beer | not published |
| Hennessy Cocktails | Cocktail | not published |
| Non-Alcoholic Beer | Non-Alcoholic | not published |
| Hard Seltzer | Cocktail | not published |

## Parking

Smoothie King Center is in downtown New Orleans adjacent to the Caesars Superdome. Walkable from French Quarter (~15-20 min). Same transit options as Saints games. Warehouse District pregame is a local favorite.

| Lot | Price | Distance | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Smoothie King Center Lots | $25 | 0.1-0.2 miles | Official lots adjacent to the arena in the downtown New Orleans sports district. |
| Downtown / Warehouse District Garages | $15 | 0.3-0.5 miles | Garages in the Warehouse District and CBD. Walk to arena. |

### Getting here without a car

Not parking. These are transit fares, walks and drop-off points.

| Option | Cost | Distance | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RTA Streetcar / Walk from French Quarter | $2 | 0.3-0.8 miles | Streetcar on Loyola Avenue near the arena. $1.25 fare. French Quarter is a 15-20 min walk. |

### Parking tips

- New Orleans parking is affordable, $10-25 gets you within walking distance.
- If staying in the French Quarter, just walk. It's 20 minutes and the scenery is unbeatable.
- The streetcar is a scenic and affordable option from the Garden District or Uptown.
- Post-game traffic near the Superdome campus can be slow. Walk to the Quarter instead.
- Street parking is available but check signs carefully, some areas are residential permit only.


## Seating

Smoothie King Center sizes its premium spaces for four different kinds of group, which is the useful way to read them: Loge Boxes take four or five at a countertop, suites take twelve to eighteen in fixed leather seats, The Warehouse on the Press Level holds thirty-five at barstools with room for fifty, and the HUB Club takes up to a hundred and fifty. Private entrances come with the boxes, the suites and the HUB Club. Loge Box tickets also open the premium club lounges, which the suites' own description does not mention.

| Section | Price range | View | Pros | Cons |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Courtside / Floor Seats | $400 - $1,400+ |  | The closest seats in the arena; Level with the coaching and the huddles | Floor level flattens the spacing that decides a possession |
| Suites | $350 - $1,000+ | Private suites with twelve to eighteen fixed leather viewing seats. | A suite attendant and a private entrance; Catering options rather than concourse food; Fixed leather seating rather than a countertop | Sized for twelve to eighteen, so it suits a large group and no other; Premium club lounge access is not stated for suites, unlike the Loge Boxes |
| Loge Boxes (Premium Club Lounge Access) | $220 - $650+ | Boxes of four or five chairs with countertop space. | Access to the premium club lounges — which the suite listing does not mention; A private entrance; Four or five seats, so it suits a small party | Countertop seating rather than a conventional seat; Sold as a box |
| The Warehouse (Press Level) | $150 - $420+ | The Press Level, with 35 barstools at countertop space and room for up to 50 guests. | Complimentary popcorn comes with it, alongside catering options; Thirty-five barstools with room for fifty, so it flexes between a group and a party; A distinct room rather than a concourse corner | Press Level, so the floor is a long way below; Barstool seating rather than a seat with a back |
| HUB Club | $180 - $500+ | A large group space holding up to 150 guests. | The largest premium space in the arena at up to 150 people; Premium bar and catering options, with a private entrance | Built for large groups, so it is the wrong product for two people; A function space as much as a vantage point |
| Club Level (200-Level) | $55 - $180 | The club ring, raised over the lower bowl with the whole court in one frame. | Club concourse access | A deck removed from the lower bowl; Not the same as the premium club lounges the Loge Boxes open |
| Lower Bowl Sideline (100-Level) | $85 - $250 |  | The best ordinary sightline in the arena; Close to the benches and the noise | The dearest ticket with no premium access; The front rows lose the near baseline |
| Upper Baseline (300-Level) | $18 - $70 |  | The truest angle on a three-point shot | Behind the basket, so the near end is foreshortened |
| Upper Level (300-Level) | $10 - $40 |  | The clearest view of how a possession is organised | As far from the floor as the building goes |

Official seat map: https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/arena-maps

## Getting There

The Smoothie King Center shares its campus and its car parks with the Superdome — seven garages and two surface lots holding around 7,000 vehicles between them, not all of which open for every event. Its transit answer is a single named point: a public transportation stop on Poydras Street, across from the Superdome at Gate A ground level.

**Driving.** The arena is at 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. It publishes no route in, directing drivers to its parking pages. The campus has seven public parking garages — numbers 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 5, 6 and the Champions Garage — plus surface Lots 3 and 4, together holding about 7,000 vehicles. Not all of them open for every event.

**Public transit.** A public transportation stop sits on Poydras Street, across from the Superdome at Gate A ground level. The arena names no individual streetcar line or RTA route, so check norta.com for which service you need.

**Rideshare.** Uber/Lyft drop-off on Girod Street. Pickup zones on Poydras Street post-game. Surge pricing is minimal for most games.

**Walking.** The rideshare zone is on Poydras Street north of the campus, within a 5-minute walk, reached through Champions Square.

### Transit options

| Option | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RTA Streetcar (St. Charles / Rampart-St. Claude) | $1.25 | Streetcar lines run near the arena. The Rampart line stops on Loyola Avenue. |
| Rideshare (from MSY Airport) | $30 | Uber/Lyft, ~25 min from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International |
| Rideshare (from French Quarter) | $10 | Uber/Lyft, ~10 min from the French Quarter, or a 20-minute walk |

## Tailgating

The Smoothie King Center shares its parking with the Superdome next door: seven public garages and two surface lots between them, holding roughly 7,000 vehicles, and all the garages take credit or debit cards only. Rideshare has a designated zone on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue. The bag limit is a relatively generous 14 by 14 by 6 inches for any bag, purse, backpack or briefcase, with declared medically necessary items admitted after inspection. On game days the Pelicans Team Store opens to ticketed fans at the door time, an hour before tip-off.

### Rules

- Any bag, purse, backpack or briefcase larger than 14" x 14" x 6" is not allowed into the arena. An exception is made for declared medically necessary items, after proper inspection.
- The facility has seven parking garages and two surface lots adjacent to the arena, accommodating approximately 7,000 vehicles. The public garages are numbered 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 5, 6 and the Champions Garage; the surface lots are Lot 3 and Lot 4.
- Parking garages accept credit or debit cards only.
- The designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone is on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue.
- On game days the Pelicans Team Store opens to ticketed fans at game day door time, one hour prior to tip-off. Door opening is at the discretion of show management and event pages carry specific times.
- The arena publishes no tailgating policy.


### Best areas

| Area | Description |
| --- | --- |
| The seven public garages | Garages numbered 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 5, 6 and the Champions Garage, shared with the Superdome complex next door and holding around 7,000 vehicles with the two surface lots. All take credit or debit cards only. |
| Lot 3 and Lot 4 | The two surface lots serving the complex, adjacent to the arena alongside the garages. |
| The Poydras Street rideshare zone | The designated drop-off and pick-up point for rideshare, on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue rather than at the arena doors. |

## Food & Drink

New Orleans is arguably the best food city in America, and Smoothie King Center does a respectable job reflecting that. The arena publishes its stands by section, and the New Orleans cooking is spread across them: BBB's Cajun Corner at sections 101, 112 and 313, Crescent City Cuisine at 119, Basin Street Tacos at 113, Dixie BBQ at 317 and Geaux Mac at 325, with a Daiquiri Bar at 114 and 301 and a local Beer Garden at 106. The directory lists what each stand serves rather than a full menu, so expect more at the counter than is published. Outside, the Warehouse District and French Quarter offer some of the best dining in the world within walking distance.

### Nearby restaurants

| Name | Cuisine | Price range | Rating |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| zesty creole | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.7 |
| Acme Oyster House | Seafood Restaurant | $$ | 4.6 |
| Pêche Seafood Grill | Seafood Restaurant | $$$ | 4.6 |
| Luke | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.5 |
| Deanie's Seafood Restaurant in the French Quarter | Seafood Restaurant | $$ | 4.5 |
| Gallier's Seafood & Oyster Bar | Seafood Restaurant | $$ | 4.5 |
| BEARCAT CBD | Brunch Restaurant | $$ | 4.5 |
| Mother's Restaurant | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.2 |

## Game Day Timeline

Smoothie King Center sits in the Warehouse District of downtown New Orleans, right next to the Caesars Superdome. The arena is a 20-minute walk from the French Quarter, making it one of the most entertainment-rich locations in the NBA. New Orleans is a food and music city above all else, the pregame experience here is unmatched. Walk Magazine Street for restaurants, hit a jazz club, then stroll to the game. The arena has the smallest capacity in the NBA (16,867), creating an intimate atmosphere. NBA games run about 2.5 hours.

| Time | What happens | Detail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 hours before tip-off | Explore the neighborhood | Walk the Warehouse District art galleries or head to the French Quarter for beignets and jazz. |
| 2 hours before tip-off | Pregame dining | Eat at one of the Warehouse District restaurants, Cochon, Pêche, or Emeril's. Or grab a po'boy from a local shop. |
| 1 hour before tip-off | Doors open | Enter the arena. The intimate size means even upper-deck seats feel close to the action. |
| 30 minutes before tip-off | Find your seat | Settle in. Pelicans games have a distinctly New Orleans flavor, brass band music, second-line dancing, and Mardi Gras energy. |
| Tip-off | 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 | Halftime break | The gumbo and po'boys inside the arena are legit New Orleans food, not just arena fare. |
| Post-game | Post-game scene | Walk to the French Quarter for live music and cocktails. Frenchmen Street has the best local music scene. |

## Lodging

| Hotel | Per night | Distance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hyatt Regency New Orleans | $180 | 0.3 miles |
| The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel | $180 | 0.7 miles |
| The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans | $180 | 0.8 miles |
| JW Marriott New Orleans | $180 | 0.8 miles |
| Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor by IHG | $180 | 0.8 miles |

## Typical Weather

| Month | High (F) | Low (F) | Precipitation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| October | 83 | 65 | 3.6 inches |
| December | 66 | 49 | 4.5 inches |
| January | 64 | 47 | 5.0 inches |
| March | 75 | 56 | 4.6 inches |
| April | 81 | 62 | 5.0 inches |

## Verified Venue Policies

### Accessible entry

The accessible drop-off and pickup point is at Dave Dixon Drive and Le Rouge Lane, and Pelicans ADA parking is in Lot 3 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- A valid disabled placard, matching identification, and vehicle registration are required for Lot 3. Guests with ADA tickets may enter through the East VIP or Elevator 1 & 2 entrance one hour before tipoff.

Source: [New Orleans Pelicans A to Z Fan Guide](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/a-to-z-fan-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Accessible seating

Accessible seating is available throughout Smoothie King Center, and the Box Office handles accessible-seat purchases and accommodation questions.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Guests who need an accommodation after buying may request an exchange for their ticket and one companion ticket, subject to availability. Call the Box Office at 504-587-3822 or the Pelicans at 504-525-HOOP.

Source: [Smoothie King Center Accessibility](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Alcohol sales cutoff

Alcohol sales at Pelicans games stop at the end of the third quarter.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Guests must be at least 21 and show proper identification to purchase alcohol.

Source: [New Orleans Pelicans A to Z Fan Guide](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/a-to-z-fan-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Assistive listening

Complimentary assistive-listening devices are available at Guest Services across from Section 108.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- A valid government photo ID is held until the device is returned. Sign-language interpretation may be requested at least 30 business days before an event by calling 504-587-3990.

Source: [Smoothie King Center Accessibility](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Bag policy

Backpacks are prohibited, and other bags, purses, or briefcases cannot exceed 14 x 14 x 6 inches.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- All guests and bags are subject to security screening. Event-specific management may change the policy, so check the game listing before traveling.

Source: [New Orleans Pelicans A to Z Fan Guide](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/a-to-z-fan-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Tickets for children

Children age 2 or younger do not need a Pelicans ticket if they sit on an adult's lap.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- A ticket is required when the child will use a separate seat.

Source: [New Orleans Pelicans A to Z Fan Guide](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/a-to-z-fan-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Dietary options

Smoothie King stands at Sections 101 and 301 are listed as gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian for Pelicans games.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- The live food directory can be filtered by dietary category and section. It does not publish a general allergen or cross-contact process.

Source: [Smoothie King Center Food & Beverage](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/food-beverage)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Family restrooms

Family restrooms are at East Ground, the Elevator 1 & 2 entrance, Section 108, and Section 310.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Baby-changing stations are available at the same four locations.

Source: [New Orleans Pelicans A to Z Fan Guide](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/a-to-z-fan-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### First aid

First Aid stations are at Sections 123 and 313 during Smoothie King Center events.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Report an emergency to the nearest staff member or call the venue at 504-587-3663; call 911 for an immediate emergency.

Source: [Smoothie King Center Accessibility](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Gate opening

General doors open one hour before Pelicans tipoff; qualifying premium season-ticket holders may enter 90 minutes before tipoff.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Premium early entry includes club, suite, and floor-level patrons. The team recommends arriving early enough to clear screening before tipoff.

Source: [New Orleans Pelicans A to Z Fan Guide](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/a-to-z-fan-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Guest services

Guest Services is on the Ground Level between the Northeast and East entrances and on the concourses across from Sections 108 and 310.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- The Section 108 desk handles accessibility equipment, lost and found, sensory bags, and the children's If Lost wristband program.

Source: [Smoothie King Center Accessibility](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Mobile tickets

Pelicans tickets and parking passes are fully mobile and must be displayed on a phone through the Pelicans or SeatGeek app.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Open and save tickets before reaching the arena or parking garage, where the mobile pass must be presented for scanning.

Source: [New Orleans Pelicans A to Z Fan Guide](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/a-to-z-fan-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Nursing and lactation

Mamava nursing pods are in the Northeast Ground corridor, near Sections 110/111, and on the Suite Level near Suite 219.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Visit the nearest Guest Services desk for an access code.

Source: [Smoothie King Center A to Z Guide](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Outside food and drink

Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside Smoothie King Center.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

Source: [Smoothie King Center A to Z Guide](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Parking payments

Smoothie King Center garages accept credit or debit cards only, and event parking can be purchased in advance through the official EventPass page.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Not every garage or surface lot is available for every event; check the game listing and official parking page before traveling.

Source: [Smoothie King Center Directions & Parking](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/directions-parking)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Prohibited items

Prohibited items include backpacks and oversized bags, bottles, cans and glass, weapons, fireworks, drones, lasers, selfie sticks, poles, noisemakers, tablets, outside food or drink, and video or audio recording devices.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Service dogs are the exception to the animal prohibition. The list is non-exhaustive, management may reject other unsafe items, and event-specific rules can change.

Source: [Smoothie King Center A to Z Guide](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Re-entry

Re-entry is not permitted after leaving Smoothie King Center.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

Source: [New Orleans Pelicans A to Z Fan Guide](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/a-to-z-fan-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Sensory services

Free KultureCity sensory bags are available at Guest Services across from Section 108, and a designated quiet room is across from Suite 255.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Sensory bags include fidget tools, a weighted lap pad, and noise-canceling headphones. Visit Guest Services for an escort to and from the quiet room.

Source: [Smoothie King Center Accessibility](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Service animals

Trained service animals that assist guests with disabilities are permitted inside Smoothie King Center; comfort animals are not recognized as service animals.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

Source: [New Orleans Pelicans A to Z Fan Guide](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/a-to-z-fan-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Smoking and vaping

Smoothie King Center is entirely smoke-free, including electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, both inside and outside within the security perimeter.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

Source: [Smoothie King Center A to Z Guide](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Venue payments

Smoothie King Center is cashless for concessions, merchandise, and parking and accepts credit or debit cards.

Applies to: New Orleans Pelicans games

- Cash may be converted to a prepaid Mastercard across from Sections 108 and 310. Cards are not reloadable, and unused balances incur a monthly fee after 90 days.

Source: [Smoothie King Center A to Z Guide](https://www.smoothiekingcenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide)
Checked: 2026-08-30

## Provenance

- Season: 2026-27 NBA Season
- Last updated: 2026-09-01
- Independently verified: concession menu, food prices, game day timeline, getting there, lodging, nearby restaurants, parking guidance, pregame, seating, transit, value menu, venue facts, venue policies, weather
- Recorded but not independently verified: drink prices, parking prices, ticket prices
- Canonical page: https://visityourteam.com/nba/pelicans
- Prices are researched per venue and represent typical published rates, not live market pricing.