New Orleans Pelicans games are truly exhilarating events that provide much more than basketball alone. More than just a professional sports team, the Pelicans represent more than basketball – they’re part of life for many New Orleanians!
You can watch the New Orleans Pelicans in various ways depending on your TV market. Local games may be shown on Bally Sports New Orleans, while nationally broadcast games can be found on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV.
The Smoothie King Center
The Smoothie King Center is a premier arena that hosts numerous headlining concerts, NBA games, exclusive sporting events, and private receptions. Constructed in 1999 and located adjacent to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans’ Central Business District. Since 2002, it has served as the home for the New Orleans Pelicans of NBA Basketball while it also served as a venue for New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League as an arena football game venue.
Public transportation provides convenient access to the arena. There is a bus stop just across the street on Poydras Street, and multiple streetcar lines pass close by the area. Drivers looking for parking can search the various garages or lots before driving directly to their game.
Review their bag policy guide before attending a Pelicans game at the Smoothie King Center. It will show which bags are allowed into the stadium and which aren’t. Reading it beforehand may help prevent delays at security.
The Smoothie King Center is in the heart of downtown New Orleans and provides plenty of bars and restaurants for pre- or post-game meals, such as Taqueria D.F, Dave and Busters, PJ’s Coffee, and Smoothie King juice shop. Just a mile from the French Quarter, it provides an excellent opportunity to sample local food and beverage culture and experience its jazz clubs like Manning’s, Drago’s, Reginelli’s, etc.
The Fandom
New Orleans is a beloved tourist destination home to one of the NBA’s premier teams – The Pelicans. Home games of their NBA team always generate an electric atmosphere at Smoothie King Center Stadium, which seats 17,024 people and ranks as one of the most beautiful arenas in basketball. Since 2002, they have played here under their original name of New Orleans Hornets until changing names in 2013.
The Pelicans represent Louisiana in the National Basketball Association and embody its vibrant spirit with their bold color scheme, which means New Orleans’ dynamic character. Their name was inspired by the brown pelican’s presence around New Orleans swampy areas – it’s even the state bird! At first, they were known as Brass and Krewe but later changed to Pelicans to create a closer bond with Louisiana.
In their inaugural season, the Pelicans defeated Utah Jazz (then known as New Orleans Jazz) 100-75 and retired Pistol Pete Maravich’s number during halftime. That year, they went on to win their division title and make playoffs before being knocked out early by Philadelphia.
New Orleans Pelicans had an outstanding debut season in New Orleans and quickly established a large fan base. They quickly established themselves as an NBA powerhouse in the Western Conference by drafting Anthony Davis as the number one selection in the 2012 NBA draft. Through free agency deals such as Julius Randle and Nerlens Noel, they acquired quality talent and the coaching staff of Monty Williams and Alvin Gentry, winning several division titles during that time.
Parking
Experience NBA hoops like never before by attending a live and in-person game, whether that means watching the New Orleans Pelicans or another team! Nothing beats watching world-class athletes showcase their skills on the court! One great way to maximize your experience at the Smoothie King Center is purchasing a parking pass; these allow fans to avoid driving around the lot before arriving in plenty of time for tip-off.
There are multiple public parking garages and surface lots near the Smoothie King Center with rates ranging from $10-20; walking a few blocks may help find cheaper spots; alternatively, take advantage of New Orleans Heritage Streetcar service within minutes from the stadium!
The Pelicans may still be searching for their first championship since relocating from Charlotte, but they’re making strides thanks to an exciting young core led by Anthony Davis, who may soon emerge as one of their stars. Additionally, their unselfish approach (they rank eighth in assists per possession) has been integral to their success.
Pelicans fans should brace themselves for an arduous journey ahead as they face a challenging schedule and aim to advance into the playoffs. Opening against Grizzlies, Knicks, and Warriors, they then face Nuggets, Mavericks, and Wolves twice over 11 regular season games; such a demanding schedule will test player endurance and fan patience.
Food & Beverages
Pelicans fans are fiercely loyal and enthusiastic supporters, often cheering loudly and clapping enthusiastically for players and the fast-paced action of each game. Arena regulars and visitors in town for just one night make up this diverse and enthusiastic audience. Smoothie King Center also provides food vendors and craft beer bars at both levels (100 and 200 plazas) featuring Louisiana brews such as Parish Brewing Company’s Ghost in the Machine, Faubourg Brewing Company’s Dat’Suma, and Abita Brewing Company Andygator, among many others!
Lower sideline club seats are one of the premier locations to watch a New Orleans Pelicans game, offering unparalleled views of baskets and in-seat food and beverage service. Furthermore, club seat experience includes access to North and South Club Lounges during each game! Alternatively, loge boxes located atop of lower seating bowl behind east basket offer a luxurious experience for groups of four or more fans featuring comfortable office-style swivel chairs equipped with LED TV monitors in each box for viewing the action live!
No matter where you watch New Orleans Pelicans games – at home or the stadium – nothing compares to being there live to experience all the energy and excitement of NBA basketball games! Vivid Seats provides tickets for any upcoming matchup so fans can experience every second.
In 2023-24, the New Orleans Pelicans will play on national television an incredible 12 times during their season – four ESPN games, two TNT shows, and six NBA TV broadcasts will air across three networks – providing viewers with ample chances to watch live action at either Vivid Seats or at Smoothie King Center.
Accommodations
BookSeats offers premium seating and hospitality options that will elevate your New Orleans Pelicans fandom to new levels, from courtside floor tickets and suites through loge boxes – we have something suitable for every budget!
No matter why you visit an arena for a Pelicans game or another event, staying nearby is critical. Our hotel packages offer options within walking distance to both the arena and local attractions in each city; plus flights that work with any schedule or budget to make travel simple! Book your New Orleans Pelicans travel package with us now!
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