Home› Stadium Guides› Smoothie King Center

NBA · New Orleans Pelicans

Visiting Smoothie King Center as an Away Fan: The Complete Guide

Q: How do I get to Smoothie King Center as an away fan?

Fly into New Orleans (MSY), about 20–30 minutes from downtown — you'll drive or rideshare in from the airport. The arena is downtown, walkable from the CBD and French Quarter, with the streetcar nearby — you won't need a car once you're in the city.

Q: Where should visiting fans stay for a Pelicans game at Smoothie King Center?

Stay in the French Quarter or the CBD/Warehouse District — both are a walk or short streetcar ride from the arena and put you in the food and nightlife. This is a city where where you stay is half the trip; base yourself in or near the Quarter.

Q: What is parking like at Smoothie King Center and when should away fans arrive?

There are garages and lots downtown, and prepaid is smart, but the arena is walkable from the Quarter and CBD, so most fans don't need to drive. Arrive early and make a day of it — the French Quarter and CBD are the pregame, and the walk over through downtown is part of the fun.

Q: Where do visiting fans sit at Smoothie King Center?

It's a comfortable arena with good sightlines and no major obstructed views. Lower-bowl seats are pricier while the upper deck is good value. Pelicans crowds are welcoming and fun for visiting fans.

Q: What food should you get at Smoothie King Center, and what should you bring?

This is New Orleans, so eat everywhere — po'boys, gumbo, jambalaya, beignets — the food is the whole trip. Check the bag policy, as arena clear-bag or small-bag rules usually apply. It's indoors, so weather isn't a factor inside.

Q: What is the pregame scene like at Smoothie King Center?

The French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the Warehouse District are the pregame — walkable, lively, and unmatched. Grab food and drinks in the Quarter or CBD, then walk over to the arena for tip-off.

Q: Is Smoothie King Center friendly to away fans, and any insider tips?

Stay in or near the French Quarter and walk — the city is the experience. Eat everything. Enjoy a welcoming crowd and one of the most fun away trips anywhere. Pair it with a full New Orleans weekend.

Smoothie King Center · 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans, Louisiana

★ Steps from the Superdome and the French Quarter

The Smoothie King Center sits right beside the Caesars Superdome in downtown New Orleans, a short walk or streetcar ride from the French Quarter. Home to the New Orleans Pelicans, it pairs the game with unbeatable food, music, and nightlife. Here's how to do a Pelicans road trip right.

Getting There

Fly into New Orleans (MSY), about 20–30 minutes from downtown — you'll drive or rideshare in from the airport.

The arena is downtown, walkable from the CBD and French Quarter, with the streetcar nearby — you won't need a car once you're in the city.

Where to Stay

Stay in the French Quarter or the CBD/Warehouse District — both are a walk or short streetcar ride from the arena and put you in the food and nightlife.

This is a city where where you stay is half the trip; base yourself in or near the Quarter.

Parking & When to Arrive

There are garages and lots downtown, and prepaid is smart, but the arena is walkable from the Quarter and CBD, so most fans don't need to drive.

Arrive early and make a day of it — the French Quarter and CBD are the pregame, and the walk over through downtown is part of the fun.

Where Visiting Fans Sit

It's a comfortable arena with good sightlines and no major obstructed views.

Lower-bowl seats are pricier while the upper deck is good value. Pelicans crowds are welcoming and fun for visiting fans.

Food & What to Bring

This is New Orleans, so eat everywhere — po'boys, gumbo, jambalaya, beignets — the food is the whole trip.

Check the bag policy, as arena clear-bag or small-bag rules usually apply. It's indoors, so weather isn't a factor inside.

The Pregame Scene

The French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the Warehouse District are the pregame — walkable, lively, and unmatched.

Grab food and drinks in the Quarter or CBD, then walk over to the arena for tip-off.

Insider Tips

Stay in or near the French Quarter and walk — the city is the experience. Eat everything.

Enjoy a welcoming crowd and one of the most fun away trips anywhere. Pair it with a full New Orleans weekend.

Plan & Book

Build your Smoothie King Center trip

Choose each piece — flights into MSY, a hotel in the French Quarter or CBD within walking distance, Pelicans tickets, and a rental car only if you want it (the arena is walkable from the Quarter). It adds to your trip below. Nothing books until you're ready.