The New Orleans Pelicans, a professional basketball team in the NBA, play their home games at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This multi-purpose indoor arena has been the team’s home since the 2002-2003 NBA season.
Smoothie King Center: Home of the New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans play their home games at the Smoothie King Center, located in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Key Facts About the Arena:
- Location: 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans, LA 70113
- Capacity: 16,867 (for basketball games)
- Opened: October 1999
- Other Events: Concerts, UFC fights, college basketball
The Smoothie King Center is part of the New Orleans Sports Complex, which also includes the Caesars Superdome (home of the New Orleans Saints).
Arena Specifications
- Address: 1500 Dave Dixon Drive, New Orleans, LA 70113
- Seating Capacity: 16,867 for NBA games
- Ownership: Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (State of Louisiana)
- Operator: ASM Global
- Architectural Firms: Arthur Q. Davis and Partners, Billes-Manning Architects, Hewitt Washington and Associates
History of the Smoothie King Center
The arena was originally called the New Orleans Arena when it opened in 1999. It was built to attract an NBA team to the city.
- 2002: The Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans and became the New Orleans Hornets.
- 2013: The team rebranded as the New Orleans Pelicans.
- 2014: Smoothie King (a smoothie franchise) secured naming rights, renaming it the Smoothie King Center.
The arena has hosted major events, including:
- NBA All-Star Games (2008, 2014)
- NCAA Final Four (2003, 2012, 2022)
- Concerts (Beyoncé, Drake, Elton John)
Recent Developments
In December 2023, the Pelicans and Smoothie King renewed their naming rights agreement, ensuring that the arena will continue to bear the Smoothie King name for the foreseeable future. This partnership reflects the shared commitment to community and wellness between the team and the company.
Upcoming Games
The New Orleans Pelicans are set to play the Miami Heat on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM PDT, and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 12:30 PM PDT.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Pelicans play their home basketball games at the Smoothie King Center, located in the heart of New Orleans. Opened in 1999 and renamed in 2014, the arena has a seating capacity of 16,867 for NBA games. It has hosted significant events, including NBA All-Star Games in 2008 and 2017. The Pelicans renewed their naming rights agreement with Smoothie King in 2023. The arena has been essential to New Orleans’ sports history, reopening just one month after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Pelicans’ upcoming games include matches against the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Related topics: