New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans Travel Guide: Smoothie King Center

How to Get There

• Flying In: You will fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). It features a stunning, recently built terminal and is serviced heavily by Southwest Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines.

• Airport Transit: MSY is located in Kenner, about 15 miles west of downtown. Taking a taxi or an Uber/Lyft directly to your downtown hotel is the most efficient and reliable method. The ride typically takes 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic on I-10.

Where to Stay

Smoothie King Center sits directly adjacent to the Caesars Superdome in the Central Business District (CBD). Staying in the CBD or the nearby Warehouse District offers the best combination of walkability to the arena and easy access to the French Quarter without having to stay directly in the chaotic center of Bourbon Street.

Budget/Mid-Range Options

• Hyatt Regency New Orleans: You cannot beat this location. This massive hotel is essentially physically attached to the Superdome and Smoothie King Center footprint via pedestrian walkways. It is an incredibly convenient, premium launchpad for a sports weekend and usually requires 12,000 to 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

• Moxy New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter Area: Located right on the edge of the CBD, this modern, highly social hotel keeps you within an easy walk of the arena. Redemptions generally range from 25,000 to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Higher-End Options

• NOPSI Hotel: Situated in the heart of the CBD, this stunning luxury hotel was originally the headquarters of the city's power and transportation company. It features historic architecture, incredible dining, and a fantastic rooftop pool and bar (Above the Grid).

• The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans: For the ultimate luxury weekend, this 5-star hotel sits on the edge of the French Quarter on Canal Street. It features legendary service, live jazz in the Davenport Lounge, and a world-class spa. Expect redemptions to hover around 50,000 to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Nearby Activities

• The National WWII Museum: Located nearby in the Warehouse District, this massive, sprawling campus is widely considered one of the best museums in the world. It is highly interactive, visually stunning, and you can easily spend an entire day here.

• The French Quarter: You are in New Orleans, so walking through the historic French Quarter is mandatory. Grab beignets at Cafe du Monde, listen to street musicians on Royal Street, and soak in the unmatched architecture.

Pregame Food and Drink

• Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux: Located on Poydras Street just a few blocks from the arena, this massive sports bar (co-owned by Drew Brees) is the epicenter of the pregame scene. It features incredible Louisiana-inspired pub food (like alligator tail and boudin balls) and gets completely packed with Pelicans fans.

• Manning's Sports Bar & Grill: Situated slightly further down in the Warehouse District, this massive establishment features a giant outdoor courtyard, dozens of oversized screens, and a premium sports bar atmosphere.

• Champions Square: While primarily heavily utilized for Saints football games, this massive outdoor plaza sits right between the Superdome and Smoothie King Center and often hosts live music, food trucks, and a festival atmosphere before major arena events.

Getting to the Event

• Walking: If you secure a hotel in the CBD (like the Hyatt Regency), walking is absolutely the best way to get to the game. You completely avoid the heavy downtown gridlock and the sidewalks are heavily populated with fans.

• Streetcars: If you are staying further away in the Garden District or deeper into the French Quarter, riding the historic St. Charles or Canal Streetcar lines is a cheap, incredibly scenic, and classic New Orleans way to travel down toward the CBD.

• Driving: Driving immediately around the Superdome and arena complex is heavily congested on game days. If you must drive, pre-purchasing a parking pass for the surrounding massive garages (like Garage 1 or Garage 2) is essential.

Where to Sit at Smoothie King Center

• The Pelicans Bench: The home team sits in front of Sections 111 and 112.

• Away Fans: If you are traveling to support the visiting team, you want to target Sections 113 and 114, which sit directly behind the visitor's bench.

• The Premium Club Experience: The Loge Boxes (Sections 105-108) offer a fantastic semi-private viewing experience at the back of the lower bowl. Alternatively, Sideline Premiere seating in the lower center sections grants access to premium, high-end exclusive lounge areas located underneath the stands.

• The Sweet Spot: To get great lower-bowl energy without the massive center-court premium club prices, look at the corner sections, specifically Sections 103, 109, 115, or 121.

• The Budget Seats: The 300-level provides the most affordable tickets. To ensure a great view without feeling completely detached from the court, target the lower rows of center-court Sections 314-318 or 330-332.