Visiting the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans for a concert, sporting event, or convention can be an exciting experience. However, getting there may require some planning and preparation, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. This quick guide will provide you with essential information on how to reach the venue with ease, whether you prefer public transportation, ridesharing, or driving.
Choosing your transportation method is crucial, as each option has its advantages and drawbacks. Public transportation can be an economical and environmentally friendly choice, while ridesharing offers more flexibility. On the other hand, driving yourself to the venue can provide the greatest level of control, but may require extra effort to find suitable parking.
Being well-prepared and informed about the various transportation and parking options available will not only save you time and stress but also allow you to focus on the fun aspects such as the event itself, nearby attractions, and dining experiences in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Explore different transportation options to reach Smoothie King Center
- Be prepared by researching parking and public transportation routes beforehand
- Enjoy nearby attractions and dining experiences to enhance your visit
Choosing Your Transportation Method
Public Transportation
Public transportation is a great option for getting to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Bus routes vary, with some taking as little as 42 to 73 minutes, depending on your starting point. For example:
- From Arabi, Arabi: 47 minutes
- From Villalobos Rescue Center, New Orleans: 42 minutes
- From River Ridge, River Ridge: 73 minutes
- From Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans: 63 minutes
Plan your journey and check for updated timings and routes on Moovit.
Ridesharing Services
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also convenient ways to reach the Smoothie King Center. These services provide door-to-door transport and enable easy access to the venue. However, keep in mind that traffic conditions and surge pricing may affect your travel time and cost.
Driving and Parking
If you prefer to drive yourself to the Smoothie King Center, there are approximately 7,000 parking spaces available in seven parking garages and two surface lots managed by ASM Global. Be sure to check the availability and rates of parking (by contacting the Superdome Parking Office at 504-587-3805 or Champions Garage Parking Office at 504-587-3971) before your visit, as parking may be limited during popular events.
Remember to choose a transportation method that best suits your needs and preferences while keeping in mind factors like travel time, convenience, and cost.
Public Transportation Options
When heading to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, you have a couple of convenient public transportation options to choose from. In this section, we will discuss using the streetcar and taking the bus to make your journey a breeze.
Using the Streetcar
New Orleans is famous for its historic streetcar lines, which offer a scenic and practical way to get around the city. The streetcar service closest to Smoothie King Center is the Canal Streetcar. To reach the venue, you can board the streetcar at multiple points along Canal Street, disembark at the Poydras Street stop, and walk a few minutes to the Smoothie King Center. The streetcar operates from early morning to late night, making it a reliable option for event-goers. Here’s the fare information for the streetcar:
- One-way fare: $1.25
- Day pass: $3
Keep in mind that exact change is required when boarding the streetcar, and transfers are not included in the one-way fare.
Taking the Bus
Another option to reach the Smoothie King Center is by taking one of New Orleans’ public buses. The 91 Jackson/Esplanade Bus is a popular choice that stops near the venue. Depending on your starting point, the travel time may vary. Here are some examples of travel times from various locations in New Orleans:
- From Arabi: 47 minutes
- From Villalobos Rescue Center: 42 minutes
- From River Ridge: 73 minutes
- From Metairie Cemetery: 63 minutes
To plan your bus trip to the Smoothie King Center, you can use the Moovit app or website, which provides step-by-step directions, route maps, and real-time schedule updates.
Tips for Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are convenient options for getting to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. In this section, we’ll discuss how to utilize these services, offer some cost estimates and wait times.
Uber and Lyft
Both Uber and Lyft operate in New Orleans, offering a variety of vehicle options and prices to match your preferences. To use either service, download their respective apps, sign up for an account and request a ride to the Smoothie King Center. Be sure to enter the correct destination address: 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans, LA 70113.
Estimated Costs
The prices for Uber and Lyft rides vary depending on factors such as the time of day, demand, and distance from your pick-up location. Here are some rough estimates for a one-way trip to the Smoothie King Center from popular areas in New Orleans:
- French Quarter: $8 – $15
- Garden District: $10 – $18
- Marigny/Bywater: $9 – $16
- Mid-City: $12 – $20
Keep in mind that these estimates are subject to change. To get an accurate cost for your specific trip, enter your pick-up and drop-off locations in the Uber or Lyft app.
Wait Times
Wait times for rideshares depend on the availability of drivers in your area. Typically, the wait times in most parts of New Orleans range from 5 to 15 minutes. However, during peak hours or special events at the Smoothie King Center, wait times may be longer due to increased demand. Plan your trip accordingly, and consider arriving early to avoid any potential delays.
Driving and Parking Guide
Finding Parking
When driving to the Smoothie King Center, located at 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans, LA 70113, your favorite GPS or map-making software will help guide you there. Don’t worry about parking once you arrive, as there are plenty of options available. The ASM Global-managed complex has a total of seven (7) parking garages and two (2) surface lots, which together can accommodate approximately 7,000 vehicles.
Parking Fees and Restrictions
While parking fees may vary depending on the event, using a parking locator app or website can help you find the best parking options and prices. Accessible parking is available for those with disabilities, but be sure to arrive early as these spaces can fill up quickly.
Take note of any event-specific restrictions or tailgating policies at the various lots and garages. To avoid any issues, it’s always wise to familiarize yourself with the parking regulations for the specific event you are attending at the Smoothie King Center.
Remember to factor in enough time to park and walk to the venue to ensure that you don’t miss any of the excitement. With this information in hand, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth parking experience at the Smoothie King Center.
Accessibility Information
Wheelchair Access
The Smoothie King Center is committed to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests, including those using wheelchairs. Wheelchair access is available throughout the facility, so guests can effortlessly navigate the venue. If you require assistance with your wheelchair or need to accommodate other accessibility needs, you can contact the ADA Facilitator at 504-587-3826 or by emailing them.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at the Smoothie King Center. The venue recognizes the important role these animals play in providing assistance to guests with disabilities. To ensure the safety of all guests, please ensure your service animal is under control and on a leash at all times while at the event. If you have any questions or concerns regarding service animals at the Smoothie King Center, it is recommended to contact the venue ahead of time.
Nearby Attractions and Dining
Restaurants and Bars
New Orleans is known for its vibrant culinary scene, and the area around the Smoothie King Center offers an array of restaurants and bars perfect for a pre- or post-game meal. Some notable options include:
- 317 Baronne St: An American restaurant offering Cajun & Creole cuisine, as well as a cozy bar and pub atmosphere. Located just 0.5 miles away from the Smoothie King Center, it’s an easy walk and a great spot to grab a bite.
- Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant: Ranked as one of the top restaurants in New Orleans, Pluck is located 0.6 miles from the Smoothie King Center and offers a varied menu along with an extensive wine list in a relaxing atmosphere.
These are just a few examples, but there’s no shortage of dining options to suit any taste or budget in the vicinity of the Smoothie King Center.
Tourist Sites
In terms of nearby tourist sites, the Smoothie King Center is conveniently located close to several attractions which visitors may find interesting:
- Caesars Superdome: Just 5 minutes away, this iconic sports and entertainment venue hosts several high-profile events throughout the year, including Essence Festival, concerts, and major sporting events.
- Selina Catahoula New Orleans: Situated in a beautifully renovated Creole townhouse, Selina Catahoula offers a uniquely authentic New Orleans experience for guests who want to immerse themselves in the city’s culture and history. It’s also walking distance from the Smoothie King Center.
Whether you’re in town for a game or just exploring the city, consider checking out one or more of these attractions to make the most of your New Orleans experience.
