The Smoothie King Center is the home arena of the NBA New Orleans Pelicans, hosting all of their matches. Besides being the Pelicans’ home, the arena also hosts various other types of entertainment events, including concerts.
If you are going to New Orleans and are planning to attend a game or a concert in the arena, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the area first. The Smoothie King Center has a pretty interesting history, so let’s dive in and see what all there is to discover.
- Smoothie King Center: Key Facts
- Where Is Smoothie King Center Located?
- The Best Way to Get to the Smoothie King Center
- Parking Near Smoothie King Center
- The Best Restaurants Near Smoothie King Center
- The Best Bars Near Smoothie King Center
- The Best Hotels Near Smoothie King Center
- The History of Smoothie King Center
- Where to Get Tickets for Smoothie King Center
- Does Smoothie King Center Offer Tours?
- Conclusion
Smoothie King Center: Key Facts
| Address | 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans, LA 70113, United States |
| Capacity | 17,791 |
| Team | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Working hours | Monday-Friday: 7 AM – 9 PM Saturday: 9 AM – 9 PM Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM |
| Contact information | Arena: +1 504-587-3663 Box office: +1 504-587-3822 Centerplate: Caterer & concessionaire+1 504-558-6260 ADA (disability) inquiries: seating, parking, accommodations, etc. [email protected] Superdome Parking office: +1 504-587-3805 Champions Garage Parking office: +1 504-587-3971 |
| Website | http://www.smoothiekingcenter.com |
Where Is Smoothie King Center Located?
The Smoothie King Center is the top entertainment venue in the area and is home to the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association. The arena is a first-class venue that offers its visitors a variety of entertainment events, such as concerts, sports matches, and private receptions.
It’s situated next to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in the Central Business District in the city of New Orleans. The NBA New Orleans Pelicans have called the arena home since 1999, the year when it debuted.
The arena is close to the Caesars Superdome, so they have some shared infrastructure, including staff, parking, equipment, and production services.
The Best Way to Get to the Smoothie King Center
One of the best ways to get there is by taking a taxi, especially if your accommodation is close enough. However, if you want to use the New Orleans public transportation, the bus stations near the arena are Loyola + Tulane (a two-minute walk), Loyola + Perdido (a five-minute walk), and Poydras + Lasalle (a nine-minute walk).
The transit lines with routes that pass near Smoothie King Center are 114A, 3, 53, 57, E1, E2, W2, and W3. You can get to the arena by bus in the following ways:
- From Ace Bushhogging – Take the W3 bus line.
- Form LJ Consulting – Get on the W4 line from Lafitte – Larosse to the Walkertown terminal, walk to Wilty Terminal, and get on the W2 line for the arena.
- From Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans – Get on the E1 bus line and ride to the Poydras + Lasalle bus station.
- From Ochsner’s Merrill Hines Surgery Center, Jefferson – Via the 3 bus line.
- From Sha’ Jollies Banquet Hall, New Orleans – Get on the 62 bus line to Elk Place + Canal and wait for the 53 or 57 bus line to the arena.
- From UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans – Take the 57 bus line.
- From Old River Road Plantation Tour, New Orleans – Get on the E1 bus line and ride to the Poydras + Lasalle bus station.
Parking Near Smoothie King Center
The ASM Global-managed complex comprises two surface lots and seven underground parking garages holding 7,000 vehicles.
The open parking lots have the numbers 1, #1A, 2, #2, 5, 6, and Champions Garage. Lot 3 and Lot 4 are the names of the surface lots. The Smoothie King Center and the Superdome are close by the parking garages.
- Champions Square Garage – parking garage in Girod St. in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
- Energy Centre Annex Garage – parking garage on 600 Loyola Ave in the Energy Centre.
- 1615 Poydras St. Garage – parking garage on 1614 Perdido St.
- City Hall Garage – parking lot on 1461-1467 Poydras St.
- 1301 Girod Street Parking Garage – parking garage on 1301 Girod St.
- Print Exchange Centre Garage Parking – parking garage on 201 O’Keefe Ave
- Poydras Center Parking Garage – parking garage on 511 Camp St.
- 837 O Keefe Ave Parking – parking lot on 837 O Keefe Ave.
- 701 Loyola Ave Parking – parking lot on 701 Loyola Ave.
- Premium Parking – P377 – parking lot on 782 Loyola Ave.
The Best Restaurants Near Smoothie King Center
Johnny Sánchez
The sophisticated and stylish Johnny Sánchez restaurant captures the warmth of traditional Mexican cuisine and the joy and warm friendliness that characterizes New Orleans. It unites traditional Mexican cuisine with a cutting-edge, contemporary dining style that uses the finest ingredients.
The menu is full of locally sourced ingredients and serves genuine Mexican flavors. The fried Brussels sprouts “salad,” a seasonal specialty at Johnny Sánchez, is a revelatory warm vegetable dish with bits of roasted squash, pomegranate, and queso.
Many delicious items are on the menu, like grilled sweetbread tacos with chorizo, lamb enchiladas, and yellowfin tostadas. Besides serving the perfect Johnny Sanchez signature margarita and a wide selection of sipping tequilas, some delectable wines are available by the glass, although they can be a bit pricey.
Additional information
| Location | 930 Poydras St Suite 101, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States |
| Phone number | +1 504-304-6615 |
| Working hours | Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM Friday: 11 AM -10 PM Saturday: 4 PM – 10 PM Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM Happy Hour Monday to Friday: 3 PM – 6 PM |
| Price range | $$ |
| Website | http://www.johnnysancheznola.com |
Willa Jean
In the Central Business District of downtown New Orleans, Chef Kelly Fields opened the modern bakery, Willa Jean. The iconic Southern cuisine we all know and love is given a modern and elegant touch at this Southern bakery restaurant.
It’s the ideal location for a casual lunch with friends and family, a cup of coffee, and a breakfast pastry to go. The menu at Willa Jean is seasonal, depending on the time of year you visit the restaurant, there will be different items offered on the menu.
On the menu, you will currently find tasty cornbread with whipped butter, Poirier’s cane syrup, and griddled pumpkin bread with whipped cranberry spread. You can also try their biscuits with fried chicken and Tabasco honey or with bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, and pimento cheese.
Additional information
| Location | 611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113, United States |
| Phone number | +1 504-509-7334 |
| Working hours | Monday to Sunday: 7 AM – 3 PM |
| Price range | $$ |
| Website | https://willajean.com |
Maïs Arepas
David Mantilla is the founder of the Maïs Arepas restaurant. Although it has a more fashionable appearance than many informal Latin American restaurants, this new establishment.
The restaurant specializes in traditional Colombian food, making arepas. Arepas are big, round maize cakes that are eaten hot off the griddle and sandwich-style throughout Latin America. With ingredient combinations like chorizo with puréed avocado and mozzarella or pulled pork with caramelized onions, Maïs Arepas provides overstuffed arepas, all served alongside fried plantains.
This welcoming, inviting restaurant draws inspiration from vibrant Columbian culture. In addition to arepas, Maïs Arepas offers a variety of delicious South American beverages, including blood orange and dragon fruit Cosmos.
Additional information
| Location | 1200 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States |
| Phone number | +1 504-523-6247 |
| Working hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10 PM Sunday: 5 PM – 9 PM |
| Price range | $$ |
| Website | http://www.facebook.com/maisarepas |
The Best Bars Near Smoothie King Center
Vintage Rock Club
Vintage Rock Club was founded in 2018 and is situated on Poydras Street, which serves as the primary thoroughfare for the Central Business District of New Orleans. Kyle Brechtel and his business partner Rick Farrell founded the club.
On the second floor of the Walk-Sports On’s Bistreaux, Vintage Rock Club is a haven for rock music fans. The bar has a dance floor, six VIP lounges with full table service, a 185-inch video wall, big-screen TVs playing classic rock songs, and a balcony with views of New Orleans’ Central Business District.
Additional information
| Location | 1007 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States |
| Phone number | +1 504-308-1305 |
| Website | https://www.vintagerockclub.com |
Bar Marilou
Bar Marilou is a Quixotic Projects creation and the first establishment of its sort in the country. The upscale and lively setting of the Warehouse District bar features a variety of craft cocktails and unique small plates.
This unique cocktail bar in the Warehouse District is tucked away adjacent to the Maison de la Luz hotel. Regardless, it stands out for its extravagant decor, including tiger-skin-patterned bar chairs and carpets, red lacquered walls with built-in bookcases, and a tangerine ceiling.
The bar menu includes everything from caviar to deviled eggs, and hotel guests have access to a semi-private room where they can enjoy excellent cocktails.
Additional information
| Location | 544 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States |
| Phone number | +1 504-814-7711 |
| Website | https://www.barmarilou.com |
Copper Vine
Copper Vine is a wine gastropub that aims to remove the elitism associated with wine and make it available to everyone. Copper Vine is on a mission to become the gathering place for downtown New Orleans with a delectable menu that offers great food daily.
Housed in a historic, Victorian building that was first built in 1894, Copper Vine provides a unique atmosphere to its visitors. This wine gastropub has 30 wines on tap, all of which are poured at the ideal temperature.
Copper Vine also has many signature and classic cocktails on its menu. The signature cocktails include Burden of Proof, Gentle Sage, Rosemary Spritz, and Connecting Flight. At the same time, the classics include Old Fashioned, Spiced Rum Punch, Smoked Paloma, etc.
Additional information
| Location | 1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States |
| Phone number | +1 504-208-9535 |
| Website | https://www.coppervine.com |
The Best Hotels Near Smoothie King Center
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
The New Orleans Hyatt Regency Hotel is located near the Smoothie King Center and the Caesars Superdome. The hotel provides its guests with comfortable rooms, a pool with cabanas and sun loungers, a grocery store, and three on-site restaurants.
Hyatt Regency has 1193 rooms on the property, all equipped with free Wi-Fi access, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow top mattresses, rollaway/extra beds, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.
The rooms also include a 42-inch HDTV with premium channels, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, housekeeping, and a dry cleaning service. Guests at the hotel can also take advantage of the 24-hour fitness center.
Additional information
| Location | 601 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113, United States |
| Phone number | +1 504-561-1234 |
| Star rating | 4-star hotel |
| Website | https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/louisiana/hyatt-regency-new-orleans |
Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is a charming property with air-conditioned rooms, a gym, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. This four-star hotel provides a 24-hour front desk and room service. The hotel has a nightclub and an ATM and is a 13-minute walk from the Smoothie King Center.
At this hotel, a wardrobe is provided in each room. Every room has a safety deposit box. Some rooms have balconies, and others have city views. The resort offers a full English or American breakfast à la carte every morning. A sun deck is available at Virgin Hotels New Orleans.
Union Station, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and Morial Convention Center are popular attractions close to the hotel. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the closest airport.
Additional information
| Location | 550 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70113, United States |
| Phone number | +1 504-603-8000 |
| Star rating | 4-star hotel |
| Website | https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans |
Holiday Inn New Orleans – Downtown Superdome, an IHG Hotel
The Louisiana Superdome is about four blocks away from this hotel in New Orleans. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, and a rooftop pool. There is free Wi-Fi available on the entire property, and Holiday Inn New Orleans is a 13-minute walk from the Smoothie King Center.
The Downtown New Orleans Holiday Inn’s 292 guest rooms come equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, a flat-screen TV, and a safety deposit box. The guests at the hotel also get access to concierge services, a bellhop, and express checkout.
The front desk at the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome is available 24 hours. Additionally, guests can access the business center’s internet, copy, and fax services. The Holiday Streetcar Restaurant serves regional food at the Holiday Inn Superdome for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel also has a lounge called Mardi Gras.
Additional information
| Location | 330 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States |
| Phone number | +1 504-581-1600 |
| Star rating | 3-star hotel |
| Website | https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/new-orleans |
The History of Smoothie King Center
The New Orleans Arena, now known as the Smoothie King Center debuted in 1999. The arena was renamed Smoothie King Center in 2014 after a 10-year naming rights agreement with Smoothie King.
The Louisiana Legislature approved the $114 million arena right next to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 1993. On November 30, 1995, the ground was broken next to the Superdome, and construction began. In 1999, the arena was opened under the name the New Orleans Arena.
The first event in the arena was a minor-league hockey game between the New Orleans Brass and the Baton Rouge Kingfish on October 29, 1999. A few days later, the arena held its debut concert with ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The arena played a crucial role in helping the city land an NBA team, the New Orleans Hornets, which were renamed the Pelicans in 2013. In 2002, the team made its arena debut. Since then, three NBA All-Star Games, NCAA and SEC men’s basketball tournaments, and two NCAA women’s Final Fours have taken place in the arena.
Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and many other musical artists have performed at the arena.
Where to Get Tickets for Smoothie King Center
You can get tickets for events at the Smoothie King Center in person at the center’s box office. The Smoothie King Center Box Office sells tickets on Fridays from 9 AM to 4 PM and on event days.
Tickets are also available for sale at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster Outlets, or you can order tickets by phone at +1 800-745-3000. The arena advises against buying tickets from unauthorized ticketing platforms, as the tickets are most likely fake and will not be accepted inside the arena.
In the case of a lost or damaged ticket, patrons can get a reissue on the night of the event if they provide proof of purchase with proper ID.
Does Smoothie King Center Offer Tours?
There are no tours available in the Smoothie King Center.
Conclusion
There you have it, all there is to know about New Orleans’ premier event arena, the Smoothie King Center. Whether you’re planning on visiting for a New Orleans Pelicans game or a concert, the aforementioned information is good to have. Visit some of the closest and best restaurants and bars to enjoy delicious Southern cuisine and high-quality drinks.
