Smoothie King Center Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for New Orleans.
Last updated: 3/4/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | The Smoothie King Center has a clear bag policy. Permitted items include clear vinyl bags no larger than 14" x 14" x 6", gallon-sized Ziploc bags (limit 1), and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". Backpacks, luggage, strollers (for NBA games), and other oversized bags are generally not permitted. |
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| Doors open | Door opening times vary by event and are at the discretion of Show Management. For New Orleans Pelicans games, doors typically open 90 minutes before tip-off. For concerts, it's best to check specific event details. |
| Cashless? | The Smoothie King Center is a cashless operation, accepting credit and debit card transactions only for concessions, merchandise, and parking. Cash can be converted to a MasterCard at Guest Services desks located at Sections 108 and 310. |
| Rideshare zone | Designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones are located on Poydras Street, north of the campus, within a 5-minute walking distance, and also on Lasalle Street. |
| Re-entry | The Smoothie King Center has a strict no re-entry policy. |
| Transit | Public transportation options to the Smoothie King Center include the RTA Canal Street Line streetcar, which stops at Poydras Street a short walk from the arena. Several RTA bus routes (e.g., 28, 91) also serve the downtown area with direct access. Greyhound and Amtrak connect to the New Orleans Union Transportation Terminal, which is nearby. |
Parking
Parking garages (e.g., #1, #1A, #2, #2A, #5, #6, Champions Garage) and surface lots (e.g., Lot 3, Lot 4) are available on campus. Parking is cashless. Accessible parking for Pelicans games is available in Lot 3. It is recommended to reserve parking in advance using apps like Premium Mobile Parking, BestParking, or ParkWhiz.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: Strollers are prohibited during NBA games but are allowed at all other events. Storage for strollers is located across Section 108.
- Family perks: The Smoothie King Center offers Mamava Pods for Nursing Mothers and provides sensory bags and KultureCity Quiet Rooms for guests with sensory sensitivities. Baby changing stations are available on multiple levels. Children two years of age and under generally do not require a ticket.
Culture layer
- Signature food: Concessions at Smoothie King Center feature both arena classics and New Orleans favorites. Notable local options include po'boys (shrimp and catfish), jambalaya, Cajun-inspired dishes, BBQ shrimp and cauliflower grits, Zatarain's chicken and rice bowls, red beans and rice, and smoothies from Smoothie King stands.
Verified places nearby
- Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux1009 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA · Central Business DistrictWhat to order: Cajun classics, bar favorites, signature wings, and the Praline Espresso Martini.
- Manning's Sports Bar & Grill228 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA (inside Harrah's New Orleans) · Warehouse DistrictWhat to order: Signature wings and pub favorites from a menu with 24 beers on tap.
- The Rusty Nail1100 Constance St., New Orleans, LA · Central Business DistrictWhat to order: Bar bites, and look for food and drink specials, especially for Monday night games.