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Smoothie King Center Guide

NBA · New Orleans

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Last updated: 3/4/2026

Smoothie King Center sits adjacent to the Caesars Superdome in downtown New Orleans, sharing the same CBD location that puts Pelicans games within walking distance of the French Quarter and Warehouse District. The RTA Canal Street Line streetcar stops at Poydras Street nearby, and Copper Vine has become the pre-game wine bar for fans who want something beyond Bourbon Street. Stay in the CBD or Warehouse District and you can walk from dinner to the arena to a jazz club without ever calling a rideshare.

At a glance

Bag policy
Clear bag policy
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 90 min before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
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.
Family friendly
The Smoothie King Center offers Mamava Pods for Nursing Mothers and provides sensory bags and KultureCity Quiet Rooms for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Home team:New Orleans Pelicans

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Smoothie King Center on the calendar. See New Orleans home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Smoothie King Center

The Central Business District (CBD) and Warehouse District are ideal neighborhoods for hotels due to their proximity and walkability to the arena. The French Quarter is also nearby and offers many hotels and restaurants.

Central Business District (CBD) / Warehouse District

This bustling district is ideal for sports enthusiasts, offering direct proximity to the city's major sports venues. It's a hub for modern amenities, high-end dining, art galleries, and museums, providing a vibrant experience outside of game times.

The CBD has an excellent transit score and is well-served by RTA buses and several streetcar lines, including the St. Charles, Canal Street, and Riverfront lines. The 202 Airport Express bus also serves Poydras Street in this area.

French Quarter

As the historic heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter offers an iconic and lively atmosphere with abundant restaurants, bars, nightlife, and cultural attractions. It's close enough to the major sports venues for easy access while immersing visitors in the city's unique charm.

The French Quarter boasts a good transit score and is served by RTA buses, as well as the Canal Street, Riverfront, and Rampart/St. Claude Streetcar lines. Pedicabs are also a popular option for short distances.

Garden District / Uptown

For those seeking a more tranquil and picturesque experience, the Garden District and Uptown offer historic mansions, oak-lined streets, and a residential feel. It provides a peaceful retreat while still being connected to the city's attractions.

The St. Charles Streetcar line runs through this area, offering a charming and scenic way to reach the CBD and French Quarter. RTA buses also serve the neighborhood.

Marigny / Bywater

These trendy and artistic neighborhoods offer a more local and bohemian vibe, known for their live music venues (especially around Frenchmen Street), jazz clubs, and colorful Creole cottages. It’s a great choice for those seeking a vibrant cultural experience with a slightly quieter atmosphere than the French Quarter.

The Marigny and Bywater are served by RTA buses. The Rampart/St. Claude Streetcar line runs nearby and connects to Canal Street, providing access to other areas of the city.

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Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

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.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: 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.

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.

After the event

Options for post-game late-night activities near the Smoothie King Center include Pluck Wine Bar (open until midnight on weekends), The Rooftop at The Barnett, Vintage Rock Club (steps away from the arena), Ingénue (rooftop bar), Double Dealer (speakeasy), and The Rabbit Hole (live music).

Works well with these New Orleans venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: The Smoothie King Center is located in the Central Business District (CBD) of New Orleans, adjacent to the Caesars Superdome.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is not permitted on Smoothie King Center property or parking facilities.
  • 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.
  • Pregame institution: Copper Vine (1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
    1009 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA · Central Business District

    Delivers Cajun classics and a true sports-bar atmosphere just steps away from the Dome. Co-owned by Saints quarterback Drew Brees, it was named ESPN's #1 Sports Bar in America in 2012, offering a spacious setting with many TVs.

    What to order: Cajun classics, bar favorites, signature wings, and the Praline Espresso Martini.

  • Manning's Sports Bar & Grill
    228 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA (inside Harrah's New Orleans) · Warehouse District

    Offers an expansive space to watch a game with recliners in front of big screens. Named in honor of the Manning football family, it features memorabilia from Archie, Peyton, and Eli, along with 30 TVs and two 13-foot mega screens.

    What to order: Signature wings and pub favorites from a menu with 24 beers on tap.

  • The Rusty Nail
    1100 Constance St., New Orleans, LA · Central Business District

    A CBD dive bar that, along with its sister restaurant Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar, offers a laid-back yet festive atmosphere for game day, especially for Saints and big SEC matchups. It features a high-energy indoor scene and a shared patio.

    What to order: Bar bites, and look for food and drink specials, especially for Monday night games.