Smoothie King Center

Lore & Background

When the arena opened in nineteen ninety-nine, it did not immediately bring professional basketball back to a city that had been without an NBA team for decades—the New Orleans Jazz played from 1974 to 1979, and the Hornets relocated in 2002, three years after the arena opened. The Hornets era established the venue as a gathering place for fans eager to reclaim their identity in the league. Throughout its history, the building has hosted pivotal playoff games and regular-season matchups that defined eras of local sports pride.

The facility faced a significant challenge during Hurricane Katrina in two thousand five. While it was used as a staging area and shelter, it remained structurally sound and did not sustain damage. This period cemented the venue's status as a symbol of recovery and community endurance. The transition from Hornets to Pelicans saw no change in location, maintaining continuity for supporters who had followed the franchise through its relocation years.

Culturally, the arena integrates deeply with New Orleans traditions. Pre-game entertainment often features local jazz musicians, ensuring that every game feels like a celebration of the city's musical heritage. The atmosphere inside is distinct from other NBA arenas, characterized by a relaxed yet passionate energy unique to the Crescent City.

In Their Own Story

The lights dimmed over the hardwood as the brass band struck up a familiar jazz riff. A hush fell across the arena, broken only by the squeak of sneakers on the court. In the stands, beads clinked softly against glass cups filled with sweet tea. This wasn't just another game; it was a homecoming after years of uncertainty. The crowd stood as one, ready to roar for every basket.

Reader's Guide

Game nights at Smoothie King Center transform into a celebration of New Orleans culture long before tip-off begins. The air hums with jazz from local brass bands that warm up the crowd, setting a rhythm unique to this arena. Fans arrive early to soak in the pre-game festivities, often trading Mardi Gras beads and sharing stories of past playoff runs.

Inside, the atmosphere is electric yet intimate compared to larger arenas. When the team takes the court, the roar reflects decades of loyalty through relocation rumors and natural disasters. The crowd sings along during national anthems and chants support for players who have embraced the city's spirit. This isn't just a sports venue; it is a community hub where basketball intertwines with local heritage.

Visitors should expect sensory overload—clapping, cheering, and the distinct sound of trumpets echoing off the rafters. Whether celebrating a three-pointer or enduring a tough loss, the resilience shown here mirrors the city itself. It remains a testament to how deeply the team is woven into the fabric of life in New Orleans.

Did You Know?

• The arena was originally known as New Orleans Arena before its two thousand fourteen rebranding.
• Basketball capacity is approximately sixteen thousand eight hundred sixty-seven seats for NBA games.
• The facility was used as a staging area and shelter during Hurricane Katrina in two thousand five and remained structurally sound.
• Local jazz bands frequently perform pre-game to honor the city's musical history.

Origins and Architectural Design

Constructed at a cost of $114 million, this multi-purpose indoor facility officially opened its doors on October 19, 1999. Originally known as the New Orleans Arena, it was strategically situated in the Central Business District right next to the Caesars Superdome. The structure boasts impressive vertical dimensions, with a ceiling reaching 65 feet to the beam and 70 feet to the roof's apex. Its flexible design allows for significant seating variations depending on the event type; it accommodates 18,500 fans for college basketball or NBA playoff games, while standard Pelicans regular-season contests seat 16,867. Concert configurations offer even more versatility, ranging from intimate half-stage setups holding 7,500 to massive center-stage productions capable of seating up to 17,805 attendees. Beyond sports and music, the venue includes 17,000 square feet dedicated to trade shows and conventions, complemented by premium amenities such as 2,800 club seats and 56 luxury suites, establishing it as a premier entertainment destination in Louisiana.

The Katrina Recovery and Resilience

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, this arena played a critical role in New Orleans' recovery efforts. While the adjacent Superdome suffered severe structural damage with leaking ceilings and poor lighting, making it unsuitable for sensitive operations, this facility fared significantly better due to rigorous wind engineering testing conducted by CPP in 1996. Consequently, medical operations previously housed in the compromised Superdome were swiftly relocated here, allowing personnel to work in a secure environment. This resilience enabled the arena to reopen just one month after the storm, serving as a beacon of stability for the city. The New Orleans Hornets returned to the court on March 8, 2006, playing their first home game since the disaster against the Los Angeles Lakers in front of a sellout crowd of 17,744 fans. This event marked a pivotal moment in the community's healing process, demonstrating how the venue served not only as a sports hub but as a vital infrastructure asset during a national crisis.

Technological Upgrades and Renaming

The facility has undergone several significant transformations to modernize its capabilities and enhance the fan experience. In 2006, a massive Daktronics LED centerhung video and scoring system was installed, featuring two ring displays, eight video screens, and scoreboards that integrated with existing ribbon display technology. Further improvements in summer 2008 included new 'see-through' shot clocks replacing older box units. A major renovation wave occurred in 2013, focusing on the gameday atmosphere by expanding club levels, creating new Loge Boxes, adding a Party Perch, and upgrading concession stands and LED boards. In February 2014, a landmark shift occurred when a ten-year naming rights agreement was announced with Smoothie King, officially rebranding the venue prior to the NBA All-Star Game that year. Exterior renovations in late 2014 saw the building's color changed from bluish-green to light gray and the addition of a new outer LED lighting system similar to the Superdome's, though plans for an overhang were ultimately cancelled.

Championships and Historic Events

Since its inception, the arena has hosted a diverse array of high-profile sporting events that have cemented its legacy in American sports. It served as the home ground for the New Orleans Pelicans (formerly Hornets) since 2002, where the franchise compiled an impressive winning record through the 2018–19 season. The venue is renowned for hosting three NBA All-Star Games in 2008, 2014, and notably in 2017 after the event was relocated from Charlotte due to legislative disputes. College basketball fans have witnessed major tournaments here, including multiple NCAA Men's Regionals, the SEC men's tournament, and two Women's Final Fours. The arena also held significant Arena Football League events, hosting three ArenaBowl championships between 2007 and 2012. Beyond team sports, it has been a stage for major combat sports like UFC Fight Nights and historic boxing matches, as well as unique attractions such as Professional Bull Riders events and Bassmaster Classic weigh-ins.