Pro Basketball Indoor / dome Free to join

Smoothie King Center

New Orleans, LA · Pro Basketball

Founding membership for Pelicans fans. Free, verified, permanent.

Member cap: 16,867
Cost to join: Free
Verification: Email + Phone
Status: Open

— verified members.

Venue encyclopedia

Independent, no paid placements

What attending a pro basketball game at the New Orleans, LA venue is actually like: seating, arrival, weather, food, and the seats we'd point a friend toward (or away from).

Capacity: 16,867
Roof: Indoor / climate-controlled

What it feels like

Urban atmosphere with pre-game buzz from street food vendors and live music. Inside the bowl, the seating is more open than in traditional arenas, offering a mix of close-up views and wider sightlines, especially in the upper levels.

Seating tiers

Lower bowl

Rows General rows

Sightlines are excellent throughout the lower bowl with minimal obstructions. Ideal for front-row seats and close-up action.

Mid-level seating

Rows General rows

Offers a good balance between proximity to the court and sightline quality, making it a popular choice among fans.

Upper deck

Rows General rows

Steep seating with closer views than in most arenas. Good for tailgating and pre-game festivities from the upper concourses.

Sections we'd pick

Lower bowl the lower rows, offering a great view of the action and minimal crowd noise.
Mid-level sections between the lower rows and 40 for a mix of comfort and proximity.
Upper deck behind the goal for a closer view with less pressure.

Sections we'd skip

Lower bowl the lower rows, which can be crowded and noisy during games.
Upper deck sections near the corners, as they may have poorer sightlines due to obstructions from pillars or other seats.

Arrival

Primary route: Local highway and arterial network around the stadium.
Rideshare: Designated drop-off and pickup zones on the north side of the complex, close to the entrance.

Parking: No on-site lots . Prepay recommended.
Walk to gates: ~ minutes (median)
Notes: Lots typically open three hours before tip-off. Cashless parking is mandatory. Premium close-in lots sell out quickly, especially on weekends.

Weather and timing

Best months to attend

Nov, Feb

Toughest months

Jan

Roof

Indoor

The climate is humid throughout the year. In January, expect cool temperatures and occasional drizzle. Dress in layers with a waterproof jacket for the possibility of rain.

Food inside

Standard concourse fare with a focus on local flavors like crawfish étouffée and jambalaya. The upper-level snack bars offer more variety.

Food and pre-game outside

The surrounding area has numerous restaurants, bars, and food trucks offering New Orleans classics before or after the game.

Accessibility

ADA platforms in every level with designated parking for disabled patrons. Companion seats available across the bowl. Sensory-quiet rooms are available on request.

Worth knowing before you go

Cashless concessions and parking throughout. Bring a card or load a mobile wallet.
Bag policy: clear bag, 12 by 6 by 12 inches maximum. Full search at the gate.
Re-entry is not permitted once you leave the venue. Plan accordingly for pre-game activities.
Restrooms are located on all levels and are generally well-stocked with supplies.

What Pelicans fans get

A permanent member number that reflects when you joined. The lower the number, the higher your standing — forever.
Priority access to seat opportunities at Smoothie King Center. Seniority determines order. No luck involved.
First look at every new perk, partner offer, and member event — founding members always hear before anyone else.
Founding Member status. This tier closes when the roster fills at 16,867. It doesn't reopen.

Pelicans fans: your spot is waiting.

Free founding membership. Verified by email and phone. Your member number is permanent — the earlier you join, the higher your standing. One Pro Basketball membership per fan.

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