Game Weekend
The Smoothie King Center’s metal-panel exterior in New Orleans, with the arena’s sign and a New Orleans Pelicans logo across the upper windows above the team store entrance

New Orleans Pelicans

Smoothie King Center

New Orleans, Louisiana

A Pelicans night at the Smoothie King Center, beside the Superdome.

Plan my tripJust find a hotel

The local take

Po-boys and oysters, a revolving hotel bar, streetcars on Loyola and St. Charles, and an arena that shares a sports complex with the Superdome.

Most Pelicans home games tip off at 7 p.m. Central, many of them on weeknights. Most weekend games start at 6 p.m., and a couple start earlier, at 1 or 5 p.m., so check your game’s time. The arena’s A–Z guide leaves door opening to each event’s management, and its team store entry puts Pelicans game-day door time one hour before tip-off; check your game’s event page. For a weekend trip, the French Quarter, the WWII Museum and the St. Charles streetcar fill the day before.

Smoothie King Center

Your New Orleans weekend

Pick your game, then your hotel, food and things to do, or let a quick start choose them with you.

Which game are you going to?

New Orleans Pelicans

Exploring the weekend before choosing a game. Dates stay open.

Find your places.

Find your stay, your local pub, and everything around the game.

Each one picks a hotel and food that work together. Change anything below.

My weekend

8 hotels

New Orleans places

HotelSuggested

Central Business District and Warehouse District · 0.57 mi from the arena

A 1907 hotel on Poydras Street, about 0.6 miles from the arena in a straight line, that says it’s within walking distance of the Caesars Superdome, which shares the arena’s sports complex.

The hotel is about 0.6 miles from the arena in a straight line, so there’s no car, streetcar or parking to plan on a game night. Mother’s is open until 10 p.m. every day for a po-boy before a 7 p.m. tip-off.

  • Fees not published here
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Details

Keep in mind: The hotel’s site publishes no parking rates, so ask before you bring a car.

On game day: CBD stay: walk along Poydras Street toward Loyola Avenue and follow the signs marked “To the Stadium & Arena.” The arena’s rideshare zone is on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue, though it may move for some events.

833 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

0.57 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Le Pavillon HotelOfficial details for Le Pavillon Hotel
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Hotel

Central Business District and Warehouse District · 0.57 mi from the arena

A boutique hotel in an 1845 Creole townhouse on a quiet CBD side street, about 0.6 miles from the arena in a straight line, that says it’s a short walk to the French Quarter, the Superdome and the streetcar lines.

  • No hotel parking; nearby garage $20 a day
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Details

Keep in mind: The hotel has no parking of its own; it points guests to a garage a block away. Pets under 75 pounds carry a $75 nightly nonrefundable fee.

On game day: CBD stay: walk along Poydras Street toward Loyola Avenue and follow the signs marked “To the Stadium & Arena.” The arena’s rideshare zone is on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue, though it may move for some events.

914 Union Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

0.57 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Catahoula HotelOfficial details for Catahoula Hotel
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Hotel

Central Business District and Warehouse District · 0.58 mi from the arena

A CBD hotel on Poydras Street that lists the Smoothie King Center seven blocks away, with free hot breakfast and a free 5:30 Kickback of hot food and cold drinks every evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

  • Covered self-parking $35 a night
  • Free hot breakfast
  • 15 miles from MSY
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Details

Keep in mind: Self-parking is $35 plus tax a night, and the hotel says the rate can rise for special events. The Kickback ends at 7 p.m., the usual tip-off time.

On game day: CBD stay: walk along Poydras Street toward Loyola Avenue and follow the signs marked “To the Stadium & Arena.” The arena’s rideshare zone is on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue, though it may move for some events.

820 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

0.58 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Drury Plaza Hotel New OrleansOfficial details for Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans
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Hotel

French Quarter · 0.93 mi from the arena

A French Quarter hotel on Royal Street since 1886, with the revolving Carousel Bar and a heated rooftop pool for hotel guests, open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. The arena is about 0.9 miles away in a straight line.

  • Valet $50 a night
  • No resort fee
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Details

Keep in mind: Check-in isn’t until 4 p.m., and valet parking is $50 plus tax a night.

On game day: French Quarter stay: ride the Rampart–Loyola streetcar down Loyola Avenue to the Poydras Street stop, or walk across Canal Street and along Loyola Avenue.

214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

0.93 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Hotel MonteleoneOfficial details for Hotel Monteleone
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Hotel

French Quarter · 0.97 mi from the arena

A Bourbon Street hotel in the middle of the Quarter, about a mile from the arena in a straight line.

  • $25 daily destination fee
  • Overnight parking $55 a night
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Details

Keep in mind: Rooms carry a $25 daily destination fee, and overnight guest parking is $55 plus tax a night. Bourbon Street closes to cars at dusk, so drive in by the garage entrances on Conti or Bienville Street.

On game day: French Quarter stay: ride the Rampart–Loyola streetcar down Loyola Avenue to the Poydras Street stop, or walk across Canal Street and along Loyola Avenue.

300 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

0.97 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The Royal Sonesta New OrleansOfficial details for The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
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Hotel

Garden District and Uptown · 0.97 mi from the arena

A Garden District hotel on the St. Charles streetcar line, about a mile from the arena in a straight line, with Jack Rose restaurant and the Hot Tin rooftop bar.

  • Valet only, $55 a night
  • Daily destination amenity fee
  • Breakfast at Silver Whistle Cafe
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Details

Keep in mind: Parking is valet only, at $55 plus tax a night, and a daily destination amenity fee applies; the amount isn’t published.

On game day: Garden District stay: ride the St. Charles streetcar toward Canal Street, get off near Poydras Street and walk toward Loyola Avenue, or book a rideshare to the zone on Poydras Street.

2031 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

0.97 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The Pontchartrain HotelOfficial details for The Pontchartrain Hotel
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Hotel

Garden District and Uptown · 1.8 mi from the arena

A 14-room Uptown hotel on St. Charles Avenue with free on-street parking, across the street from the Milan and St. Charles streetcar stop.

  • Free on-street parking
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Details

Keep in mind: The arena is about 1.8 miles away in a straight line. The FAQ lists on-street parking and no valet, and breakfast is for hotel guests only.

On game day: Garden District stay: ride the St. Charles streetcar toward Canal Street, get off near Poydras Street and walk toward Loyola Avenue, or book a rideshare to the zone on Poydras Street.

4125 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115

1.8 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The ChloeOfficial details for The Chloe
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Hotel

Airport area (Kenner) · 10.9 mi from the arena

A Days Inn on Airline Drive with free breakfast, free parking and a free 24/7 airport shuttle. The hotel puts the airport about four miles away.

  • Free breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Free 24/7 airport shuttle
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Details

Keep in mind: The arena is about 11 miles east in a straight line, and the shuttle serves the airport only, not the arena.

On game day: Airport stay: drive to one of the complex’s public garages or surface lots, or book a rideshare to the zone on Poydras Street. The arena’s directions page doesn’t publish parking prices.

1021B Airline Drive, Kenner, LA 70062

10.9 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Days Inn by Wyndham Kenner/New Orleans Airport SouthOfficial details for Days Inn by Wyndham Kenner/New Orleans Airport South
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Your weekend

2 adults, 1 room
Stay
Not chosen
Food
None chosen
Do

Choose a hotel first

Travel & full itinerary

The full plan, stop by stop

2 adults · 1 room

Choose a hotel to plan travel.

Your home base

No hotel chosen yet

Your hotel sets the area, both arena journeys and the travel between your stops.

Nothing is in your plan until you choose it. A quick start above the list can choose one for you.

Make time for a good meal

Food for the weekend

Compare and choose food

No food picks yet. Add places in the comparison above when you’re ready.

Check opening hours for your dates and reserve directly where needed.

The reason for the trip

Smoothie King Center

Pick your game when you’re ready.

Nights open · 2 adults, 1 room

A different hotel?

Your arena travel updates to match. Any food you picked yourself stays.

Get to know the areas

Central Business District and Warehouse DistrictWalking to the game

Stay on Poydras Street or a quiet CBD side street, about half a mile from the arena in a straight line, and walk to the game.

Office towers, warehouse lofts and hotel bars

To the arena
Walk along Poydras Street toward Loyola Avenue and follow the signs marked “To the Stadium & Arena.” Entry location varies by event, so check your game’s event page for the entrance.
After the game
Walk back the same way. The arena has a no re-entry policy, so once you leave, you’re out.
The tradeoff
Hotel parking is limited: Catahoula has none of its own, Le Pavillon publishes no rates, and Drury Plaza charges $35 plus tax a night.

Hotels in this area

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French QuarterA first visit and nightlife both nights

Stay among the balconies of Royal and Bourbon Streets, and ride the Rampart–Loyola streetcar or walk about a mile to the arena.

Balconies, brass bands and late-night bars

To the arena
Board the 46 Rampart–Loyola streetcar on Rampart Street and get off at the Poydras Street stop on Loyola Avenue, under half a mile from the arena, or walk out of the Quarter across Canal Street and along Loyola Avenue.
After the game
Ride the streetcar back toward Canal Street and Rampart, or walk back along Loyola Avenue and across Canal Street.
The tradeoff
Bourbon Street closes to cars nightly at dusk, and overnight parking at the hotels listed here is $50–$55 plus tax a night. The Royal Sonesta adds a daily destination fee.

Hotels in this area

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Garden District and UptownA quieter base with a streetcar ride

Stay on St. Charles Avenue among the oaks and old mansions, and ride the St. Charles streetcar downtown.

Oak-lined avenues, mansions and neighborhood restaurants

To the arena
Board the St. Charles streetcar toward Canal Street, get off near Poydras Street and walk toward Loyola Avenue and the arena.
After the game
Walk back to the streetcar and ride out toward Uptown, or book a rideshare from the zone on Poydras Street.
The tradeoff
The hotels here are about 1 to 1.8 miles from the arena in a straight line, and the St. Charles streetcar leaves you in the CBD with a walk of several blocks to the arena.

Hotels in this area

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Airport area (Kenner)Short trips and early flights

Sleep near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and keep an early flight simple.

Airport hotels and highway strips

To the arena
Drive downtown to one of the complex’s seven public garages or two surface lots (not every one opens for every event), or book a rideshare to Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue.
After the game
Walk back to your garage or lot, or to the rideshare zone on Poydras Street.
The tradeoff
The arena is about 11 miles east in a straight line, and no arena shuttle is published.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.

Upcoming games at Smoothie King Center

Visiting with the away team? Each game has its own page.

To the game and back

Choose a route from the area you’re staying in.

Walk from the CBDCentral Business District and Warehouse Districtwalk
Getting there
Walk along Poydras Street toward Loyola Avenue and follow the signs marked “To the Stadium & Arena” to the arena at 1501 Dave Dixon Drive. The CBD hotels listed here are about 0.6 miles away in a straight line; Drury Plaza lists the arena seven blocks away.
Getting back
Walk back the same way with the crowd, or head to the rideshare zone on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue.

The arena has a no re-entry policy. Door times and entry locations are set for each event, so check your game’s event page. The arena and the Superdome are separate buildings; use the arena’s entrance, not a Superdome gate.

Route information
Rampart–Loyola streetcar (46)French Quartertransit
Getting there
Board the 46 Rampart–Loyola streetcar on Rampart Street at the edge of the Quarter. It runs down Loyola Avenue to the Poydras Street stop, under half a mile from the arena in a straight line. A single ride is $1.25; a 1-Day Jazzy Pass is $3.
Getting back
Board the streetcar back toward Canal Street and Rampart from Loyola Avenue.

RTA’s Fall 2026 timetable shows a car about every 30 minutes, with the last one around midnight, and no extra game-night service is published. After the game, walking may be faster than waiting.

Route information
Walk from the French QuarterFrench Quarterwalk
Getting there
Walk out of the Quarter across Canal Street and along Loyola Avenue to Poydras Street, then follow the signs marked “To the Stadium & Arena.” Hotel Monteleone and the Royal Sonesta are about a mile from the arena in a straight line.
Getting back
Walk back along Loyola Avenue and across Canal Street into the Quarter.

No official walking route or time is published for this walk, so allow extra time.

Route information
St. Charles streetcar (12)Garden District and Uptowntransit
Getting there
Board the 12 St. Charles streetcar toward Canal Street. Get off in the CBD near Poydras Street and walk toward Loyola Avenue and the arena. A single ride is $1.25; a 1-Day Jazzy Pass is $3.
Getting back
Walk back to the streetcar and ride out toward Uptown.

RTA’s Fall 2026 timetable runs the St. Charles line every day, most often from late morning into the afternoon, and no extra game-night service is published. From St. Charles Avenue it’s a walk of several blocks to the arena.

Route information
Rideshare to Poydras StreetGarden District and Uptownrideshare
Getting there
Set your drop-off at the arena’s rideshare zone on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue.
Getting back
Walk back to the same zone on Poydras Street and request your ride there.

The arena says the zone may move for some events and posts any change on the event page. Post-game prices and waits depend on the app.

Route information
Drive from Kenner to a complex garageAirport area (Kenner)drive
Getting there
Drive downtown to one of the complex’s seven public garages (1, 1A, 2, 2A, 5, 6 and Champions Garage) or two surface lots (3 and 4), with room for about 7,000 vehicles.
Getting back
Walk back to your garage or lot and drive out.

The garages take credit or debit cards only, not every facility opens for every event, and overnight parking isn’t allowed. The arena’s pages publish no event parking prices. For Pelicans games, accessible parking is in Lot 3, first come, first served.

Route information
Rideshare from KennerAirport area (Kenner)rideshare
Getting there
Book a rideshare to the arena’s zone on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue.
Getting back
Walk back to the same zone on Poydras Street and request your ride to Kenner.

It’s about 11 miles each way in a straight line. The zone may move for some events, and post-game prices and waits depend on the app.

Route information

At Smoothie King Center

Bags

The arena’s maximum bag size is 14 × 14 × 6 inches. The limit may vary by event, so check your game’s event page. Large bags, outside food and drink, selfie sticks and recording devices aren’t allowed.

Arena information
Cashless arena, no re-entry

The arena takes only credit and debit cards, including at concessions, merchandise and parking. You can convert cash to a prepaid card at sections 108 and 310. The arena has a no re-entry policy, and there’s no smoking indoors or inside the security perimeter.

Arena information
Doors open time

The arena’s A–Z guide says door opening is at the discretion of each event’s management. Its team store entry puts Pelicans game-day door time one hour before tip-off. Check your game’s event page before you leave.

Arena information
Mobile tickets and the box office

Tickets are mobile only, in a Ticketmaster or AXS account. The arena’s box office, at Le Rouge Street and Dave Dixon Drive, opens at noon on event days for walk-up sales; on Fridays, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., walk-up sales move to the Caesars Superdome box office at Gate A. The box office doesn’t sell tickets or handle will-call by phone. All sales are final unless an event is postponed or canceled.

Arena information
Parking and rideshare

The complex has seven public garages and two surface lots, with room for about 7,000 vehicles; they take cards only, and not every one opens for every event. The arena’s pages publish no event prices. The rideshare zone is on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue; it may move for some events, and the event page posts any change.

Arena information
Accessibility — Pelicans

Accessible parking is first come, first served; for Pelicans games it’s in Lot 3. Request interpreting services at least 30 business days ahead at (504) 587-3990. Sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones are at the Guest Services Desk across from Section 108, and Guest Services can direct you to a quiet room.

Arena information
Streetcars and fares

An RTA single ride is $1.25, and a 1-Day Jazzy Pass is $3; children five and younger ride free with a paying rider. The 46 Rampart–Loyola streetcar stops on Loyola Avenue at Poydras Street, and the 12 St. Charles streetcar runs downtown from Uptown.

Arena information
From MSY airport

Taxis charge a flat $36 to the CBD or French Quarter for up to two people and $15 each for three or more, from Baggage Claim Door 7. Rideshares pick up on the middle curb outside Level 1 Baggage Claim. RTA’s Airport Express (202) costs $1.25; its last trip from the airport leaves at 10:10 p.m.

Arena information

Find your game & tickets

Use the team schedule for home dates and tip-off times.

New Orleans Pelicans schedule

Useful things to know

Is the Smoothie King Center the old New Orleans Arena?

Yes. The Pelicans and Smoothie King announced on February 6, 2014, that the New Orleans Arena would be named the Smoothie King Center, under a 10-year naming-rights agreement. It’s the same building.

Is the Smoothie King Center the same building as the Superdome?

No. The arena at 1501 Dave Dixon Drive and the Caesars Superdome are separate buildings in the same sports complex. Use the arena’s entrance, and its rideshare zone on Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue unless your event page names another.

What time do doors open for a Pelicans game?

The arena’s A–Z guide says door opening is at the discretion of each event’s management, and its team store entry puts Pelicans game-day door time one hour before tip-off. Check your game’s event page, and remember there’s no re-entry.

How do I get back to the airport after a night game?

Plan on a taxi or rideshare. RTA’s Fall 2026 timetable shows the last Airport Express trip toward the airport leaving the Canal Street Ferry Terminal at 8:58 p.m., before most games end. The city’s taxicab rate table sets the same flat fare to or from the airport: $36 for one or two people and $15 each for three or more.

Can I walk to the arena from the French Quarter?

Yes. Cross Canal Street and walk along Loyola Avenue, about a mile from Royal Street in a straight line, or ride the Rampart–Loyola streetcar to the Poydras Street stop. The streetcar runs about every 30 minutes. No official walking route or time is published.

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