New Orleans Arena
The Blender: New Orleans' home of the Pelicans since 2002.
Smoothie King Center (locally referred to as The Blender) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New Orleans, Louisiana, located in the Central Business District adjacent to the Caesars Superdome. It opened in 1999 as New Orleans Arena and has been home to the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA since 2002.
- Average Home Attendance (2024-25)
- 16,815
Lore & Background
The arena opened on October 19, 1999, at a cost of $114 million. Its first tenant was the New Orleans Brass ice hockey team of the ECHL, which played its first home game in 1999 and its final three seasons there. The New Orleans Hornets arrived in 2002, playing their first game on October 30, 2002, versus the Utah Jazz. The New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League played home games from 2004 until the team disbanded in 2008, then resumed in March 2011 until after the 2015 AFL season. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, medical operations from the Superdome were moved to the arena, which fared better due to wind engineering tests in 1996. The arena reopened one month after the storm. The Hornets played their first home game post-Katrina on March 8, 2006. Renovations occurred in 2013 and 2014, and the arena was renamed Smoothie King Center on February 5, 2014, prior to the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.
In Their Own Story
On March 13, 2025, the New Orleans Arena fell silent as the final buzzer sounded on the Pelicans' loss to the Orlando Magic. The defeat officially eliminated the Pelicans from playoff contention for the 2024–25 season. Earlier that season, on August 8, 2024, the franchise had announced a major change: they would depart from Bally Sports New Orleans and begin working with Gray Television owned stations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama under the newly created Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network. Despite the on-court disappointment, the arena remained a beacon for the city's basketball fans, who had filled the stands to an average of 16,815 per game—the highest attendance of any basketball team in Louisiana. The arena's seats had witnessed the team's draft selection of Cameroonian center Yves Missi from Baylor University with their only first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Reader's Guide
The arena seats 17,805 for concerts, 16,867 for Pelicans games, 18,500 for college basketball and Pelicans playoff games, and 16,900 for ice hockey and arena football. It has 2,800 club seats and 56 luxury suites. Concert configurations include 7,500 for half-stage shows, 17,221 for end-stage shows, and 17,805 for center-stage shows. Trade shows and conventions offer 17,000 square feet of space. The ceiling is 65 feet to beam and roof, 70 feet to the top of the arena.
Did You Know?
- The arena hosted the 2008, 2014, and 2017 NBA All-Star Games.
- The 2004 and 2013 Women's Final Four were held here.
- The arena hosted ArenaBowl XXI in 2007, XXII in 2008, and XXV in 2012.
- The Hornets/Pelicans had a home record of 341–275 (.554) in the regular season and 15–9 (.625) in playoffs as of the 2018–19 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current name and history of the Pelicans' home arena?
Originally opened in 1999 as the New Orleans Arena, the venue was later renamed the O2 Arena before becoming the Smoothie King Center. It has served as the primary home for both the original Hornets and the modern Pelicans franchise throughout its existence.
Where is the arena located within New Orleans?
The facility stands in downtown New Orleans, situated directly along the Mississippi River. This central location makes it a landmark of the Crescent City's sports culture since the late 1990s.
How many fans can the arena hold for basketball games?
For NBA contests, the venue has an approximate seating capacity of 16,800 spectators. This intimate size creates a loud and energetic atmosphere that is famous among visiting teams.
What major event did the arena host in 2014?
The arena served as the host site for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. This event highlighted the city's resilience and celebrated its status as a premier destination for professional basketball.
Why is this building considered the spiritual home of Pelicans basketball?
It has been the consistent sanctuary for the franchise since 1999, hosting every playoff run and community gathering that defines the team's modern identity. Beyond just games, it acts as the resilient heart of New Orleans' basketball culture.
More in Stadium & Culture
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