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Last Updated on: December 19th, 2025

Smoothie King Center Capacity

Pelicans Arena Capacity

Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, the Smoothie King Center serves as a premier entertainment destination for sports enthusiasts and music lovers throughout the Gulf Coast region. As the proud home of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, this state-of-the-art arena features a basketball seating capacity of 18,500, creating an electric atmosphere that rivals any venue in professional sports.

The arena's design maximizes fan engagement, with steep seating angles and excellent sightlines ensuring every seat offers an immersive experience. Whether you're watching rising star Zion Williamson soar through the air or witnessing a nail-biting playoff game, the passionate New Orleans crowd transforms each Pelicans game into an unforgettable event. The combination of Louisiana's vibrant culture and world-class basketball creates an atmosphere that's uniquely NOLA.

Beyond basketball, the Smoothie King Center has established itself as one of the South's premier concert venues. The arena regularly hosts chart-topping artists across all genres, from country legends to rock icons and pop superstars. Past performances have included major acts like Chris Stapleton, Greta Van Fleet, Carrie Underwood, and The Eagles, drawing fans from across Louisiana and neighboring states.

While the venue accommodates 18,500 fans for basketball games, it's worth noting that concert configurations typically reduce capacity to 17,805 seats. This slight adjustment allows for optimal stage setup and sound engineering, ensuring every concert-goer enjoys premium acoustics and clear views. Despite the reduced capacity, the Smoothie King Center maintains an intimate yet energetic atmosphere that both performers and audiences consistently praise.

Arena Features and Amenities

The Smoothie King Center underwent a comprehensive $85 million renovation that modernized every aspect of the fan experience. Today's visitors enjoy enhanced concession options featuring local New Orleans cuisine, upgraded restrooms, improved Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the venue, and expanded premium seating areas. These improvements ensure that whether you're attending a weeknight game or a weekend concert, your experience matches the caliber of entertainment on the court or stage.

New Orleans Pelicans Tickets

Planning your visit to the Smoothie King Center? Browse available tickets for upcoming Pelicans games and concerts using the widget below. You can filter by date, performer, and price to find the perfect event for your schedule and budget.

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