Pelicans Overview

Fast facts

League: Western Conference Southwest Division

Head Coach: Willie Green

Team Mascot: Pierre the Pelican

Year Opened: 1999

Capacity: 16867

City / State: New Orleans / Louisiana

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Pelicans vs Rockets

Rival Team: Houston Rockets

The Rockets are the closest team to the Pelicans geographically and with New Orleans being a popular destination city you’ll find plenty of Houston fans in the crowd for these matchups. The abundance of Rockets fans in the crowd and the fact both teams play in the Southwest Division make it a must see event when the Rockets come to town.

Pelicans vs Thunder

Rival Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

The Pelicans played in Oklahoma City for a few years following Hurricane Katrina and recently beat out the Thunder for the 8th seed in the 2015 NBA Playoffs developing a bit of a rivalry between the two. If you want to see an intense matchup then be in attendance for a Pelicans-Thunder game.

Pelicans Stadium Guide

In Game

New Orleans is one of the best cities to visit, so it just makes sense that you should attend a Pelicans game during your stay if you’re an NBA fan. The arena is located in the city’s Central Business District, so you’ll be right near it during your trip.

The area surrounding the Smoothie King Center is fantastic. You’ll find many great bars and restaurants near the arena, and it’s only about a mile away from New Orleans’s famed French Quarter. Make sure to stop by Reginelli’s, Manning’s, or Drago’s if you’re looking for a bite to eat.

Once you get to the arena, you’ll find a festive atmosphere that starts before you enter thanks to Pelicans Fest. Pelicans Fest is an excellent place to spend some time before the game and offers a variety of activities and live music.

Inside the arena, you’ll find a top-notch NBA atmosphere that is complete with a mascot and dance team. The in-game entertainment will keep you entertained throughout the game and plays a significant role in you having a great experience.

You can’t go wrong attending a Pelicans game during your trip to New Orleans if you’re an NBA fan.

Things to check out

Pelican Fest

Located on Girod Street near the area, Pelicans Fest offers a great place to hang out and get in the Pelicans spirit before the game. The fest contains tons of fun activities including autographs from the Pelicans Dance Team and the musical stylings of a local band. Arrive early so you can take part in this fun event.

Pelicans Team Shop

Those of you looking to pick up some New Orleans Pelicans gear will find anything you could ever want at the Pelicans team store. Here you’ll be able to find an amazing array of Pelicans paraphernalia, so make sure to stop by.

Shooters Bar

If you want to grab a drink then Shooters Bar is the spot for you. Shooters is home to a full bar and offers a variety of draft beers so you won’t leave thirsty.

Pierre T. Pelican

Pierre T. Pelican, is sure to bring a smile to your face with his crazy shenanigans. You won’t be able to help but laugh and applaud at the things you see Pierre do throughout the game. Keep your eyes peeled for Pierre throughout the game.

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Pelicans Dance Team

The Pelicans Dance Team keeps everyone entertained with their incredible dance and cheer routines. Don’t miss these amazing performers rev up the crowd during your trip to the Smoothie King Center.

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Swoop Troop

Get loud when you see the Swoop Troop for your chance to win a giveaway. The Swoop Troop gets everyone up and cheering with chants and promotions, so don’t miss them.

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Senior Dance Team -

The Pelicans Senior Dance Team prove that you’re never too old to bust a move. These dancers put on an outstanding show and will get everyone up on their feet and cheering.

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Fight Songs

  1. Defense Chant

    Defense!

    Defense!

    Defense!

  2. Take Flight

Pelicans Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Swamp

    Fat Daddys

    We got a lotta crazy good times at The Swamp! Got a 3-4-1 Happy Hour every day of the week!

    516 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-528-9400

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop -- built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze, is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.

    941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA

    504-593-9761

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  3. Little Gem Saloon

    beer

    Come for happy hour and stay for the music!

    445 S Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

    504-267-4863

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. The Upper Quarter

    Pantana Bobs beer

    Your neighborhood bar in The Upper French Quarter.

    1000 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

    504-523-4111

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  5. Barrel Proof

    Barrel Proof

    The menu is meant to be paired with whiskey.

    1201 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-299-1888

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. The Beach on Bourbon

    Beach on Bourbon drinks

    The Beach on Bourbon is everything you are looking for in a Bourbon Street Party place through out the year. From College Bowl Season to Super Bowl in New Orleans, through Mardi Gras, St Patty’s Day and Spring Break, The Beach is the best place to party on Bourbon Street.

    227 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-522-9764

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. The Carousel Bar & Lounge

    Caravan Lounge

    The famous Carousel Bar & Lounge in Hotel Monteleone is a long-time favorite New Orleans hotspot. The classic New Orleans hotel bar is the city’s only revolving bar.

    214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-523-3341

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Saints and Sinners

    Saints and Sinners

    Not just a bar. Not just a restaurant. Channing Tatum’s Saints & Sinners is a wicked good time.

    627 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-528-9307

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Tropical Isle

    Tropical Isle music

    Downstairs at the Tropical Isle, you will find live music seven days a week! Upstairs you can enjoy our wrap around balcony, big screen TV, pool table, and jukebox filled with tunes sure to make you move!

    600 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-523-1927

    Bar website

    sportsbar - steakhouse - $

  10. Pat O’Brien’s

    Pat OBrien

    Pat O'Brien's motto since 1933 has been "Have Fun!" and people from all across the globe have experienced just that throughout its History.

    718 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA

    504-525-4823

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Victory

    Victory drink

    With a tremendous selection of spirits, a variety of house-made syrups and a talented crew with a relentless streak of creativity, cocktails here never disappoint.

    339 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

    504-522-8664

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  12. Old Absinthe House

    Old Absinthe House

    Everyone you have known or ever will know eventually ends up at the Old Absinthe House.

    240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-524-0113

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - steakhouse - $$

  13. Champions Square

    Champions Square

    Champions Square is a state of the art outdoor festival space located across from the Superdome. The Square is the perfect place to get your game face on!

    101 Lasalle St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

    504-587-3663

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. CellarDoor

    CellarDoor

    CellarDoor is restaurant & bar serving Contemporary Southern Cuisine and Classic Cocktails, located in the beautifully restored Historic Swoop-Duggins House located at 916 Lafayette St. in downtown New Orleans.

    916 Lafayette St, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA

    504-265-8392

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar

    Walk Ons Bistreaux Bar

    Serving up beer, burgers, and a great time. Everyone needs a little playing time!

    1009 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

    504-309-6530

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  16. Killer Poboy

    Killer Poboy

    Internationally-inspired, chef-crafted, New Orleans style sandwiches!

    811 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

    504-462-2731

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar

    Felixs Restaurant Oyster Bar

    A place where oyster-lovers could ‘belly up to the bar’ and have the freshest
    oysters shucked right in front of them.

    739 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-522-4440

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. Acme Oyster House

    Acme Oyster House

    It's quality you can taste in the fresh, hand-shucked Louisiana oysters. Whether served ice cold on the half shell, chargrilled and sizzling in garlic butter or fried to golden perfection, Acme oysters are some of the best you'll ever have.

    724 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-708-2409

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Emeril’s New Orleans

    Emerils New Orleans

    Since opening in 1990, Emeril’s has been a definitive force in contemporary New Orleans cuisine and has earned rave reviews and accolades for nearly 25 years, including Esquire magazine’s “Restaurant of the Year” and Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” every year since 2000.

    800 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-528-9393

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  20. Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse

    Dickie Brennans Steakhouse

    Accolades, include Travel+Leisure's Best Steakhouses in the U.S., The Daily Meal's America's 20 Best Steakhouses, Maxim Magazine's 10 Best Steakhouses in America and Playboy's Top 12 Steakhouses in America.

    716 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-522-2467

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  21. Mother’s Restaurant

    Mothers Restaurant

    Home of award-winning Jerry's Jambalaya, the famous Ferdi Special, and the original debris-laden roast beef.

    401 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-523-9656

    Bar website

    american - $$

  22. Cafe Beignet

    Cafe Beignet

    Café Beignet is a cup full of New Orleans’ best European traditions. or two hundred years, New Orleanians have savored every sip of their rich coffee accompanied by delicate, crisp beignets (ben-yays).

    311 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-525-2611

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  23. Big Pie Pizza

    Big Pie Pizza

    Drop by if ever you are craving some scrumptious pizza!

    407 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

    504-941-7177

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  24. Manning’s

    Mannings

    Welcoming sports fans and food lovers alike, Manning’s Restaurant offers a menu featuring shareable favorites, hand-held classics, and other craveable game day inspired items.

    519 Fulton St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-593-8118

    Bar website

    american - $$

  25. Willa Jean

    Willa Jean coffee cookie

    Willa Jean celebrates Southern sensibilities with fresh, local ingredients. Named after Chef/Partner Kelly Fields’ grandmother, who inspired her to pursue her passions, the restaurant and bakery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week, and offers Saturday and Sunday brunch.

    611 O\'Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA

    504-509-7334

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  26. Hobnobber’s Variety Bar & Restaurant

    Hobnobbers Restaurant

    We cure huge appetites in New Orleans, LA with our homestyle flavors and portions.

    139 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-525-5428

    Bar website

    american - $

  27. Herbsaint

    Herbsaint

    The restaurant has been recognized by Eater National as one of “The Best Restaurants in America”, has been added to the Fine Dining Hall of Fame by Nation’s Restaurant News, as well as listed as a Top 50 Restaurant in America by Gourmet Magazine.

    701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    504-524-4114

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  28. Borgne

    Borgne

    Living up to the New Orleans cuisine by serving the freshest seafoods

    601 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA

    504-613-3860

    Bar website

    american - $$