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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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