Surf Wiki
Save to docs
arts

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

Smoothie King Center

Multi-purpose indoor arena in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Smoothie King Center

Multi-purpose indoor arena in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

FieldValue
nameSmoothie King Center
former_namesNew Orleans Arena (1999–2014)
nickname"The Blender"
"The Nest"
logo_image[[File:Smoothie_King_Center_logo.png200px]]
imageFile:New Orleans Arena, exterior view, 10 January 2022 (cropped).jpg
captionSmoothie King Center in 2022
address1500 Dave Dixon Drive
locationNew Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
coordinates
pushpin_mapUnited States New Orleans#Louisiana#USA
pushpin_reliefyes
pushpin_labelSmoothie King Center
pushpin_mapsize250
pushpin_map_captionLocation in New Orleans##Location in Louisiana##Location in the United States
broke_groundNovember 30, 1995
openedOctober 29, 1999
ownerLouisiana Stadium and Exposition District (The State of Louisiana)
operatorASM Global
construction_costUS$114 million
($ in dollars)
architectArthur Q. Davis and Partners
Billes-Manning Architects
Hewitt Washington and Associates
project_managerCS Associates
structural_engineerWalter P Moore
services_engineerSmith Seckman Reid, Inc.
general_contractorManhattan/Gibbs
tenantsNew Orleans Brass (ECHL) (1999–2002)
New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (NBA) (2002–present)
New Orleans VooDoo (AFL) (2004–2005, 2007–2008, 2011–2015)
public_transitPoydras Street
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
seating_capacityConcerts: 17,971
NBA basketball: 16,867
website
Note

the multi-purpose arena formerly known as New Orleans Arena

"The Nest" ($ in dollars) Billes-Manning Architects Hewitt Washington and Associates New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (NBA) (2002–present) New Orleans VooDoo (AFL) (2004–2005, 2007–2008, 2011–2015) New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal NBA basketball: 16,867 College basketball/NBA playoff games: 18,500

Smoothie King Center (locally referred to as The Blender) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is located in the Central Business District, adjacent to the Caesars Superdome. The arena opened in 1999 as New Orleans Arena and has been home to the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA) since 2002. The New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League played their home games in the arena from 2004 until the team disbanded in 2008. The VooDoo resumed play at the arena in March 2011, until after the 2015 AFL season when the franchise folded.

Arena information

The arena was completed in 1999 at a cost of $114 million and officially opened on October 19, 1999. 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.

The arena as a concert venue can seat 7,500 for half-stage shows, 17,221 for end-stage shows and 17,805 for a center-stage shows. For trade shows and conventions the arena features 17000 sqft of space. The ceiling is 65 feet (20 m) to beam and roof, 70 feet (21.5 m) to the top of the arena.

History

Logo as New Orleans Arena, 1999–2014

In 1999, the arena's first tenant, the New Orleans Brass ice hockey team of the ECHL played their first home game in the arena. The team played their final three seasons in the arena. When the New Orleans Hornets arrived in 2002, they persuaded the state government to demand that the Brass foot the cost of converting the arena between basketball and hockey configurations. That expense was more than the Brass were willing to pay, and they were forced to fold due to the lack of another suitable arena.

The Hornets played their first game at the Smoothie King Center versus the Utah Jazz on October 30, 2002. The Jazz had called New Orleans home from 1974 to 1979.

The New Orleans VooDoo, of the Arena Football League (AFL), began playing their home games in the arena in February 2004.

Following Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, medical operations that had previously been housed in the Superdome were moved to the Arena. Medical personnel had been working in an area of the Superdome with poor lighting, leaking ceilings, and soggy carpet. The Arena's design was tested in 1996 by CPP, a wind engineering consulting firm, so it fared far better than the Superdome during the storm and was in better condition to house sensitive medical operations. Thus, unlike the Superdome, the Arena reopened to activities only one month after the storm. On March 8, 2006, the Hornets played their first home game at the arena since Hurricane Katrina and the start of the 2005–06 season. A sellout crowd of 17,744 watched the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Hornets, 113–107.

In 2006, the arena installed an LED centerhung video and scoring system from Daktronics. The centerhung installation is made up of two ring displays and eight video displays, as well as scoreboards. This installation is fully integrated with the more than 875 ft of ribbon display technology that was installed in the arena in 2002. In the summer of 2008, new Daktronics "see-through" shot clocks were installed, replacing the existing box units.

The New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League resumed play at the arena in March 2011.

In 2013, the arena underwent a significant upgrade. The 2013 renovations were primarily focused on the gameday experience inside the arena. These upgrades include updates to the suites and club levels, expanding the club levels, creating new Loge Boxes, and a new Party Perch. Other upgrades include upgraded concession stands, upgraded LED boards, and other in-house amenities for the teams and performers that use the arena.

On February 5, 2014, it was announced that a 10-year agreement was reached to rename New Orleans Arena the Smoothie King Center prior to the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.

In September and October 2014, exterior renovations were made to the Smoothie King Center, including new entrances, painting the center from bluish green to light gray, and a new outer LED lighting system similar to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome's own. However, some original plans, such as to add an overhang to the building, were cancelled.

The Hornets/Pelicans have enjoyed a winning record of 341–275 () during the regular season and 15–9 () during the playoffs in home games played at the New Orleans Arena/Smoothie King Center as of the conclusion of the 2018–19 season.

Seating capacity

The seating capacity for NBA basketball games has gone:

New Orleans Pelicans}}"YearsNew Orleans Pelicans}}"CapacityNew Orleans Pelicans}}"1999–2007New Orleans Pelicans}}"2007–2013New Orleans Pelicans}}"2013–2014New Orleans Pelicans}}"2014–present
17,200
17,188
17,003
title=2014-2015 New Orleans Pelicans Media Guideurl=http://mediacentral.nba.com/media/mediacentral/2014-15-Pelicans-MediaGuide.pdfpublisher=National Basketball Associationdate=October 13, 2014access-date=January 13, 2015page=7}}

Notable events

Sports

NBA

Smoothie King Center has hosted the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, the 2014 NBA All-Star Game, and the 2017 NBA All-Star Game, after the NBA pulled the game from Charlotte's Spectrum Center due to North Carolina's "bathroom bill".

College sports

In 2011, the arena hosted the Southeast Regional of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The arena also hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA men's basketball tournament in 2007 and 2010.

The 2012 Southeastern Conference men's basketball tournament was held at the arena.

The arena hosted the 2004 Women's Final Four and 2013 Women's Final Four. It has also hosted the 2008 NCAA women's basketball tournament South Regionals. The arena was set to host the 2020 Women's Final Four, before being canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The 2002 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Final Four was held at the New Orleans Arena in December 2002.

The 2019 and 2024 SEC gymnastics championships were held at the arena.

Arena football

The arena hosted ArenaBowl XXI in 2007, ArenaBowl XXII in 2008 and ArenaBowl XXV in 2012.

MMA and boxing

  • September 9, 2000 – The arena hosted the light heavyweight title fight between Roy Jones Jr. and Eric Harding. Jones won by TKO in the 10th round.
  • June 6, 2015 – UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson.
  • July 19, 2025 – UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3.

Other events

  • 2000 – The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Bud Light Cup tour event
  • 2001 – Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Bud Light Cup tour event
  • 2002 – Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Bud Light Cup tour event was held in the arena.
  • 2003 – Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Built Ford Tough Series tour event
  • August 2003 – The Bassmaster Classic XXXIII weigh-in was held in the arena.
  • March 2007 – The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Built Ford Tough Series tour event was held in the arena.
  • April 2010 – The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event was held in the arena for a Built Ford Tough Series event.
  • March 2015 - AMSOIL Arenacross
  • November 2019; February 2022 - Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live

Professional wrestling

The arena has hosted numerous WWE events, including Royal Rumble in 2001, Extreme Rules in 2009, Hell in a Cell in 2011, Elimination Chamber in 2013, and the arena will host Money in the Bank in 2026. It was also the venue for the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the following episode of Raw, as part of WrestleMania XXX weekend.

In 2018, the arena hosted NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and the subsequent episodes of Raw and SmackDown during WrestleMania 34 weekend. The arena has also hosted various other editions of Raw and SmackDown throughout the years.

References

References

  1. Waddell, Ray. (December 18, 1995). "Construction Begins on Superdome's Sister Venue: New Orleans Sports Arena". Amusement Business.
  2. Smith, Jimmy. (October 29, 2009). "New Orleans Arena, in Its 10th Year, Took Wheeling and Dealing to Come to Fruition". [[The Times-Picayune]].
  3. "CM Jobs". CS Associates.
  4. "New Orleans Arena". Emporis.
  5. "The New Orleans Arena". Smith Seckman Reid, Inc..
  6. "New Orleans Sports Arena". Manhattan Construction Group.
  7. Times-Picayune, Doug MacCash, NOLA com {{!}}. (2017-11-10). "Jay-Z stands alone and surrounded at the Smoothie King Center".
  8. (February 4, 2014). "Pelicans uniting with Smoothie King". [[ESPN]].
  9. [http://www.arenadigest.com/visits/no_arena.htm Arena Digest - New Orleans Arena] {{webarchive. link. (2008-04-09)
  10. "Daktronics Photo Gallery: New Orleans Arena".
  11. [https://www.bourbonstreetshots.com/2013/10/21/tour-of-the-renovated-new-orleans-arena/ Tour of Renovated New Orleans Arena. New Orleans Pelicans. BourbonStreetShots.com]
  12. (February 6, 2014). "Smoothie King Center Unveiled as New Orleans Prepares to Host NBA All-Star Game". New Orleans Pelicans.
  13. (February 5, 2014). "Pelicans Arena to be Renamed Smoothie King Center". National Basketball Association.
  14. Reid, John. (February 5, 2014). "New Orleans Pelicans Agree to Arena Naming Rights Deal with Smoothie King". [[The Times-Picayune]].
  15. Reid, John. (October 13, 2014). "Newly Renovated Smoothie King Center Ready for New Orleans Pelicans' Preseason Home Opener". [[The Times-Picayune]].
  16. Teaford, Elliott. (December 9, 2002). "Davis Is the Latest Test". [[Los Angeles Times]].
  17. Duncan, Jeff. (January 9, 2008). "Hornets Extend N.O. Lease Until 2014". [[The Times-Picayune]].
  18. (October 21, 2013). "2013–14 New Orleans Pelicans Media Guide". National Basketball Association.
  19. (October 13, 2014). "2014-2015 New Orleans Pelicans Media Guide". National Basketball Association.
  20. (May 22, 2006). "New Orleans to Host NBA All-Star 2008". National Basketball Association.
  21. List, Lauren. (February 18, 2008). "City Officials: NBA All-Star Weekend Helped Prove N.O. is Back". [[The Times-Picayune]].
  22. Reid, John. (February 17, 2014). "New Orleans Hosts Another Successful NBA All-Star Weekend". [[The Times-Picayune]].
  23. (March 2018). "New Orleans to host SEC gymnastics championships in 2019". nola.com.
  24. "Arena League awards title game to N.O. for July '07". NOLA.com.
  25. "New Orleans to Host ArenaBowl XXV (NewsGraphic-ABXXV.jpg)". www.arenafootball.com.
  26. Steven Marrocco. (2015-06-07). "UFC Fight Night 68 results: Dan Henderson demolishes Tim Boetsch in 28 seconds". mmajunkie.usatoday.com.
  27. Nolan King. (2025-07-20). "UFC 318 results: Dustin Poirier loses final bout to Max Holloway, bids emotional farewell". mmajunkie.usatoday.com.
  28. [https://www.bassmaster.com/news/classic-xxxiii-aug-1-3-2003 Classic XXXIII - Aug. 1-3, 2003. Bassmaster]
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

1999-establishments-in-louisiana basketball-venues-in-new-orleans boxing-venues-in-new-orleans college-basketball-venues-in-louisiana college-volleyball-venues-in-the-united-states convention-centers-in-louisiana defunct-ice-hockey-venues-in-the-united-states gymnastics-venues-in-new-orleans indoor-arenas-in-louisiana indoor-arenas-in-new-orleans mixed-martial-arts-venues-in-louisiana music-venues-in-louisiana nba-venues new-orleans-brass new-orleans-hornets new-orleans-pelicans new-orleans-voodoo rodeo-venues-in-the-united-states sports-venues-completed-in-1999 tulane-green-wave-men's-basketball volleyball-venues-in-new-orleans
Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about Smoothie King Center — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report