Smoothie King Center: New Orleans' Premier Multi-Purpose Arena
Located in the heart of the Central Business District and adjacent to the Caesars Superdome, the Smoothie King Center is a cornerstone of sports and entertainment in New Orleans, Louisiana. Locally known by the nickname "The Blender" (and occasionally "The Nest"), this versatile indoor venue has served as a hub for professional basketball, arena football, and world-class concerts since its inception.
Originally opened in 1999 as the New Orleans Arena, the facility has evolved through significant renovations and rebranding to remain a state-of-the-art destination for fans and athletes alike.
Key Facts
- Opened: October 29, 1999.
- Primary Tenant: New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) since 2002.
- Ownership: Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (State of Louisiana).
- Maximum Capacity: Up to 18,500 for college basketball and NBA playoff games.
- Construction Cost: US$114 million.
- Location: 1500 Dave Dixon Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Arena Specifications and Capacity
The Smoothie King Center is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing it to transition between various sporting and entertainment configurations. The facility features 56 luxury suites and 2,800 club seats to enhance the spectator experience.
Seating and Space
Depending on the event, the seating capacity varies significantly:
- NBA Basketball: 16,867
- College Basketball/NBA Playoffs: 18,500
- Concerts: 17,971 (varies by stage setup: 7,500 for half-stage, 17,221 for end-stage, and 17,805 for center-stage)
- Ice Hockey/Arena Football: 16,900
For conventions and trade shows, the arena provides 17,000 square feet of open space. The structural design includes a ceiling height of 65 feet to the beam and roof, reaching 70 feet at the absolute top of the arena.
| Event Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| NBA Regular Season | 16,867 |
| NBA Playoffs / College Basketball | 18,500 |
| Concerts (Center-Stage) | 17,805 |
| Ice Hockey / Arena Football | 16,900 |
History and Evolution
The arena's journey began with a groundbreaking on November 30, 1995. Its first tenant was the New Orleans Brass of the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League). However, the arrival of the New Orleans Hornets in 2002 led to a conflict over the costs of converting the floor between hockey and basketball configurations, which ultimately forced the Brass to fold.
Resilience During Hurricane Katrina
The arena's structural integrity was put to the test during Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. Because the building had been wind-engineered by CPP in 1996, it fared significantly better than the neighboring Superdome. This allowed the arena to reopen just one month after the storm, serving as a critical site for medical operations that had been displaced from the Superdome.
Modernization and Rebranding
Over the years, the venue has seen continuous upgrades. In 2006, a sophisticated LED centerhung video and scoring system from Daktronics was installed. A major renovation in 2013 focused on the "gameday experience," introducing Loge Boxes, a "Party Perch," and expanded club levels.
On February 5, 2014, the venue was renamed the Smoothie King Center as part of a 10-year agreement. This was followed by exterior renovations in late 2014, which changed the building's color from bluish-green to light gray and added a new outer LED lighting system.
Notable Events and Tenants
The Smoothie King Center has a rich history of hosting high-profile athletic and entertainment events.
Professional Sports
- NBA: Home to the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans since 2002. It has hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2008, 2014, and 2017.
- Arena Football: Home to the New Orleans VooDoo (2004–2008, 2011–2015) and host of ArenaBowl XXI, XXII, and XXV.
- Combat Sports: The arena has hosted major boxing matches, including the Roy Jones Jr. vs. Eric Harding title fight in 2000, and multiple UFC events, including UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson (2015) and UFC 318 (2025).
Collegiate and Other Events
The venue is a frequent host for the NCAA, including the Women's Final Four in 2004 and 2013, and various rounds of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. It has also hosted the SEC gymnastics championships in 2019 and 2024.
Beyond sports, the arena is a staple for professional wrestling, hosting numerous WWE events such as the Royal Rumble (2001), Elimination Chamber (2013), and the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in 2014 and 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smoothie King Center's nickname?
The arena is locally referred to as "The Blender," and is also sometimes called "The Nest."
Who owns and operates the arena?
The arena is owned by the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (the State of Louisiana) and is operated by ASM Global.
How did the arena survive Hurricane Katrina better than the Superdome?
The arena's design was tested in 1996 by CPP, a wind engineering consulting firm, which allowed it to withstand the storm more effectively and reopen only one month after the event.
When did the arena change its name from New Orleans Arena?
The name change to Smoothie King Center was announced on February 5, 2014, prior to the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.
What is the maximum capacity for a basketball game?
The maximum capacity is 18,500 for college basketball and NBA playoff games.