If you’ve ever walked into the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, you know that the "vibes" change depending on where you're standing. Or sitting. It’s not just a basketball court. It’s an arena that morphs from a high-energy Pelicans game to a packed-out concert for someone like SZA or Chris Stapleton. But here’s the thing: looking at a flat Smoothie King Center seating chart online can be kinda deceiving. You see a little blue square and think, "Yeah, that looks close," only to find out you're staring at the back of a giant speaker stack or a very enthusiastic fan’s foam finger.
Getting the right seat matters. Seriously.
The arena, which sits right next to the iconic Caesars Superdome, has a personality. It’s intimate compared to some of the massive NFL stadiums, but it’s still got over 17,000 seats. That’s a lot of angles to consider. If you’re there for the NBA, you want to see Zion Williamson’s vertical. If you’re there for a show, you want to actually hear the lyrics, not just the echo of the bass bouncing off the concrete walls of the upper 400 level.
The Layout of the Land: Sections and Levels
Basically, the arena is split into three main tiers. You’ve got the 100 level, the 300 level (suites), and the 400 level. Wait, where is the 200 level? Honestly, people ask that all the time. In the Smoothie King Center, the "200s" are essentially the club-level seats that blend into the lower bowl experience. It's a bit of a quirk of the building's architecture.
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The Lower Bowl (100 Level)
This is where the magic happens if you have the budget for it. Sections 101 through 124 wrap around the floor. If you are looking at the Smoothie King Center seating chart for a Pelicans game, sections 101 and 112 are your "center court" spots. These are the most coveted. You're right there. You can hear the players talking trash and the squeak of the sneakers on the hardwood.
But here is a pro tip: don't just aim for row 1. Sometimes, being in row 10 or 12 gives you a better perspective of the whole play developing. You aren't constantly turning your head like you're watching a ping-pong match.
The Suite Life (300 Level)
The 300 level is all about the luxury boxes. If you’re fancy, or your company is footin’ the bill, this is where you end up. It’s great for socializing. The view is elevated and clear, and you have access to better bathrooms. Let’s be real, shorter bathroom lines are half the reason people pay for suites anyway.
The Upper Deck (400 Level)
Often called the "Balcony," the 400 level is where the "real" fans usually hang out. It’s louder. It’s more chaotic. It’s also much cheaper. Sections 401 through 422 make up this ring. Now, some people will tell you that there isn't a bad seat in the house. Those people are lying. If you’re in the very back row of Section 409, you are going to feel pretty far away. However, because the arena is designed to be "tight," you still have a decent sightline compared to the nosebleeds at a massive stadium.
Why the Event Type Changes Everything
The Smoothie King Center seating chart isn't static. It’s a shapeshifter.
When the Pelicans play, the court is the center of the universe. When a concert rolls in, the "End Stage" setup is the most common. This means sections 105, 106, 107, and 108 are usually behind the stage or have an "obstructed view." Never buy these unless you just want to hear the music and don't care about seeing the artist's face. ### Concert Floor Seating
For concerts, the "floor" is often split into sections like Floor A, B, and C. This is where people get confused. Is it a "General Admission" (GA) pit where you stand and get sweaty with strangers? Or is it reserved seating with folding chairs? You have to check your specific ticket. If it's GA, show up early. If you're short and you buy a seat in the back of the floor (like Floor C), you might spend the whole night looking at the back of someone's head. In that case, a lower-tier 100-level seat is actually better because it's elevated.
Wrestling and Boxing
For WWE or boxing matches, the ring is dead center. The floor seating wraps around all four sides. This is one of the few times those "corner" sections like 103 or 109 actually become some of the best seats in the building because you're close to the entry ramps where the athletes walk out.
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Accessibility and "Hidden" Perks
New Orleans is a city that loves to host, and the Smoothie King Center is pretty solid on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) seating. These spots are usually located at the top of the lower level sections. They offer great views because nobody can stand up in front of you and block your line of sight.
If you're looking for a specific vibe, the Hubig’s Pies or the local food vendors are usually concentrated near the main entrances. If you sit in the 100 level, you have much faster access to the "good" New Orleans food options. Up in the 400s, it’s a bit more of the standard popcorn and hot dogs fare, though they’ve been upgrading the concessions lately.
The "End Zone" Trap
Let's talk about the ends of the court—Sections 106-107 and 118-119. On a Smoothie King Center seating chart, these look like they are "close" to the action. And they are! But you are looking through the backboard.
For some people, this is a dealbreaker. You’re watching the game, a fast break happens, and then—bam—the play happens right behind the glass and steel of the hoop. You end up watching the jumbotron anyway. If you're a purist, try to stay between the baselines. If you just want to be close to the players and don't mind the "video game" angle, the end zones are a great way to get lower-level seats for a fraction of the mid-court price.
Real World Advice for Ticket Buyers
Don't just trust the primary ticket seller's map. Use sites like "A View From My Seat." Real people take photos from their actual chairs and upload them. It’s the only way to know if there is a random handrail blocking your view of the stage.
Also, keep an eye on the "Row" letters and numbers. In the 100 level, rows are usually lettered, starting with Row A (or sometimes floor rows 1-4). In the 400 level, they are numbered. If you're in the 400 level, try to get a row under 10. Once you get into the 15-20 range, you’re basically touching the ceiling. It gets hot up there. Heat rises, and with 17,000 people screaming, the "Balcony" can get a little stuffy.
Parking and Entry
The seating chart doesn't show you the doors. If your seats are in Section 112, you want to enter through the North Entrance. If you're in 101, the South Entrance is your friend. Walking all the way around the concourse isn't the end of the world, but if you're running late and the national anthem is already starting, knowing your gate is a lifesaver.
Technical Specs of the Arena
For those who like the nitty-gritty, the arena's floor space is roughly 30,000 square feet. It's not huge. That's actually a benefit. Even the "nosebleeds" aren't as far away as they are in places like Madison Square Garden or the United Center. The verticality of the Smoothie King Center is designed to keep the crowd "on top" of the action. This creates a massive home-court advantage for the Pels, especially when the 400 level gets rowdy.
Sound Quality
Arenas are notorious for bad acoustics. It’s a giant concrete bowl. However, the Smoothie King Center actually holds sound pretty well for mid-sized tours. If you are an audiophile, avoid the corners of the 400 level. The sound tends to "wash" there, meaning the echoes catch up with the direct sound and everything gets a bit muddy. The best sound is usually found at the soundboard—which is typically located on the floor near the back—or in the first few rows of the 100 level directly opposite the stage.
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How to Navigate the Smoothie King Center Seating Chart Like a Pro
- Check the Event Config: Always confirm if the floor is "Seated" or "GA." This changes everything about the 100-level value.
- Avoid the "V" Sections: In some concert setups, the very edge of the stage might be blocked by the proscenium or speakers. If your section is at an angle greater than 45 degrees from the stage, be wary.
- The "Aisle" Advantage: If you’re a frequent flyer to the concessions or the restroom, look for aisle seats. The rows in the SKC can be quite long, and "excuse me-ing" past 15 people in the dark is no fun for anyone.
- Loge Boxes: There are smaller, semi-private "Loge" boxes that often go overlooked. These offer a "best of both worlds" experience between a standard seat and a full-blown suite.
- Watch the Jumbotron: The "Hub" (the big screen in the center) is massive. If you're in the 400s, you'll spend half the time looking at it. That's okay! Just make sure your seat isn't so high that the rafters or speakers are blocking your view of the screen.
When you're looking at that Smoothie King Center seating chart, remember that it's a tool, not a guarantee. Use common sense, check real-world photos, and prioritize what matters to you—whether that’s the sound, the view of the court, or being close enough to smell the popcorn. New Orleans knows how to throw a party, and the SKC is the city's living room for big events. Pick your spot wisely, and you're in for a great night.
Next Steps for Your Trip to the SKC
To ensure the best experience, your next move should be checking the official Pelicans or Smoothie King Center website for any "restricted view" notices specifically tied to your event date. For concerts, verify the "Stage End" location, as some artists use a "Center Stage" (in-the-round) configuration which completely flips the standard seating logic. Finally, if you are driving, pre-purchase parking in the West Garage or the Dave Dixon Drive lots to avoid the game-day price hikes and the headache of circling the Central Business District.