You're standing outside the "Blender" on Girod Street. The humidity in New Orleans is doing that thing where it feels like a warm, wet blanket, but you don't care because the Pelicans are about to tip off or maybe your favorite artist is finally in town. You grab a daiquiri, head toward the gates, and then it hits you: Did I actually pick the right seats? Honestly, looking at a Smoothie King Arena seating chart online is one thing, but feeling the legroom—or lack thereof—is a completely different story.
I’ve spent enough time in this building to know that not all sections are created equal. Some spots make you feel like you’re practically on the court with Zion Williamson, while others have you squinting at the rafters wondering if that blur is a basketball or a stray balloon.
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The Lower Bowl Reality Check
Most people assume the lower bowl is a guaranteed win. It’s the 100-level. It’s expensive. It has to be good, right? Well, mostly. If you’re looking at Smoothie King Arena seating for a Pelicans game, sections 101, 112, 113, and 124 are your center-court prime real estate. These are the views you see on TV.
But here’s the thing about the lower corners, like sections 105 or 120. They’re weird. Because of the way the arena is angled to accommodate both basketball and massive end-stage concerts, the sightlines can get a little wonky if you’re too low. If you are in the first five rows of a corner section, you might find yourself staring at the back of a cameraman's head or a stanchion more than the actual play.
Rows 10 through 20 in the 100-level are the sweet spot. You’re high enough to see the plays develop across the entire hardwood, but close enough to hear the players yelling at the refs. It’s loud. It’s visceral. It’s what you’re paying for.
Behind the Baskets: Love it or Hate it
Sections 106-108 and 118-120 put you right behind the glass. For basketball purists, this is hit or miss. You get a great look at the verticality of the game—dunks look monstrous from here—but when the action moves to the other end of the court, you’re basically watching a fast-break on a jumbotron.
For concerts? Avoid these if the stage is at one end. You’ll be staring at the side of the speakers. However, for a "center stage" setup (rare, but it happens), these seats suddenly become some of the best in the house.
The Club Level and Why It Matters
If you’ve got the budget, the Hubig’s-pie-sized hole in your wallet might be worth it for the Hub Club or the North End Club. This isn’t just about a padded chair. It’s about the concourse.
The main concourse at Smoothie King Arena can get... cozy. And by cozy, I mean a shoulder-to-shoulder swarm during halftime when everyone decides they need a bathroom break and a hot dog at the exact same second. The Club Level offers a private concourse, shorter lines, and upgraded food. It’s a different vibe. It’s quieter, which some people hate because they want the rowdy New Orleans energy, but if you’re bringing kids or just don't want to fight a crowd for twenty minutes to get a water, it’s a lifesaver.
Surviving the 300-Level Balcony
Let’s talk about the "nosebleeds." The 300-level in Smoothie King Arena seating is steep. Really steep. If you have vertigo, maybe don't look down until you’re firmly planted in your seat.
But here is a secret: the first three rows of the 300-level (Rows A, B, and C) are actually better than the back rows of the 100-level. Why? Because you’re hanging over the court. You have a completely unobstructed bird’s-eye view. I’ve sat in Section 310, Row A for a concert, and honestly, I preferred it to being buried in a sea of tall people on the floor.
- Pro Tip: Avoid the "Limited View" seats in the 300 corners during concerts. Sometimes the rigging for the lights or sound blocks a chunk of the stage. The ticket will usually say "obstructed," but people ignore it. Don't be that person.
- Logistics: The elevators are tucked away. Most people প্রবৃত্ত to the stairs or escalators, which get jammed. If you have mobility issues, find the staff near the entrance; they are surprisingly helpful at whisking you to the elevator banks.
Concert Layouts vs. Pelicans Games
The arena transforms. It’s a chameleon. For a concert, the floor (Sections FL1, FL2, FL3) is usually flat. Unless you are in the first ten rows or you are 6'5", the floor can be a struggle. You’re at the mercy of the person in front of you and their smartphone.
I almost always recommend the lower 100-level sides (101, 102, 123, 124) for concerts over the back of the floor. You get the elevation. You see the light show. You don't have to stand on your tiptoes for two hours.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Logistics
People obsess over the seat but forget the "getting to the seat" part. The arena is right next to the Superdome. If there is an event at both—which happens more than you’d think—the traffic is a nightmare.
Parking in the official "Lot 3" or "Lot 3A" is convenient but can take forever to exit. Many locals park a few blocks away in the CBD and walk. It saves you $20 and thirty minutes of sitting in a parking garage idling your engine. Plus, you get to walk past some of the best bars in the city on your way in.
Accessibility and Comfort
The arena was renovated a few years back, so the seats aren't the ancient plastic buckets they used to be. They’re fine. Not "lazy-boy" comfortable, but fine.
For ADA seating, Smoothie King Arena is actually pretty great. There are platforms distributed throughout the 100 and 300 levels that offer clear sightlines. If you’re booking these, call the box office directly rather than trusting a third-party site. They know the layout better than an algorithm does.
Is the Suites Life Worth It?
There are 56 luxury suites. If your company is footing the bill, say yes. The catering is legit—think local flavor, not just stale popcorn. But if you’re paying out of pocket? You might feel a bit removed from the "true" New Orleans crowd noise. The suites are tucked between the lower and upper levels, providing a great view but a slightly sterilized atmosphere.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Map Twice: Before hitting "buy" on those Smoothie King Arena seating options, go to a site like "View From My Seat." People upload real photos from specific sections. It’s the only way to be 100% sure you aren't staring at a concrete pillar.
- Download the App: The Pelicans/Arena app allows for mobile entry. Don't be the person holding up the line with a printed-out email that won't scan.
- Arrive Early for Warmups: If you’re in the 100-level for a basketball game, get there 45 minutes early. You can often walk down near the court to watch players shoot around, even if your seats are further back.
- Eat Before or After: New Orleans has some of the best food in the world. Arena food is... arena food. Walk to a spot in the Warehouse District before the gates open. Your stomach and your wallet will thank you.
- Know the Bag Policy: It’s strict. Small clutches only. If you bring a backpack, you’ll be walking all the way back to your car or paying for a locker.
The "Blender" might not be the newest arena in the NBA, but it has a specific, loud, and incredibly fun energy when the seats are filled. Pick the right spot, and you’ll see exactly why New Orleans is one of the best host cities in the country. Forget the "perfect" seat—just get in the building and enjoy the show.