New Orleans is a city where "good enough" usually involves a po-boy and a cold drink, but when you’re dropping a couple hundred bucks on Pelicans tickets or a Nine Inch Nails floor spot, "good enough" doesn't cut it. Honestly, the Smoothie King Center New Orleans seating layout is one of the more deceptive setups in the NBA. It looks like a standard bowl from the outside, but where you sit drastically changes whether you're actually watching a game or just staring at a giant jumbotron for three hours.
I've been in the building when it was still the New Orleans Arena, and I’ve seen it evolve. The transition from the "Hive" to the Smoothie King Center brought some upgrades, but the physical bones of the place remain the same. If you’re heading there in 2026, you need to know that not all 100-level seats are created equal, and the 300-level "Balcony" can either be a bargain or a total ghost town depending on the opponent.
Breaking Down the Levels: More Than Just Numbers
The arena is basically a three-tier cake, but the middle layer is mostly for the big spenders. You've got the 100 level (Lower Bowl), the 200 level (Suites and Loge Boxes), and the 300 level (Upper Bowl).
The 100 Level: Proximity vs. Perspective
Most people assume Row 1 is the best. It's not. Unless you are literally courtside with your feet on the wood—which, by the way, usually grants you access to the Courtside Club—sitting in the first few rows of the 100 level can actually be kinda annoying. Why? Because the players are giants. If you’re in Section 112, Row 3, and Zion Williamson is standing in front of you, you aren't seeing the play at the other end of the court. You're seeing Zion's jersey.
The "sweet spot" for basketball is generally Rows 10 through 18. You get enough elevation to see the plays develop without feeling like you're watching ants.
📖 Related: St Amant High School Football: Why Friday Nights in The Pit Hit Different
- Sideline Sections: 101, 111-114, 123-124. These are the gold standard.
- Behind the Baskets: 106-108 and 118-120. Great for seeing dunks, terrible for depth perception.
The 300 Level: The Balcony Life
Don't let the "Balcony" label scare you off. The Smoothie King Center is relatively compact compared to massive stadiums like the United Center. Even in the 300s, you’re closer to the floor than you’d think. However, sections 301 and 316 are the ones directly behind the goals. If you're budget-conscious, aim for 308 or 325—these are center-court views for a fraction of the lower-level price.
The Premium Secret: Loge Boxes and the HUB Club
If you want to feel like a VIP without owning a Fortune 500 company, look for Loge Boxes. These are located on the East side, tucked right above the 100-level sideline. They usually seat four people in high-back swivel chairs. You get a private TV in your box (great for replays) and a dedicated server so you don't have to wait 20 minutes for a beer.
Then there’s the HUB Club. This is basically a "supersuite" on the West side (200 level). For Pelicans games, it’s usually all-inclusive. We’re talking a buffet, beer, and wine included in the ticket price. If you’re planning to eat and drink a lot anyway, the math often works out in your favor to just buy a HUB Club ticket instead of a cheap seat plus $80 in concessions.
Concert Seating: A Totally Different Beast
When the hoops come up and the stage goes in, the Smoothie King Center New Orleans seating chart flips. Most concerts use an "End Stage" setup, typically placed near sections 101, 124, and the floor area.
📖 Related: Skip Bayless Lawsuit Explained: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes at Fox Sports
Floor Seats: The Trap
Floor seats (Sections A, B, C, D) sound amazing. But remember: the floor is flat. There is no incline. If you are 5'5" and you're in Row 20 of Section A, you are going to spend the whole night looking at the back of a tall guy's head. If you can't get in the first 5-10 rows of the floor, you are almost always better off in the lower 100-level side sections like 113 or 114. You get the elevation you need to see over the crowd.
Avoid the "Behind the Stage" Burn
Some artists sell tickets for sections behind the stage (like 105-109) for a "unique perspective" or a lower price. Unless you really just want to hear the music and see the drummer's back, avoid these. The sound quality usually suffers because the PA system is pointed away from you.
Real Talk: The "Comfort" Factor
Let's be real—the seats in the 300 level are plastic and a bit tight. If you’re a "person of size," as they say, the 100-level sideline seats or the Club seats offer a bit more breathing room.
Accessibility (ADA):
Smoothie King Center is actually pretty solid with ADA seating. They have platforms on all levels. If you need a wheelchair-accessible spot, they are usually located at the top of the sections in the 100 level and along the perimeter of the 300 level. Guest Services is across from Section 108 if you need to check out a wheelchair or get help.
Navigating the Building
- Entry: Most people crowd the main front doors. If you have a suite or club ticket, use the VIP entrance at the Northeast corner—it's way faster.
- The "Party Perch": Behind sections 322-324, there's a bar area called the Balcony Bar. If your seats are cramped, you can usually hang out here, grab a drink, and still see the game from a standing-room perspective.
- Food: Don't just settle for the first nacho stand. The lower level usually has more "local" options, though in 2026, the tech has made mobile ordering pretty standard throughout the bowl.
Final Advice for Your Visit
Don't buy the first tickets you see on a resale site. For Pelicans games especially, prices fluctuate wildly. If the team is on a losing streak or it's a Tuesday night against a low-tier opponent, you can often snag 100-level seats for under $50.
For concerts, the "side-stage" sections (113, 114, 123, 124) are the secret winners. You’re close enough to see the artist's sweat, but high enough to see the whole light show.
Check the specific event's seating chart before you pull the trigger. The Smoothie King Center changes its floor plan for everything from WWE (which usually has a massive ramp taking up sections) to "In the Round" concerts where the stage is a circle in the middle.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the official Pelicans app or Ticketmaster for the "View from My Seat" feature to confirm sightlines.
- If you're going for a concert, look up the tour name on social media to see if they use a "B-stage" in the back—if so, 100-level end sections like 107-108 become prime real estate.
- Arrive at least 45 minutes early if you're in the 300 level; the elevators and stairs get jammed right before tip-off.