Smoothie King Center opened on October 19, 1999, as New Orleans Arena at a cost of $114 million, rising in the heart of the city’s Central Business District adjacent to the Caesars Superdome. The multi-purpose indoor arena earned a new identity in 2014 when the New Orleans-born Smoothie King brand secured a 10-year naming rights deal, and fans quickly nicknamed it ‘The Blender.’
Beyond its role as home court for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, the arena established itself as one of the Gulf South’s premier concert destinations, capable of seating up to 17,805 fans for center-stage shows. Its flexible staging configurations — half-stage, end-stage, and full center-stage — have welcomed major touring acts, while three NBA All-Star Games (2008, 2014, and 2017) cemented its status as a marquee national venue.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: 1500 Dave Dixon Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Type: Multi-purpose indoor arena
- Opened: October 19, 1999
- Build Cost: $114 million
- Concert Capacity: Up to 17,805 (center-stage)
- NBA Capacity: 16,867
- Renamed: Smoothie King Center, 2014
- Famous for: Three NBA All-Star Games (2008, 2014, 2017)
Concert Experience at The Blender
Smoothie King Center’s flexible layout suits productions of almost any scale. A half-stage configuration seats around 7,500 fans close to the action, end-stage setups accommodate over 17,200, and center-stage ‘in the round’ shows max out at 17,805, wrapping the audience entirely around the performer. A $54 million renovation completed before the 2014–15 NBA season upgraded club spaces, installed new LED boards, and refreshed concessions, raising the bar for both concertgoers and suite holders.
The arena’s Central Business District location — steps from the Caesars Superdome and within reach of the French Quarter — makes it a natural anchor for major touring acts in the New Orleans market, with world-class dining and hotels all nearby.
A Landmark in New Orleans Sports and Entertainment
Since opening in 1999, the arena has hosted an extraordinary range of events beyond concert nights. It served as home to the New Orleans Brass (ECHL), the New Orleans VooDoo (Arena Football League, 2004–2015), and the NBA Pelicans, and it welcomed the Women’s Final Four in 2004 and 2013. Three NBA All-Star Weekends drew a global spotlight to the building, underscoring its capacity for premier national productions.
The nickname ‘The Blender’ is a playful nod to its naming sponsor, but it also captures how the arena blends sports, music, and culture in one of America’s most vibrant cities — a venue as multifaceted as New Orleans itself.
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Smoothie King Center FAQs
How many people does Smoothie King Center hold for concerts?
For center-stage productions, Smoothie King Center holds up to 17,805 fans. End-stage configurations seat around 17,221, and half-stage shows accommodate approximately 7,500.
When did the arena become Smoothie King Center?
The venue originally opened as New Orleans Arena in 1999. On February 5, 2014, a 10-year naming rights agreement with Smoothie King — a company founded in New Orleans in 1973 — renamed it Smoothie King Center.
What major events has Smoothie King Center hosted?
The arena has hosted three NBA All-Star Games (2008, 2014, and 2017), the Women’s Final Four (2004 and 2013), multiple ArenaBowl championships, NCAA tournament games, and WWE pay-per-view events, alongside hundreds of concerts.
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Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.