The Pelicans began play in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets, after George Shinn moved his team from Charlotte; the NBA now counts them as a 2002 franchise. Apart from two seasons in Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina, they have always played in the arena now called Smoothie King Center.
Here is every home in order, with the years the Pelicans played there, what made each one matter and what stands on the site today. Each arena links to its ThrillZing guide.
Every Pelicans Arena, 2002 to Today
- New Orleans
- 2002–2005
Opened in 1999 next to the Superdome. The Hornets played their first game here on October 30, 2002 after moving from Charlotte; the 1988–2002 Charlotte years now belong to today's Charlotte Hornets.
Today: Renamed Smoothie King Center in 2014; still the team's home
Stadium history → - Oklahoma City
2005–2007The main home for two seasons after Hurricane Katrina, as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. In 2005–06 they played 35 games here and six in Baton Rouge, averaging 18,168 fans in Oklahoma City.
Today: Now Paycom Center, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2008
Stadium history →- New Orleans
- 2007–presentCurrent home
Back full-time for 2007–08, with all 41 home games in New Orleans, and the city hosted the 2008 All-Star Game. Renamed from New Orleans Arena in 2014, the year after the Hornets became the Pelicans.
Visiting guide →
Pelicans Arena FAQ
Did the Pelicans ever play in Oklahoma City?
Yes. Hurricane Katrina left New Orleans unable to host games, so for the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons the team played most home games at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. A few games stayed in New Orleans, and in 2005–06 they also played in Baton Rouge and Norman, Oklahoma.
How many arenas have the Pelicans had?
Two regular homes: the New Orleans Arena, renamed Smoothie King Center in 2014, and the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, now Paycom Center. Counting the return to New Orleans in 2007, that is three stints.
Why do the Pelicans’ records start in 2002?
The team arrived from Charlotte in 2002, but when the Charlotte Bobcats took back the Hornets name in 2014, the Pelicans transferred the Charlotte Hornets’ 1988–2002 records to them. The NBA now treats the Pelicans as a 2002 expansion team, so the Charlotte Coliseum years are not part of their history.
Is the Ford Center still standing?
Yes, as Paycom Center. The strong crowds for the Hornets helped bring the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008, and the arena has been the Thunder’s home ever since.
Where do the Pelicans play now?
At Smoothie King Center in New Orleans’ Central Business District, next to the Superdome. It seats 16,867 for Pelicans games and 18,500 for playoff games.