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New Orleans Pelicans History
The New Orleans Pelicans franchise joined the NBA in 1988 in Charlotte, North Carolina as the Hornets. They struggled until the early 1990s, when in a three-year span they assembled the young trio of Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson and Kendall Gill. With Glen Rice added to the mix, they made four playoff appearances in the 1990s, and started another successful stretch in the 1999–00 season fueled by guard Baron Davis. But after an unsuccessful bid to get a new arena, the team moved to New Orleans in 2002.
The Hornets made the playoffs each of their first two years in New Orleans, but after the third year they were forced to relocate to Oklahoma City for two seasons due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Upon returning in 2007–08, they finished 56-26 to win the Southwest Division, led by the trio of Chris Paul, David West and Tyson Chandler. In the playoffs, they beat the Dallas Mavericks in the first round before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game conference semifinal.
Under new ownership (New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson purchased the Hornets in 2012), the team changed their name to the Pelicans. This new era was initially spearheaded by No. 1 Draft pick Anthony Davis, joined later by All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, and followed by the pairing of 2019 first overall draft pick Zion Williamson and 2020 Most Improved Player Brandon Ingram.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Info
Conference: Western
Division: Southwest
Year Founded: 2002
Team Colors: Navy Blue, Gold, Red
Team Rivals: Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets
New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center
The New Orleans Pelicans play home games at the Smoothie King Center. The venue, in the heart of the city's Central Business District, has undergone significant renovations since it opened in 1999 as the New Orleans Arena. Recent years have seen upgrades to the lighting and sound systems and enhancements in the concession areas, all aimed at elevating the fan experience.
The New Orleans Pelicans’ 2023–24 regular season kicks off in October at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee when the Pelicans face off against their Southwest Division rivals the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pelicans host their home opener against the New York Knicks on October 28. The Pelicans play their final game of the regular season at home against Western Conference opponents the Los Angeles Lakers. Here’s a list of key games to keep an eye on:
Resale tickets for the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2023–24 regular season can be purchased on Ticketmaster.
The New Orleans Pelicans have never made it to the NBA Finals.
All 30 teams will participate in the Group Play stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament. Here’s a list of the New Orleans Pelicans’ Group West B matchups:
The New Orleans Pelicans play at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The seating map for Smoothie King Center can be viewed here.
The night was Electric!, I carried my nephew to his first professional game and he was very excited. The crowd was Electric and the game was all you can ask for in a sports event. Looking forward to the Squadron’s first game.
The overall experience was good Something new to the city Think at least one regular season game should be played here
I love, love the NBA, this is one of my favorite sports,I grew up watching the NBA with my family, Hopefully I will be able to attend another game real soon.
The game was exciting. Glad Bham was able to host the NBA and give us the experience of a professional team in our city.
I had the absolute best time at this game! Everything was organized and the seat I had were really great as well. They had t shirts on the chairs which was a nice touch
My son had the time of his life. He was so excited to zion Williams eventhough he didn't play. Seats were AWESOME.
The game was exciting. The energy in the room was amazing. Not too happy with Ticketmaster. The seats I bought, one of them did not exist. I had Section 111 row W seat 7 and 8. Row W wax a handicap row with only 7 seats. I got there early but had to miss the beginning of the game to go all the way to customer service for new seats
Birmingham need more NBA games to come to the city. We ready. Awesome game.
The game and venue were great and my family had a great time. I think the venue should work on the entertainment value that normally comes with attending an NBA game. There were too many dead times during the game. I have attended several NBA games and this one was a bit boring.
Great to see a match up like this in BHam. Whoever’s idea it was, great job!
My daughters and I really enjoyed the atmosphere! Parking and entry was a breeze!
I really enjoyed the game except the emcee for the game was awful. He did not get the crowd involved. Music was not good either
I took my kids to the game and they had an awesome time! The atmosphere was awesome and the game was electrifying. Talladega Prep Band put on an AWESOME halftime show that got the crowd even more excited! I hope the Pelicans will come back next year. Herb Jones is family and will always support him!
This was a great event for me and my sons . It was the experience for me and it was a great one 😊 I did however didn’t like the bag policy and wish it was told beforehand that we couldn’t have a purse if it wasn’t clear had to take a good little walk back to my car other than that no complaints
Love the atmosphere and the game ! It was very interactive and generally a good game. I stayed until the end because I loved it so much
It was a great experience from beginning to the end.
This arena is awesome! My seats were awesome! The food was awesome! What a wonderful time!
The excitement from the crowd reminded me of when the SAINTS played the Falcons after Katrina!!!!!
Im a mini season ticket holder; I have poured thousands of dollars into the Pels this season between the mini season package and separate tickets to the Cavs game and for 5 courts side games. There have been ups and downs this season, Friday night was definitely the highest point. I have never seen Smoothie King that packed, it seemed to be even more full than the Game 3 against Portland. Amazing amazing atmosphere. Pels shot lights out, Trombone Shorty was amazing at half time, the senior dance team was great as always, overall just a fun Friday night in Nola!
First game we attended and had a great time. Go Pelicans
