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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.
I would love to attend another Pelicans playoff game, the atmosphere was amazing. The fans crazy and fun. The team played really well and hope for them the keep up the awesome play.
I highly recommend catching a playoff game. I especially enjoyed the kids dancing during a break. The fans were amazing and Anthony Davis really is MVP.
Wonderful game! The Pelicans flexed their defensive muscles and took this game away from Blazers! They were cheered on mightly by the 6th man and I can't wait for the second round :-)
Very exciting to be in a packed SKC, and watching the Pelicans sweep their first playoff series. I will return!
Unforgettable win by the Pelicans. Playoff basketball is extra exciting.
We had a great time and the seats and the people around us were great !! Go Pelicans !!!!
Awesomely amazing. Game 3 was electrifying to say the least.
This Pelicans game was by far the most exciting game I've been to since attending the Pelicans games. They have outshined them all. Pels will go all the way!!!
This was a surprise gift for my husbands birthday and we had a great time. Friendly people and great atmosphere. I will be going back.
Great time at pels game. Friends came in from Atlanta and were very impressed with game day experience. Great time
We really had a great time at the game I took my nephew and his friend out to the event and they had a great time as well definitely trying to attend one more before season ends thanks again
Game was a lot of fun....even though Pelicans lost. Event staff are mostly very friendly and helpful. Be prepared for the usual high price of concessions...paid $4.25 for a 20 ounce Dasani water...no water fountains to be found. Parking in the garage costs a whopping $20. Team t-shirt in gift shop was $35.00. Be prepared for the high cost of extras.
Venue and seat were perfect. We sat in the 300s and the seats were awesome for the price of $10. Staff was friendly. One minor thing they close there snack shops early, but I guess it was a slow night that’s what one employee told me. Overall everything was perfect.
Seat location and view of game were excellent. Food and refreshment choices were plentiful and prices were reasonable. The overall experience was great.
I had so much fun at my very first NBA game. #GoPelicans
The Atmosphere was great friendly helpful staff. Very organized. Great flowing traffic
This was a great family oriented event. Ticket prices are elevated for decent seats, otherwise. You watch the jumbo tron in cheap seats
We really enjoyed the game. The atmosphere was exciting. This was our first opportunity to see the "Brow" in person and he did not disappoint. He was phenomenal. Can't wait to my next game, which will be soon.
Fabulous facility! Lines moved quickly & food was amazing!
We purchased the Pierre Party Pack and was very frustrated. We had 100 level seats and were turned away at 2 concessions stands, because they said they were out of hot dogs and popcorn. We were told to go up to the 300 level, so we reluctantly did knowing we would miss several minutes of the game. The first concession stand we went to said they were out too. Finally, after going half way around the arena and missing half of the third and fourth quarter, a concession stand that said they were out too started bringing hot dogs from the back. During the entire ordeal, no Pelican employee was very helpful, When they were out of the Cheetos popcorn that was part of the party pack, they would not substitute plain popcorn in its place.
