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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.
Had tickets on top row, the very top. Two out of three felt vertigo. We had to leave. Told the ushers but they wouldn’t do anything. The angle of those stairs was ridiculous. Shouldn’t even sell those sell those seats.
Had SOOO MUCH FUN at the Warriors vs Pelicans game. Part of my son’sbirthday gift. He really enjoyed it!! He had the opportunity to see Kevin Durant up close and personal. Great experience!! The food was EXCELLENT as well!!
The New Orleans Pelicans were unforgettable!!! The New Orleans Pelicans were unforgettable!!!
Pelicans Training Camp is always a big event in our family! The sign of a W season to come.
Looking forward to the season. The Smoothie King Center was electric and the players performed well. Great chemistry. Go Pels
The smaller crowd was good for me to bring my two year old and point out players and have him actually focus a little bit on the game!
Food is great, overall entertaining, also great staff!!
I enjoyed myself and I'm looking forward to this season, and hopefully the playoffs.
It's so great I would love to attend again some day
My kids had a blast as usual when we attend any Pelicans events.
I enjoy my time the team and the food . Hope 2 see u again soon
We enjoyed ourselves. Very glad to have Rajon Rondo as a Pelican! #TEAMRONDO!
Had a lot of fun at the open Pelican's Practice. They really got the fans excited. I brought my nephew and he loved every minute! Can't wait for the season to start!
It was a wonderful experience I had a blast. I just wish I could have gotten a souvenir I guess I was up to high 307 was my area lol.
Was looking forward to free throw shot but the line went on forever and my 3 year old wasn't able to stand in that long line. Disappointed but the game and snack box were great!
Excellent Game!. The players really worked hard for the win! My daughters got to meet the Pelicans cheerleaders. They were very kind to them!. They loved meeting them because they are cheerleaders also. Staff were very helpful! Great game experience.
This was a very good experience for my husband and me. This was our first NBA game and our first time in the Smoothie King Center. Orher than the parking, we had a very good experience.
Great game and the Pelicans front office did a good job of giving this good entertainment at halftime and during breaks.
Had a great time with the family. Enjoyed the game and the venue.
We had a most wonderful experience at the Smoothie King Center. It was Cousins first game with the Pelicans and it was a lot of fun. Our seats were fantastic. The large display board is incredible with all the stats clearly marked for both teams. A really wonderful venue to see basketball. I recommend it to everyone who loves not just basketball, but sports fans.
