![\"Artists](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/HSZSKOWRCNCO7NGNXTFLTWMM5M.png\")
Artists renderings provided by Gensler and Eskew Dumez Ripple+ show some of the renovations being proposed for the next major facelift of the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.(Gensler and Eskew Dumez Ripple+)Resident reactions<\/p>\nNEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The home of the New Orleans Pelicans and many high-profile concerts might receive a renovation costing hundreds of millions of dollars.<\/p>\n
The Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, manager of the Smoothie King Center, released artist renderings of the arena\u2019s master plan and proposed renovations. The state owns the arena and the Pelicans lease the venue.<\/p>\n
LSED chairman Rob Vosbein said that, if approved, more than 2,100 lower-level seats would be added, creating a more intimate, up-close experience for Pelicans games and concerts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Smoothie King Center will have changes throughout the building, making it meet some of the NBA standards and enhancements for concerts,\u201d Vosbein said.<\/p>\n
Proposed upgrades<\/p>\n
The proposed upgrades include a rooftop terrace and new fan plaza with access to a nearby parking garage.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of those seats that are up either at the top or in the clubs will have lounges that will be a little bit nicer than they were,\u201d Vosbein said. \u201cSome of them will have glass views in and out of the stadium. You\u2019ll have more of them throughout the facility.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vosbein said upgrades to the locker rooms and behind the scenes spaces will help keep New Orleans competitive.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to compete, of course, for the best concerts, comedy shows and all other events that go into the arena,\u201d Vosbein said.<\/p>\n
If approved, it would be the most extensive renovation project since the venue opened in 1999.<\/p>\n
Artists renderings provided by Gensler and Eskew Dumez Ripple+ show some of the renovations being proposed for the next major facelift of the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.(Gensler and Eskew Dumez Ripple+)Resident reactions<\/p>\n
Kinzie Faulk said the upgrades would make things better.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would make things a little bit better, because people come for attractions and that will bring them in,\u201d Faulk said.<\/p>\n
Germerrion Reese said, \u201cIt\u2019s exciting that we\u2019re getting updates to our city. This is like one of the main things in our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alison Meader Perry said she\u2019s unsure if \u201cThe Blender\u201d needs renovations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought it was great for Pelicans games. But if they want to add to it, super,\u201d Perry said. \u201cI hope more people can enjoy indoors or outdoors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Super Bowl hopes<\/p>\n
Vosbein said upgrades to the Smoothie King Center and surrounding area might help attract another Super Bowl.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019d like us, as a city, to improve the surrounding campus,\u201d Vosbein said. \u201cThere are lots of events that go with the Super Bowl with the days leading up to that. The NFL would like to see more function and a little bit nicer green space. All of this plays right into that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vosbein said renovations could cost hundreds of millions of dollars. He said the Pelicans and state likely would fund the project through a public-private partnership. The deal likely hinges on the Pelicans signing a lease extension.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no timeline on when construction might begin.<\/p>\n
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