Top Sports Venues in New Orleans: Must-Visit Locations

New Orleans is celebrated for its extraordinary culture, delectable cuisine, and profound enthusiasm for sports. The Big Easy boasts some of the nation’s most iconic sports teams and venues, drawing fans from near and far to witness the electrifying atmosphere and rich sporting legacy. From the thunderous roar of the Superdome to the intimate charm of minor league ballparks, New Orleans offers a variety of must-visit locations for any sports enthusiast.

TL;DR

• New Orleans hosts numerous world-class sports venues that stage major events year-round
• These venues offer unique gameday experiences that showcase the city’s passionate sports culture
• Visiting these iconic sports landmarks is an essential activity for any fan traveling to New Orleans

Caesars Superdome

The crown jewel of New Orleans sports venues is undoubtedly the Caesars Superdome, home to the beloved New Orleans Saints NFL team. This massive 76,000-seat stadium has hosted an impressive seven Super Bowls, more than any other venue, as well as numerous NCAA Final Fours, college football championship games, and other major events.

The Superdome is known for its unique design, with a 273-foot dome roof that has become a defining feature of the New Orleans skyline. But what really sets the Superdome apart is the absolutely electric atmosphere on gameday. When the Saints take the field, the dome erupts with energy as the team’s passionate fanbase, often decked out in black and gold, creates one of the loudest and most intimidating environments in the NFL.

Beyond football, the Superdome has also hosted major concerts, wrestling events, and even a papal visit from Pope John Paul II in 1987. It’s a venue deeply ingrained in the fabric of New Orleans culture and history.

Superdome Renovations and Upgrades

In recent years, the Superdome has undergone significant renovations to enhance the fan experience and maintain its status as a world-class venue. A $450 million renovation project completed in 2011 upgraded the stadium’s seating, concourses, concessions, and technology infrastructure.

Most recently in 2021, a new $450 million naming rights deal with Caesars Entertainment ushered in another round of improvements, including new videoboards, upgraded suites and club spaces, and revamped concessions showcasing local cuisine. These ongoing investments ensure the Superdome remains a top destination for major events for years to come.

Smoothie King Center

Just steps away from the Superdome is the Smoothie King Center, home arena for the New Orleans Pelicans NBA team. Opened in 1999, this modern 17,000-seat facility offers a more intimate setting to catch some exciting pro basketball action.

The Smoothie King Center is packed with state-of-the-art amenities and premium seating options, including luxury suites, club seats, and the Courtside Club, which offers exclusive access and upscale dining. The arena’s sleek design and glass exterior also provide an abundance of natural light, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere compared to many other indoor venues.

In addition to Pelicans games, the Smoothie King Center hosts a variety of other sporting events throughout the year, including college basketball, gymnastics meets, and high-profile boxing and MMA cards. The venue is also a popular destination for major concerts and shows when the Pelicans aren’t in town.

Smoothie King Center Gameday Experience

The Pelicans gameday experience at the Smoothie King Center is all about engaging fans and providing non-stop entertainment. The arena features an impressive center-hung HD videoboard, delivering crystal-clear replays and game stats, as well as a booming sound system that keeps the energy high all game long.

The Pelicans also incorporate a variety of interactive fan elements, such as the “Dance Cam,” “Smoothie Slinger” t-shirt toss, and the always-popular mascot performances from Pierre the Pelican. Halftime often showcases amazing acrobatic dunkers or local youth teams, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

For pregame fun, fans can check out the Pelicans Playground, an interactive kids’ zone with basketball hoops, face painting, and games. The Smoothie King Center also offers a wide selection of concessions, including local favorites like jambalaya and po’ boys alongside classic arena fare.

Shrine on Airline

For a more laid-back and affordable sports experience, head out to the Shrine on Airline, the cozy 10,000-seat home of the New Orleans Baby Cakes minor league baseball team. Located just 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans in nearby Metairie, this intimate ballpark offers a family-friendly atmosphere, cheap tickets, and all the classic charms of America’s pastime.

While the Baby Cakes are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, the Shrine on Airline experience is all about the local flavor. The stadium is known for its unique and delicious food offerings, such as alligator sausage po’ boys, crawfish nachos, and the famous “Cakes Burger,” a half-pound behemoth topped with bacon and cheese.

Between innings, fans are treated to a variety of quirky entertainment, like mascot races, trivia contests, and the always-hilarious “Dad Bod Cam.” Kids will love the playground area and post-game opportunities to run the bases, while adults can enjoy local draft beers in the outfield beer garden.

Shrine on Airline Promotions and Special Events

The Baby Cakes host a variety of special promotions and themed nights throughout the season to keep things interesting. Friday home games feature post-game fireworks shows, while Sundays are “Family Day” with pregame autograph sessions and kids’ activities.

The team also stages several annual events that draw big crowds, such as the Independence Day Celebration with patriotic jerseys and a massive fireworks display, or the fan-favorite “Bark in the Park” games where fans can bring their dogs to the stadium. With cheap tickets and a packed promotional schedule, Baby Cakes games at the Shrine are a perfect affordable outing.

Yulman Stadium

For college football fans, Yulman Stadium is a must-visit destination to catch the Tulane University Green Wave in action. This intimate 30,000-seat on-campus facility opened in 2014, bringing Green Wave football back to its Uptown New Orleans home after decades in the cavernous Superdome.

Yulman offers excellent sightlines from every seat and is designed to maximize crowd noise, giving Tulane a true homefield advantage. The stadium’s modern amenities include a 94-foot HD videoboard, premium club seating, and a picturesque roof deck overlooking the field and New Orleans skyline.

But Yulman is more than just a football venue – it serves as a hub for the entire Tulane community. The stadium hosts various campus events throughout the year and has become a centerpiece of university life and pride.

Yulman Stadium Tailgating and Traditions

No college gameday is complete without tailgating, and Yulman Stadium offers one of the most unique and vibrant tailgating scenes in the country. Fans gather on the Berger Family Lawn and Bea Field, a pair of greenspaces flanking the stadium, to enjoy classic New Orleans cuisine, live music, and the festive atmosphere.

Tulane’s tailgating flavor is distinctly New Orleans, with local delicacies like jambalaya, red beans and rice, and cochon de lait po’ boys fueling the revelry. The marching band, cheer squad, and Tulane mascot Riptide make appearances to hype up the crowd as kickoff approaches.

Inside the stadium, Tulane fans keep the energy high with unique chants and rituals. After each Green Wave score, the crowd belts out a rollicking rendition of “The Hullabaloo,” a century-old Tulane fight song. It’s a tradition that perfectly captures the joyful spirit of New Orleans sports.

Tad Gormley Stadium

For a taste of old-school New Orleans sports history, pay a visit to Tad Gormley Stadium in beautiful City Park. This multi-purpose outdoor stadium was built in 1937 and has been a fixture of the local sports scene for generations, hosting everything from high school football games and track meets to rugby matches and concerts.

With a seating capacity of 26,500, Tad Gormley is an intimate venue that puts fans right on top of the action. The stadium has an old-fashioned charm, with its concrete grandstands and brick facade, but has undergone several renovations over the years to maintain its classic look while providing modern amenities.

Attending an event at Tad Gormley is like taking a step back in time to a simpler era of sports. Grab a bag of peanuts, find a spot in the bleachers, and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere as local athletes compete on the historic field.

Tad Gormley Stadium’s Significance in Local Sports

Beyond hosting events, Tad Gormley Stadium has played a vital role in nurturing New Orleans’ rich athletic heritage. The stadium has been the site of numerous city, state, and regional championships over the years, showcasing the best young talent in Louisiana.

Many local sports legends got their start competing at Tad Gormley, including NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk and nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis. In a city that lives and breathes sports, Tad Gormley Stadium has been a cornerstone of the community for over 80 years.

The stadium is also home to the annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Prep Classic, a premier high school football event featuring top teams from Louisiana and around the Southeast. With its storied history and ongoing role in local athletics, Tad Gormley Stadium remains a beloved landmark of the New Orleans sports scene.

Venue Information:Caesars Superdome

Address: 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans, LA 70112

Box Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm

Phone: (504) 587-3663

Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster or at the box office. Prices vary by event.

Smoothie King Center

Address: 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans, LA 70113

Box Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm

Phone: (504) 587-3663

Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster or at the box office. Prices vary by event.

Shrine on Airline (Baby Cakes)

Address: 6000 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003

Phone: (504) 734-5155

Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster or at the box office. General admission starts at $8.

Yulman Stadium (Tulane)

Address: 2900 Ben Weiner Dr, New Orleans, LA 70118

Phone: (504) 861-WAVE (9283)

Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster or the Tulane Athletics Ticket Office. Prices vary by game and seat location.

Tad Gormley Stadium

Address: 5400 Stadium Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 (City Park)

Phone: (504) 483-9376

Tickets: Prices and availability depend on the specific event. Check with event organizers for details.

From world-class venues hosting major pro sports to historic stadiums steeped in local lore, New Orleans boasts an incredible variety of sporting cathedrals for fans to experience. Each location offers its own unique gameday atmosphere and showcases the city’s deep love of sports. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun outing, these iconic New Orleans venues are must-visit destinations that will leave you with unforgettable memories.