Smoothie King Center Bag Policy Guide
Attending a New Orleans Pelicans game or a major concert at "The Blender" is an exciting experience, but getting stopped at security can instantly ruin the night. The Smoothie King Center maintains a strict security protocol to ensure fan safety and keep gate lines moving. Many guests arrive assuming their standard purse or clear backpack is permitted, only to be turned away at the doors.
Before you pack for your event, you need to know the safest way to enter. The safest bag choice for the Smoothie King Center is a 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote or a tiny 4.5" x 6.5" clutch. A clear bag is not officially required if your non-clear purse fits the strict clutch dimensions, but all backpacks (including clear ones) are entirely prohibited. If event-specific rules are unclear, default to the small clutch to guarantee a smooth entry.
Policy Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
The Smoothie King Center enforces strict size limits on all bags, prioritizing tiny clutches and standard clear totes while completely banning backpacks.
Official Source Verification
Bag policies can change by venue, event, season, or security team. BagPolicyGuide checks the latest available official source before publishing each guide.
How We Check This Policy
At BagPolicyGuide.com, we prioritize official venue and team documentation to provide the most accurate information. We separate confirmed venue rules from event-specific variations, such as strict concert tour mandates. For the Smoothie King Center, we rely on ASM Global security standards and NBA regulations for the New Orleans Pelicans to ensure fans are prepared for any event.
Official Bag Policy Overview
The official policy at Smoothie King Center is designed to minimize wait times at the gates. The venue permits clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12".
If you prefer a non-clear bag, it must be significantly smaller-roughly the size of a hand (4.5" x 6.5"). Crucially, the venue enforces a total ban on backpacks. This includes clear backpacks and "mini" backpacks, which are sometimes permitted at other arenas but will be firmly rejected here. For a broader look at how these rules compare nationwide, you can review our clear bag policy overview.
What Makes This Bag Policy Different
The most significant point of confusion at the Smoothie King Center is the backpack restriction. Many fans assume that if a backpack is clear, it is automatically allowed. At this venue, that is incorrect. Even clear backpacks are prohibited.
Additionally, because the venue shares a complex with the Caesars Superdome and Champions Square, security protocols may feel more intense during "double-header" days or major downtown events. Always expect a rigorous screening of any bag that is not clear.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
Clear Bags
Clear totes must be made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC and cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12". A standard one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc style) is also an acceptable alternative if you do not have a stadium tote.
Small Clutches and Wallets
Non-clear bags, such as small purses, clutches, or wristlets, are permitted as long as they are 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. These are subject to search but do not have to be transparent.
Backpacks, Purses, and Crossbody Bags
- Backpacks: All types are prohibited. This includes clear backpacks, drawstring bags, and mini backpacks.
- Purses/Crossbody: Allowed only if they meet the strict 4.5" x 6.5" size limit or if they are entirely clear and within the 12" x 6" x 12" limit.
Diaper Bags, Medical Bags, and ADA Exceptions
The Smoothie King Center is ADA-compliant. Medical bag exceptions and diaper bags (for guests attending with infants) are permitted. These bags do not necessarily have to be clear, but they must be inspected and usually receive a "security-cleared" tag or ribbon at a designated entry lane. Inform security immediately if you are carrying essential medical equipment like a breast pump or insulin.
Prohibited Bags and Items
The following items are strictly prohibited inside the arena. Bringing them will result in being asked to return them to your vehicle or rent a locker.
- Any bag larger than 12" x 6" x 12"
- Backpacks of any kind (including clear, drawstring, and mini)
- Briefcases and luggage
- Professional cameras (lenses longer than 3 inches)
- GoPros and video recorders
- Selfie sticks and tablets (iPads)
- Outside food and beverages
- Coolers or thermoses
How Security Screening Works
Upon arrival at the Smoothie King Center gates, you will pass through walk-through metal detectors.
- No Bag Lanes: If you have no bag and only carry items in your pockets, look for designated express lanes which move much faster.
- Visual Inspection: Security personnel will perform a visual check of all clear bags.
- Secondary Screening: Medical and diaper bags will require a more thorough manual search.
- Rejection Plan: If your bag is rejected, the venue typically utilizes Binbox lockers located outside the venue. These usually cost $10-$15 and are payable via a mobile app.
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
To bypass security friction, follow a modular packing approach.
First, use a 4.5" x 6.5" clutch for your absolute essentials: your phone, ID, and credit cards. Place this small clutch inside a 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote. You can use the remaining space in the clear tote for larger permitted items, like a thin rain poncho or earplugs.
If a specific high-security concert implements a rare "No Bag" rule, you can easily pull your 4.5" x 6.5" clutch out, put your empty clear tote in your pocket or a locker, and still enter the building with your valuables. Before you reach the metal detector, place your keys inside your clear bag to avoid fumbling and holding up the line.
Security Check Anxiety Tips
Walking up to arena security can be stressful, especially in large crowds.
- Arrive Early: For Pelicans games, try to arrive 45 minutes before tip-off. For concerts, 60 to 90 minutes is safer, especially if you want to buy merchandise early.
- The Hand Test: If your non-clear purse is larger than your hand, it is likely too big. Check it against the size-limit signage posted around the plaza before joining the long queue.
- Gate Check: If you are unsure about your bag, ask a guest services staff member near the plaza for a "size check" before you commit to a line.
- Digital Prep: Mobile signal can be very weak near the Superdome complex. Screenshot your digital tickets and the bag policy details before you arrive at the venue.
Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyGuide
Use these practical tips to navigate the Smoothie King Center gates smoothly, avoid bag rejection, and reduce your pre-event stress.
- Screenshot your tickets before arriving. Mobile signal often drops in high-crowd areas in downtown New Orleans. This avoids being stuck at the gate unable to pull up your digital QR code.
- Check for Binbox locker locations. If your bag is rejected, these lockers are your only option other than walking back to your car. This prevents you from losing your spot in line or missing the start of the event.
- Empty your pockets into your clear bag early. It speeds up the metal detector process significantly. This avoids triggering multiple alarms and requiring a manual pat-down.
- Measure your non-clear bag at home. Security is strict on the 4.5" x 6.5" rule. This ensures you aren't turned away for a purse that is only an inch too large.
- Leave professional camera lenses behind. Security at SKC is strict about lenses over 3 inches. This avoids having to return to your car or pay for a locker for your expensive camera gear.
- Use the No-Bag lane if possible. If everything fits in your pockets, skip the bag check lines. This drastically reduces your wait time during sold-out Pelicans games.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
Whether you are heading to a basketball game or a sold-out stadium tour, packing smart makes a big difference. For more details on varying event rules, read our concert bag policies overview.
- Weather Prep: New Orleans humidity and sudden rain showers are common. A 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote can hold a thin poncho, which is easier than carrying one by hand while waiting on the plaza.
- Merchandise: If you plan on buying tour shirts, a clear tote provides a place to store them so you aren't holding them during the entire show.
- NBA Games: Security for Pelicans games is highly efficient but strict on bag sizes to keep the entry flow moving for thousands of fans arriving simultaneously. Stick to the exact limits.
Before You Go Checklist
- [ ] Bag is clear and 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller.
- [ ] Non-clear clutch is 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller.
- [ ] No backpacks (even clear ones).
- [ ] No professional cameras or long lenses.
- [ ] No outside food or water.
- [ ] Tickets are screenshotted or saved in your mobile wallet.
- [ ] Pockets are clear of prohibited items (pocket knives, pepper spray, etc.).
- [ ] You have downloaded the Binbox app just in case a locker is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Smoothie King Center require clear bags?
No, but any non-clear bag must be very small (4.5" x 6.5"). Clear bags are permitted up to 12" x 6" x 12".
Are backpacks allowed at Smoothie King Center?
No. All backpacks are prohibited, regardless of their size or transparency. This includes clear backpacks and mini fashion backpacks.
What is the purse size limit for the Pelicans?
For New Orleans Pelicans games, non-clear purses must be 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller.
Are diaper bags allowed?
Yes, diaper bag rules allow bags for guests arriving with infants. These are permitted but must be searched and tagged at the security gate.
Can I bring a camera to Smoothie King Center?
Small consumer point-and-shoot cameras are allowed, but professional cameras with detachable lenses or lenses longer than 3 inches are prohibited.
Are there lockers at the Smoothie King Center?
Yes, third-party mobile lockers (Binbox) are typically available outside the venue for a fee if your bag is rejected.
Can I bring a water bottle?
No outside food or beverages are permitted inside the arena.
Are medical bags an exception?
Yes, medical bags are permitted after a thorough inspection at a designated security lane. Inform staff immediately if you are carrying medical supplies.
Conclusion
The Smoothie King Center bag policy focuses heavily on speed and safety, operating similar to a standard stadium bag policy. By choosing a 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote or a tiny 4.5" x 6.5" clutch, you can bypass the frustration of being turned away at the gate. Remember that backpacks are a strict "no-go" for all fans, and always verify your specific event ticket for any additional tour-mandated restrictions before you head to the arena.
Bag policies can change by event, venue, season, and security team. Always confirm the latest rules on the official venue, park, team, festival, organizer, or event website before you leave. Information is checked for 2026 where available, but official sources should always be treated as the final authority.
