Sports Fan’s Guide to New Orleans

At a Glance

• Catch professional sports in the heart of New Orleans at Caesars Superdome (for the NFL's New Orleans Saints) and Smoothie King Center (for the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans).
• Explore nearby restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions before or after the game.
• Watch the action with local fans at sports bars like Walk-On’s, Manning’s, Tracey’s and The Jimani.
• Tee off at New Orleans golf favorites, including TPC Louisiana and Audubon Park Golf Course.

New Orleans lives loudly, and that passion extends far beyond music and Mardi Gras. Whether you’re planning a trip around a Saints game, catching NBA action or teeing off on championship golf courses, you’ll find that we take sports just as seriously as we take our food.

Iconic Stadiums and Arenas in New Orleans

Caesars Superdome

At the heart of New Orleans’ sports scene stands the Caesars Superdome, one of the most recognizable stadiums in the world. Home of the New Orleans Saints, the Superdome has hosted Super Bowls, college football championships and major concerts. Even on non-game days, the area buzzes with energy.

What to Do Nearby: Magazine Street’s antiques shops, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants are an easy 1-mile walk from the stadium. Stop at local gift shops like Fleurty Girl, or browse secondhand books at Beckham’s BookShop. Taste America’s first cocktail at the Sazerac House, where you can also take a complimentary tour of their distillery. Got kiddos? Dave & Buster’s New Orleans, home to tons of arcade games and billiards, is right next door.

Post-Game Hangouts: After a game, you’ll hear chants of “Who Dat!” and see celebratory second lines throughout the city, but the biggest party is usually found at Champions Square, a massive outdoor plaza just outside the stadium. Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant is a laid-back local spot for tacos, margaritas and the infamous scorpion shot, and Cajun Mike’s Pub & Grub is another rowdy neighborhood favorite, serving unpretentious New Orleans fare, from boudin balls and jalapeno poppers to muffalettas and po’boys.

Nearby Hotels: The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is the closest hotel to both Caesars Superdome and the Smoothie King Center, offering both luxury and convenience within walking distance. Both Virgin Hotels New Orleans and The Troubador are also great luxury options nearby.

Smoothie King Center

Smoothie King Center is home to the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. The arena offers an electric game-day atmosphere and ranks among the league’s most fan-friendly venues. Whether you’re attending a rivalry matchup or a nationally televised game, Pelicans games are a must for basketball fans visiting the city.

What to Do Nearby: Before tip-off, take a tour of the Crescent City to learn more about its history and culture. Pirates of the Quarter Tours offers swashbuckling tales of high-seas adventure, and Witches Brew Tours shares stories of New Orleans’ spooky side.

Post-Game Hangouts: Cooter Brown’s is nearly universally acknowledged as one of the best places to grab a beer after a Pels game. The Rusty Nail is another great spot, with a cozy beer garden and plenty of screens.

Nearby Hotels: The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is the closest hotel to both Caesars Superdome and the Smoothie King Center, offering both luxury and convenience within walking distance. The Barnett is a trendy, laid-back option with a pool and rooftop bar. 

Legendary Sports Bars in New Orleans

Serious fans know that choosing a sports bar with energy, flavor and a spirit of camaraderie makes all the difference. 

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, founded by former LSU basketball players Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, is a fan favorite with massive screens and an elevated bar that rivals stadium seats. Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill, brainchild of inimitable New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning, is steps from the Superdome and celebrates Louisiana sports heritage with memorabilia, classic Southern dishes and wall-to-wall screens.

For a more local feel, Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar and The Jimani are staples for Saints, Pelicans and college football crowds. Expect packed houses, passionate fans and friendly conversations at these joints.

Championship Golf Courses and Outdoor Sports

New Orleans also delivers for fans who like to play as much as they watch. The region is home to several top-tier golf courses, including TPC Louisiana, host of the PGA TOUR’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The course offers a championship-level experience just minutes from downtown, making it easy to pair a morning tee time with an afternoon game.

Other standout courses, like Audubon Park Golf Course, offer scenic, accessible options right in the city, allowing travelers to enjoy Louisiana’s natural beauty without leaving New Orleans.

College Sports and Year-Round Action

Beyond the pros, New Orleans is deeply connected to college sports. The city regularly becomes a national hub for college football, with major bowl games hosted at the Superdome. Basketball tournaments, baseball classics and other college sporting events round out the calendar.

Beyond the Big Easy: Sports Experiences Across Louisiana

New Orleans may be the heartbeat of Louisiana sports culture, but fans willing to explore the state will find unforgettable athletes, historic moments and immersive sports attractions. 

A must-see for any serious sports fan is the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches. Interactive exhibits and compelling storytelling bring the state’s athletic legacy to life at this nationally recognized museum that celebrates iconic Louisiana players, coaches and teams across football, basketball, baseball, golf and boxing. 

College sports fans can also dive into deep-rooted Louisiana traditions like tailgating. From LSU’s celebrated athletic history to statewide tributes honoring championship seasons, college athletics also play a central role in Louisiana’s sports culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch professional sports in New Orleans?

The New Orleans Saints play NFL football at Caesars Superdome, and the New Orleans Pelicans play NBA basketball at Smoothie King Center, both located in downtown New Orleans within walking distance of each other.

What hotels are closest to Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center?

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is the closest hotel to both venues. Virgin Hotels New Orleans, The Troubador and The Barnett are also nearby luxury and boutique options.

What are the best sports bars in New Orleans?

Top sports bars include Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, founded by former LSU basketball players; Manning's Sports Bar & Grill, owned by the Manning football family; and neighborhood favorites Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar and The Jimani. Cooter Brown's and The Rusty Nail are popular spots near Smoothie King Center after Pelicans games.

Can you golf in New Orleans?

Yes — New Orleans is home to several top-tier golf courses, including TPC Louisiana, which hosts the PGA TOUR's Zurich Classic of New Orleans, and Audubon Park Golf Course, a scenic option located within the city.

Does New Orleans host college sports?

Yes, New Orleans is a major hub for college sports, hosting major bowl games and championship events at Caesars Superdome. The city also has strong ties to LSU fandom and statewide college football traditions, including tailgating.