Smoothie King Center Bag Policy 2026: Clear Bag Rules & Size Limits
Heading to a New Orleans Pelicans game or a concert at the Smoothie King Center? The arena enforces a strict clear bag policy for all events, and it catches first-timers off guard. This guide breaks down exactly which bags are allowed at the Smoothie King Center in 2026, the official size limits, and what to leave at home so you breeze through security.
Quick Answer
| Question | Policy Rule |
|---|---|
| Clear bags required? | Yes — all bags must be clear unless they are a small clutch |
| Max clear bag size | 14″ wide x 14″ high x 6″ deep |
| Gallon Ziploc bags | Allowed (limit 1 clear bag of either type per person) |
| Small clutch purses | Allowed up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ (no clear requirement) |
| Backpacks | Not allowed |
| Non-clear diaper bags | Not allowed |
| Medical bags | Allowed, subject to inspection at the gate |
| On-site bag storage | No lockers or bag check — bring a compliant bag or return it to your car |
Official Policy Verification & Source Check
- Official source: smoothiekingcenter.com — event details page, Clear Bag Policy section
- Source type: Official venue website (event page carrying the arena-wide clear bag policy)
- Last checked: October 16, 2026
- Confidence: High — the policy wording appears on the venue’s official site and is repeated consistently across Pelicans and concert event pages
- Conflicting figures note: Some third-party sites list different limits. Ticketmaster’s arena guide wording implies any bag up to 14″ x 14″ x 6″ is fine, but the official page says only clear bags are permitted — clear-only wins. One purse guide claims clutches up to 5″ x 9″ are allowed; the official page caps clutches at 4.5″ x 6.5″ — official wins. Another third-party page lists clear bags at 12″ x 12″ x 6″; the official figure is 14″ wide x 14″ high x 6″ deep — official wins.
How we check this policy: we read the Smoothie King Center’s own event pages directly, where the venue publishes its clear bag policy verbatim, and cross-check the figures against arena guides from Ticketmaster, ArenaCapacity, and The Stadium Reviews. Whenever a third-party number disagrees with the venue’s own page, the venue’s own number is the one we publish.
What Makes Smoothie King Center’s Bag Policy Different
The Smoothie King Center runs one of the stricter bag policies in the NBA. Many arenas allow small non-clear purses up to a certain size alongside clear bags, but New Orleans flips the rule: every bag is prohibited except clear vinyl bags and one tiny clutch exception. If it is not clear, it is not coming inside.
The non-clear diaper bag ban is the detail that trips up families the most. Some venues give diaper bags a pass, but the Smoothie King Center explicitly prohibits non-clear diaper bags. Parents need a clear diaper bag within the 14″ x 14″ x 6″ limit, which is easy to miss if you assume the usual family exception applies.
Compared with other NBA arenas, the allowed dimensions are actually generous — 14″ x 14″ x 6″ fits a full-size clear tote with room to spare. The trade-off is zero flexibility on the clear requirement. Fans coming from arenas with looser rules should double-check before they leave home.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
| Bag Type | Entry Status | Max Dimensions | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear vinyl bag | Allowed | 14″ W x 14″ H x 6″ D | Must be fully transparent; limit 1 of either clear bag type |
| Gallon-size Ziploc bag | Allowed | Gallon size | Limit 1 per person; counts as your one clear bag |
| Small clutch purse | Allowed | 4.5″ x 6.5″ | Only non-clear exception; must not exceed these exact dimensions |
| Clear diaper bag | Allowed | 14″ W x 14″ H x 6″ D | Must be clear; non-clear diaper bags are prohibited |
| Medical / ADA bags | Allowed | Subject to inspection | Screened at the gate; keep documentation handy |
| Backpacks / knapsacks | Not allowed | — | No exceptions, including clear backpacks above limits |
| Non-clear purses, totes, briefcases | Not allowed | — | Prohibited regardless of size, except the 4.5″ x 6.5″ clutch |
| Non-clear diaper bags | Not allowed | — | Explicitly prohibited on the official policy page |
Purses and Totes
Your everyday purse will not make it past the gate unless it is a clear bag within the 14″ x 14″ x 6″ limit or a small clutch measuring 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller. There is no middle ground for opaque bags at the Smoothie King Center.
The practical fix is simple: buy an inexpensive clear vinyl tote that meets the size limit and transfer your essentials into it. A clear tote also speeds up your screening because staff can see everything inside without digging.
The clutch exception is genuinely small — 4.5″ x 6.5″ is roughly the size of a large phone case. If your clutch is even slightly larger, leave it home and use a clear bag instead.
Diaper and Medical Bags
Non-clear diaper bags are explicitly banned at the Smoothie King Center, so parents must use a clear diaper bag that fits within the 14″ x 14″ x 6″ limit. Pack only what you need for the event to keep the bag compact and the inspection quick.
Medically necessary bags are permitted and screened at the gate. Arena practice allows medical and ADA-related bags after inspection, so arrive early and let the staff know you are carrying medical items.
Keep any documentation for medical devices or supplies easy to reach. A calm, organized approach at the inspection line makes the process fast for everyone.
What a Compliant Bag Looks Like
A compliant bag for the Smoothie King Center is a single clear vinyl tote up to 14″ wide, 14″ tall, and 6″ deep, with everything inside visible through the plastic. One-gallon Ziploc bags also qualify and are the easiest last-minute option.
If you prefer a non-clear option, a small clutch purse no bigger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ is the only choice. Measure it before you leave — clutches that look small are often larger than this limit.
Security Screening: How Entry Actually Works
Every guest passes through security screening before entering the Smoothie King Center. Fans with bags are directed to bag inspection lines, where staff visually check each bag and its contents before returning it to you.
Clear bags move through these lines noticeably faster because inspectors can see the contents without emptying the bag. This is the real payoff of following the clear bag rule: shorter lines and a quicker walk to your seat.
Arrive early for big games and concerts. Gates for Pelicans games open one hour before tip-off, and screening lines get long fast when thousands of fans arrive at once.
On-Site Bag Storage
The Smoothie King Center does not offer lockers or a bag check for oversized or prohibited bags. The venue’s own policy page lists no storage option, and arena guides confirm there is no bag check.
If you arrive with a non-compliant bag, your only option is to take it back to your car. That means a long walk back to the parking garage and a second trip through the lines, so check your bag before leaving home.
Your best backup plan is a gallon-size Ziploc bag in your pocket. If you forget your clear tote, you can transfer your essentials into the Ziploc and head back to the car with the rest.
Food, Beverage and Other Prohibited Items
Outside food and drink are prohibited at the Smoothie King Center. This includes sealed water bottles, cans, and containers of any kind, so plan to buy concessions inside the arena.
The Smoothie King Center is a cashless operation. Concessions, merchandise, and parking do not accept cash — bring a credit or debit card, or convert cash to a Mastercard at sections 108 and 310 inside the arena.
The prohibited items list is long, so read it before event day. The venue reserves the right to refuse any item its staff deems unsafe, and management’s call at the gate is final.
Prohibited Items
- Backpacks, knapsacks, and any non-clear bag over clutch size
- Non-clear diaper bags
- Outside food and drink, including cans, bottles, and sealed water bottles
- Weapons of any kind
- Fireworks and contraband
- Video cameras and cameras with lenses exceeding 6″
- Recording devices, including GoPros, Google Glass, and Spectacles
- Sticks, poles, and selfie sticks
- iPads and tablets
- Confetti, glitter, beach balls, and balloons
- Laser pointers and mace
- Artificial noisemakers, drones, and whistles
- Strollers
- Any other item deemed unacceptable by venue management
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
- Go clear and simple: a single clear vinyl tote within the 14″ x 14″ x 6″ limit is the fastest way through the inspection line.
- Keep it one bag: only one bag per person is allowed, so consolidate before you arrive rather than sorting at the gate.
- Pack flat and visible: arrange items so inspectors can see everything through the plastic without touching anything.
- Leave the big phone charger at home: non-essential electronics slow you down; bring only what you will actually use.
- Pre-game your payments: the arena is cashless, so make sure your card is on you and charged — a dead phone means no payment.
- Empty pockets early: keys, coins, and metal items can trigger secondary screening, so keep them together in your clear bag.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
Concert-goers: merch lines are cashless and long, so pack light and keep your card in the clutch-sized spot for quick access. A gallon Ziploc is ideal if you plan to buy a tour poster on the way out and need somewhere to keep it dry.
Pelicans fans: jerseys and foam gear go on your body, not in your bag. Use the clear tote for your phone, keys, wallet, and sunscreen if you parked in an open lot.
Families with kids: use a clear diaper bag within the size limit and pack only event-time supplies. Snacks for toddlers count as outside food, so plan around concessions or feed little ones before entry.
Business and suite guests: leave the laptop bag and briefcase at the hotel or office — non-clear bags of any size are prohibited. A clear tote carries your essentials just fine.
Before You Go Checklist
- Clear vinyl bag 14″ x 14″ x 6″ or smaller (or a gallon Ziploc as backup)
- Only one bag per person in your group
- Clutch purse measures 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller — measured, not eyeballed
- No backpacks, non-clear totes, or non-clear diaper bags
- No outside food, drinks, cans, or bottles
- Credit or debit card (the arena is cashless)
- Phone charged, tickets loaded, ID ready for alcohol purchases
- Medical bag documentation easy to reach if applicable
- Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before the event starts
FAQs
Can I bring a purse into the Smoothie King Center?
Only a clear purse within the 14″ x 14″ x 6″ limit, or a small clutch no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. Standard opaque purses and totes are prohibited regardless of size.
Are backpacks allowed at the Smoothie King Center?
No. Backpacks and knapsacks are not permitted inside the venue, even clear ones that exceed the size limit. Leave them in your car.
Can I bring a diaper bag?
Only if it is clear and within the 14″ x 14″ x 6″ limit. Non-clear diaper bags are explicitly prohibited, so parents should use a clear diaper bag.
Does the Smoothie King Center have lockers for bags?
No. The arena does not offer lockers or a bag check. If your bag does not meet the policy, you will need to return it to your vehicle before entering.
Is the Smoothie King Center cashless?
Yes. All concessions, merchandise, and parking are cashless. You can convert cash to a Mastercard at sections 108 and 310 inside the arena.
Can I bring outside food or water?
No. Outside food and drink — including sealed water bottles, cans, and containers — are prohibited. Plan to purchase food and drinks from arena concessions.
Related Bag Policies
- State Farm Arena Bag Policy Guide
- Little Caesars Arena Bag Policy Guide
- Prudential Center Bag Policy Guide
- Amerant Bank Arena Bag Policy Guide
Conclusion
The Smoothie King Center bag policy is strict but simple: bring a clear bag no larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″, a gallon Ziploc, or a clutch no bigger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ — and nothing else. With no lockers on site and a firm clear-only rule, choosing the right bag before you leave home is the difference between a smooth entry and a trip back to the car.
Double-check your bag size, leave the backpack behind, and remember the arena is cashless. Do that, and you will be through security and in your seat well before tip-off or the opening act.
