What's the surrounding area like?

There's certainly no shortage of cool restaurants, bars and hotels near Smoothie King Center. Based in the city's Central Business District, the venue is walking distance from the French Quarter where you can head in search of live music and historic architecture. Alternatively, Champions Square is nearby. Here large video screens draw the crowds for pre- or post-game revelry.

Where are the best places to eat nearby?

Mother's

Word has it, this place serves the definitive version of the popular po' boys sandwich. We invite you to be the judge of that. Open since the 1940s, the casual eatery fills plates with hearty portions of cheap eats, washed down with chicory-flavored coffee. If visiting at the weekend, come prepared to queue around the block.

Walk-On's

Fancy a sports bar close to the center? Walk-On's is the place to go for a quick bite and a pitcher of cold beer. TVs blast sports games from all angles including outside on the terraced balcony.

Horinoya

This Japanese restaurant slices up the finest sushi and sashimi. Each bite contains only the freshest fish and can be enjoyed with authentic sake. If in doubt over what to order from the colorful menu, ask one of the friendly staff.

Which are the best bars?

The Sazerac Bar

If it's a touch of glamor you're after, seek out this New Orleans institution in The Roosevelt Hotel. Art Deco murals are combined with an elegant wooden bar where the city's best dressed sip the signature Sazerac cocktail of six-year rye whiskey with Peychaud's bitters and sugar.

21st Amendment

This intimate bar is certainly worth seeking out. Pictures of infamous mobsters line the walls, while cocktails are hand-crafted using homemade syrups, infused spirits and locally grown herbs. Guessed the theme? Yep, the joint pays tribute to the Prohibition era. There's live music too, including a jazz quartet that rocks up every so often.

What other events happen in New Orleans?

This city loves its festivals.

Of course there are the colorful parades of Mardi Gras, which fill the streets in February each year. Jazz Fest is another big one. Here, a spree of live music is performed over three stages, surrounded by crowds scooping up local snacks like crawfish and fried chicken, as the May sunshine warms their back. Check out these other festivals, too.

Any other advice for visitors?

New Orleans is a great city to cycle around - it's flat, compact and you can cross it in 45 minutes.

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What's the best way to get to Smoothie King Center?

The center is located in the central business district, so it's pretty easy to reach by public transport. Take one of the several bus lines and get off at the stop on Poydras Street across from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at Gate A.

If hitting the road by car, plan your route here.

Is there WiFi?

Yep and it's free so you can get your Candy Crush fix on the move.

What time do doors normally open?

It varies so the best option is to check for your particular event.

What's the food and drink like?

There's a range of snacks including New Orleans favorites like red beans and rice, shrimp po' boys (the famous New Orleans sandwich) and catfish platters. There's also your good old-fashioned pizza, popcorn and pretzels.

The drink choice isn't bad either. Daiquiris, craft beers and cocktails all feature on the menu. Prices are fairly standard - expect to pay around $8-$10 for a beer. Figure out your options here for 100 level and here for 300 level.

Is there parking?

Yep. There's a total of seven garages and two surface lots, though these might not all be open on the day so it's worth leaving extra time to allow for driving around. Rates vary but it's likely you'll pay around $15 or more. Be sure to bring cash because lots don't take plastic.

Here's a parking lot map.

Any other information visitors should know?

We'd recommend bringing a jumper or jacket - visitors are often surprised by how chilly they get sitting for an evening in one of the top rows.