Fansided

Power Rankings: NBA Arenas

By Luke Dahlgren

Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Fans arrive outside prior to tip off of a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Fans arrive outside prior to tip off of a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

#26 – Smoothie King Center – New Orleans Pelicans

The Name: Whoooo boy. In stark contrast to Sleep Train, I could see the executives at Smoothie King setting their sights on stadium naming rights. I could even see them pitching the “Smoothie King FroYo Free Throw Fieldhouse”. This stadium name is the strongest argument against free market capitalism since Karl Marx. 0/10

The Aesthetics: For a city known for its bright, flamboyant personality, it’s strange that the Pelicans chose to emphasize the most boring color in professional sports, the overused navy blue. The court tends to be heavy on the navy, unfortunately. Otherwise, the visual experience of the game is functional without being notable.

The Experience: I will quote my friend Chris, who attended the Pelicans’ 123-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 25th:

"I went to one of the bars inside the arena before the opening tip, and when I asked the bartender what they could make, she said ‘anything’. I asked for a Jameson & ginger. She said ‘We don’t have Jameson.’ I ask for a Jack & ginger. ‘We don’t have ginger ale’. Not only did she lie about having everything, she let me order a drink with ginger ale twice. I finally acquiesced and got a Jack & Coke"

This is everything you need to know.

Overview: This arena gives off the vibe that it wants you to buy as much as possible.

Next: #25

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