Game On: A Sports Fan’s Guide to New Orleans
For sports fans, the Big Easy delivers a one-of-a-kind experience where renowned teams, iconic venues and local pride come together.
For sports fans, the Big Easy delivers a one-of-a-kind experience where renowned teams, iconic venues and local pride come together.
New Orleans is a city that 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 sports are a tenured facet of the city's culture.
Iconic Stadiums & Arenas
At the heart of New Orleans’s sports scene stands the color-drenched 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.
Just a short walk away is Smoothie King Center, 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.
Legendary Sports Bars & Game-Day Hangouts
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 Cooter Brown’s Tavern are staples for Saints, Pelicans and college football crowds. Expect packed houses, passionate fans and friendly conversations at these joints.
The New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Saints
The LSU Tigers
Tailgating at Louisiana State University
Championship Golf Courses & 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, provide scenic, accessible options right in the city, allowing travelers to enjoy Louisiana’s natural beauty without leaving New Orleans behind.
College Sports & Year-Round Action
Beyond the pros, New Orleans is deeply connected to college sports. From LSU fandom to major bowl games hosted at the Superdome, the city regularly becomes a national hub for college football. Basketball tournaments, baseball classics and special sporting events fill the calendar year-round, too.
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 at large 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 Louisiana’s deep-rooted traditions, like tailgating. From LSU’s celebrated athletic history to statewide tributes honoring championship seasons, college athletics play a central role in Louisiana’s sports culture, too.
