Smoothie King Center Clear Bag Policy

Let’s talk about the Smoothie King Center’s clear bag policy—the NBA’s version of a fashion apocalypse for anyone who loves a good leather satchel. I’m here to deliver the good, the bad, and the incredibly transparent truth so you don’t end up crying into your jumbo soda at the gate.

What’s the big deal?

You cannot bring your regular purse, backpack, or diaper bag unless it’s clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”. This is the Pelicans’ way of saying, “We love security, but we also love seeing exactly what kind of snacks you’re smuggling.”

Think of it as the glass house of bag policies: you’ll see every gum wrapper, every lint ball, and maybe that sad, forgotten granola bar from 2019. It’s oddly freeing. You become a walking fishbowl of personal belongings.

The surprising truth about small clutches

Here’s the one soft spot in the rule: you can carry a small clutch that’s 4.5” x 6.5” or smaller—without it being clear. That’s basically the size of a wallet with ambitions of being a bag.

If your purse is bigger than a deck of cards but smaller than a loaf of bread, you’re good. But if it’s larger than the clutch limit, prepare for the walk of shame back to your car or the $10 locker rental outside.

Smoothie King Center Bag Policy (2026): Bag Size & Clear Bag Rules

What about medical or diaper bags?

If you have a medical necessity or a diaper bag for tiny humans, you get a free pass—but you’ll need to open it for inspection like you’re at airport security. The staff is nice, but they will peer into that bag with the intensity of a hawk spotting a field mouse.

One wild fact: the bag policy also applies to camera bags, so if you’re bringing a DSLR, it better be in a clear pouch or it’s a no-go. That’s the NBA’s way of saying, “Your memories can stay, but your camera bag can’t.”

Pro tip: become a clear bag connoisseur

You can buy clear tote bags for $5 online or at the arena store. They’re basically wearable Ziploc bags. But here’s the thing: they make you look like you’re on a mission to stockpile jellyfish. Own it.

Smoothie King Center Bag Policy (2026): Bag Size & Clear Bag Rules

My friend once brought a clear backpack filled with nothing but a bag of popcorn and a single sock “for emergencies.” The security guard laughed and waved him in. That’s the spirit—lean into the absurdity.

The final verdict (and a weird bonus fact)

The policy isn’t unique to New Orleans. The NBA and NFL have been using clear bag rules since 2013 to speed up entry. And get this: in studies, the policy cut gate delays by up to 40%. That means less time in line, more time watching Zion dunk on someone’s soul.

So here’s your game plan: grab a clear bag, stuff it with your phone, wallet, and a secret pouch of M&Ms, and own your aquatic-look. At the Smoothie King Center, you’re not just a fan—you’re a beautifully transparent, security-approved spectacle.