New Orleans Arena Bag Policy

So, you’re heading to the Smoothie King Center to watch the Pelicans or catch a concert. You’ve got your ticket, your lucky socks, and a burning desire to smuggle in a sandwich. Slow your roll. Before you step through those doors, you need to understand the New Orleans Arena bag policy. It’s not exactly a constitutional amendment, but ignoring it will turn you into a very disappointed human holding a very large purse.

The rule is brutal, but simple: clear bags only. Think of it as a fashion mandate from a very paranoid, yet security-conscious, dictator. Your bag must be plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and it cannot exceed 14” x 14” x 6”. That’s roughly the size of a small, sad cat—or a decent loaf of French bread.

If you show up with your favorite leather tote, security will give you a look that says, “I’m sorry, ma’am, but that is a weapon.” They’re not joking. You will be forced to either throw your beloved bag in the trash or walk it all the way back to your car, cursing the day you decided to carry a clutch.

Here’s a surprising fact that will blow your mind: medical and diaper bags get a special pass. Yes, the arena has a heart. If you need a bag for medication or a baby, you can bring a non-clear bag, but it will be thoroughly searched. They will look inside that thing like they’re searching for a lost city of gold. Be prepared.

What You Can Actually Bring (And What Will Get You Ejected)

Let’s talk pockets. You are legally allowed to bring a small clutch that is no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”. That’s about the size of a checkbook or a giant phone. Forget about bringing a banana for scale; you’ll need a banana for comparison to see if your wallet fits the rules. Spoiler: it probably doesn’t.

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Now, for the real heartbreaker: you cannot bring a water bottle. Not an empty one. Not a sealed one. Not even a sacred, sparkling one from the holy spring of Evian. They will make you toss it. The logic is baffling, like telling a marathon runner they can’t have a sip. Instead, prepare to pay $8 for a Dasani that tastes like it filtered through a gym floor.

But wait—there is a loophole. You can bring in an empty, clear, plastic water bottle, as long as it’s a factory-sealed one you just bought. Actually, no, scratch that. Even that might get flagged. The policy is simpler: just assume any liquid is contraband unless it’s inside your stomach. Show up pre-hydrated like a camel.

The Weird Exceptions That Make You Question Reality

Believe it or not, you are allowed to bring in a small camera, binoculars, and a smartphone. But hold on—no detachable lenses. If your camera looks like it can spy on the moon, it’s staying outside. And selfie sticks? Absolutely forbidden. The arena considers them a bludgeoning weapon, which, honestly, is fair given how some people swing them at concerts.

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Another shocker: you can bring a sealed, factory-wrapped tampon or pad, but not a sandwich. The arena has decided that feminine hygiene is fine, but a turkey and swiss is a threat to national security. This is New Orleans logic, and you just have to roll with it.

And here’s a kicker for the smokers: no vapes or e-cigarettes are allowed inside. Zero. Zip. So if you were planning to discreetly hit your Juul during a timeout, forget it. You’ll be escorted out faster than you can say “clouds of shame.”

How to Not Get Humiliated at the Door

The single best advice is to empty your pockets completely before you even reach the line. Put your keys, phone, wallet, and loose change into a clear bag or the provided bins. If you walk through the metal detector with a single penny in your pocket, the machine will scream like a banshee, and a guard will pat you down like you’re smuggling the Declaration of Independence.

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Another pro tip: wear shoes with minimal metal. Don’t show up in steel-toed boots or cowboy spurs. The detectors hate those. I once saw a woman trigger the alarm because of a reinforced underwire in her bra. She was very embarrassed. The security guard was very professional. It was a strange, silent ballet.

Finally, arrive early. The line to enter can stretch around the block, especially if a big game or a popular concert is happening. There is nothing worse than standing in the heat, watching a family argue over whether a fanny pack is clear or not. Spare yourself. Be the person who breezes through with a ziplock bag full of confidence.

So there you have it: the New Orleans Arena bag policy in all its chaotic glory. It’s a system designed to keep you safe, but also to make you question your life choices. Embrace it. Bring a clear bag, wear cargo pants with giant pockets, and leave your sandwich in the car. Your stomach will survive. Your dignity might not.