Drake is one of the biggest names in hip hop and his concerts are highly anticipated events that draw huge crowds. Fans in New Orleans were thrilled when it was announced that Drake would be bringing his tour to the Big Easy. But where exactly will the concert be held? Let’s take a look at the details of the upcoming Drake concert in New Orleans.
Where is the Drake Concert in New Orleans?
The Drake concert will be held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on October 15, 2023. The Smoothie King Center is located right in downtown New Orleans at 1501 Dave Dixon Drive.
Details About the Smoothie King Center
The Smoothie King Center is the premier indoor arena in New Orleans. Here are some key facts about this concert venue:
- Owned by the State of Louisiana and operated by ASM Global.
- Home to the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans.
- Has a maximum capacity of 18,000 for concerts.
- Opened in 1999 as New Orleans Arena before being renamed in 2014.
- Hosts over 150 event days per year including concerts, family shows, and sporting events.
The Smoothie King Center is easily accessible right off Interstate 10 in downtown New Orleans. There is parking available in garages around the arena. The arena can hold thousands of screaming Drake fans for what is sure to be an unforgettable show.
What to Expect at the Drake Concert
The Drake concert in New Orleans is part of his nationwide tour supporting his recent albums Come Home the Kids Miss You and Honestly Nevermind. Fans can expect him to perform hits spanning his entire discography from early mixtape standouts like “Best I Ever Had” to his many #1 singles like “In My Feelings,” “Hotline Bling,” “God’s Plan,” and “Laugh Now Cry Later.” He is likely to perform for around 90 minutes, playing over 20 songs.
Concertgoers can anticipate a true spectacle with pyrotechnics, lasers, and revolving stages. Drake will be backed up by DJs, a live band, and backup dancers and singers. He is known for surprise guest appearances, so fans should keep their eyes peeled for potential collaborators joining him on stage. Based on reviews from previous tour dates, Drake puts on an energetic performance, frequently interacting with the crowd.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Drake concert in New Orleans have been in very high demand. The show has been sold out for months. Tickets on the secondary market are still available but quite expensive, easily running over $200 each.
Here is a table summarizing the ticket details:
| Ticket Type | Face Value Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard admission floor or lower bowl | $150-$400 |
| Floor seats or lower bowl near stage | $500-$1,000+ |
| Suite seats | $1,000+ |
As you can see, attending the Drake concert will definitely cost you, but for many fans the chance to see the global superstar in the intimate setting of an arena show makes it well worth the money.
New Orleans – A Great Place for a Concert
Beyond just the concert itself, the city of New Orleans makes a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway centered around the Drake show. Known for its nightlife, food, and music, New Orleans will be electric during a weekend with a major concert like this.
Concertgoers can arrive a few days early to enjoy everything NOLA has to offer:
- World-famous cuisine like jambalaya, gumbo, po’ boys, and more
- Historic sites such as the French Quarter and Jackson Square
- Raucous live music clubs on Frenchmen and Bourbon Street
- Ghost, cemetery, and voodoo tours
- Paddlewheel river cruises on the Mississippi River
- Streetcar rides around the Garden District’s antebellum mansions
New Orleans knows how to host major events and will be rolling out the red carpet for Drake fans descending on the city. The concert will be the highlight of a very memorable weekend in this one-of-a-kind destination.
How to Get to the Smoothie King Center
When showtime comes, you’ll need to know the best way to get to the Smoothie King Center. Here are some recommendations for transportation to the venue:
Parking at the Arena
There are over 10,000 parking spaces at the Smoothie King Center and surrounding garages. Expect to pay around $20-40 for parking. Get there early to make sure you get a spot.
Rideshares
Services like Uber and Lyft can easily drop you off and pick you up right at the main entrance. Prices may surge before and after the event.
Public Transportation
If you’re staying downtown, consider taking the Loyola Streetcar to the arena. There is a Canal Street stop right at the Smoothie King Center. Fare is only $1.25 each way.
NOLA Bike Share
Rent a bike from one of the 70+ NOLA stations around downtown. It’s an easy 15 minute ride from the French Quarter to the arena.
Walk or Cab
If you’re already nearby in downtown NOLA, walking is an option depending on where you are coming from. Taxis are also readily available downtown.
Places to Stay in New Orleans
Most fans attending the Drake concert will need a hotel for their stay in New Orleans. The French Quarter and Warehouse District put you closest to the Smoothie King Center. Some top-rated hotel options are:
| Hotel | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| French Quarter Inn | $159/night |
| Royal Sonesta New Orleans | $169/night |
| Hyatt Centric French Quarter | $179/night |
| Ace Hotel New Orleans | $199/night |
Book early for the best rates and availability around the high-demand concert weekend. Staying right downtown lets you experience the sights and nightlife when not at the Drake show.
Conclusion
Drake is performing at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on October 15, 2023 as part of his nationwide tour. With the concert just about sold out, tickets are very expensive but still available on the secondary market. Fans should expect Drake to put on an epic, high energy show playing his extensive catalog of hits.
Beyond the concert, New Orleans makes a fantastic destination for a long weekend getaway. Spend some time exploring the food, music, and culture before the big show. On concert day, make your way to the Smoothie King Center downtown via parking, rideshare, public transit, bike share, or cab. Staying downtown at a French Quarter or Warehouse District hotel lets you soak up everything NOLA has to offer. The Drake concert is sure to be a highlight of an amazing weekend in New Orleans!
