Where did the New Orleans Pelicans rank in attendance?

The New Orleans Pelicans play in one of the smaller NBA markets, so are never likely to lead the NBA in attendance.

But that doesn’t mean the Pels don’t have fans, as groups like the Pels 12 have rallied the locals and attendance for home games was actually at 92 percent last season according to numbers from ESPN.

However, they did dip three percent from the 2020-21 season, even though support down the stretch was strong as the Pelicans were fighting for playoff position.

The dip undoubtedly came in part because of the offseason injury to Zion Williamson, as well as the team’s overall slow start, as they got off to a 2-14 record and looked like a team headed to the lottery, not the playoffs.

Overall, the Pelicans finished 24th overall in attendance last season and 25th in home attendance per game, numbers they would like to get up so that they can build a real home court advantage in New Orleans.

The good news is that there are signs that is exactly what is going to happen.

New Orleans Pelicans: Attendance should be way up next season

You may not have heard, but Zion Williamson is finally healthy and after the team made the playoffs last season, the city of New Orleans is buzzing about this team.

The preseason hype is palpable and it is translating to the ticket booth, as the Pelicans have reportedly already sold out all floor seats for next season, impressive when you consider the market size and lack of local TV coverage.

The Zion effect, coupled with their run to the playoffs last season should get the Pelicans the three percent they lost back and then some. There were only six teams in the NBA who were at 100 percent capacity for every game last season, and the Pelicans could be close to joining them next season if everything plays out right and Zion stays healthy.

The Pelicans will never lead the league in attendance, as they play in one of the smaller arenas in the NBA, with just a 16,867 capacity compared to places like the United Center in Chicago that hold over 23,000 for an NBA game.

But the Smoothie King Center should be at or near capacity for every game and the fans who are there will be vocal. Expect the Pels to build one of the best home court advantages in the league next season and for New Orleans to be know as more than a football town.