Pelicans to Host Pacers for Season Opener

The New Orleans Pelicans kick off their basketball season against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball

Pelicans to Host Pacers for Season Opener

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The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center for the regular-season opener on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Fans attending the game can expect special promotions and fan activations throughout the arena concourses.

Why it matters

The regular-season opener serves as the official beginning of the basketball campaign, setting the tone for the upcoming competitive year. These events provide an opportunity for the franchise to engage the community with special giveaways and discounted concessions.

Concession specials include $6 Busch Light cans, pretzels, nacho combos, and hot dog combos, alongside $4 popcorn and $10 snack combos. The first 6,000 fans to enter will receive a commemorative hat.

The players

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are a professional basketball team that competes in the NBA's Western Conference.

Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis that competes in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Red Panda

Red Panda is a professional acrobat and halftime performer known for balancing bowls on her head while riding a unicycle.

The details

Fan activations are scheduled across the 100-level, 300-level, and Northeast ground concourses to welcome the home crowd. The halftime show will feature a performance by the famous acrobat Red Panda.

The New Orleans Pelicans host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 19:00 CT.

Season Trajectory

This opening game sets the initial tone for the playoff race, with early wins proving crucial for seeding in the competitive Western and Eastern conferences. Establishing early momentum allows teams to test rotation depth against high-level opponents before the season mid-point.

Attendees can utilize the $6 concession deals, such as hot dog combos and Busch Light, to manage costs during the high-attendance season opener. The 6,000-hat distribution is limited, requiring arrival well before tip-off for those seeking the promotional item.

The takeaway

Early season games provide fans with the best opportunity to take advantage of promotional pricing and exclusive merchandise giveaways. Planning for early arrival is essential to securing limited-run stadium items on high-profile game nights.