Pelicans Open Practice Brings Fans, Excitement To Smoothie King Center

The New Orleans Pelicans held Open Practice in the Smoothie King Center for excited fans.

New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans held their annual Open Practice at the Smoothie King on Sunday evening. Fans were lined up outside for over an hour to get a chance to see their team at home for the first team since last season. To no one's surprise, Herb Jones was out early getting some practice shooting in with shot guru and Pelicans assistant coach Fred Vinson.

Things looking smooth for Herb from the corner #Pelicans @PelicanScoop pic.twitter.com/PI15BQwTm6

— Terry Kimble (@TK_Nola) October 8, 2023

The Open Practice was free for the fans, and they showed up and showed out with energy from the start. Coach Willie Green thanked the fans for their constant support and encouraged them to continue making the Smoothie King Center a special place to play. Next up were a bunch of conditioning and basketball skill drills. 

Fans got exactly what they came for when Zion Williamson threw down a powerful windmill dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. The fan happiness continued when Zion, Brandon Ingram, and Jose Alvarado signed autographs for the throng of fans eager to get a signature from their favorite player. Zion's health no doubt drives analytics from pay per head on where the Pelicans will finish record-wise this season.

This type of entertainment should not be free. Zion with the windmill makes the fans happy #Pelicans #Zion @PelicanScoop pic.twitter.com/WDqEIgNcqC

— Terry Kimble (@TK_Nola) October 8, 2023

After the rookie shenanigans that included a musical chair competition and the usual hot dog eating contest, veteran guard CJ McCollum wished the fans a happy Sunday and a see you soon.

The Pelicans have a quick turnaround before preseason basketball starts. They host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday right back in the Smoothie King Center. Their regular season starts on the road in Memphis on Oct. 25.