The Pelicans Season 2018

I was never much of a basketball fan. In college, I knew Patrick Ewing, David Robinson and the late, great Len Bias. But I never saw them play. Over the years I met Scotty Pippin, John Salley and more – but I still never went to a game. I attended 2 Hornets games when I first moved to New Orleans. They were fun but I felt I’d gotten the idea, amazing athletes playing a ball game with a lot of running. Like soccer. I was always a football fan.

Then the Bensons, the couple who owned the Saints, bought the Pelicans. Tom put his wife Gayle in charge of remaking the game day experience. 

Pelicans’ STH Appreciation Day & King Cake Baby

One of the many benefits to being a Pelicans season ticket holder (STH) is being invited to the annual appreciation day. Last year, it was held at the Arena and we were treated to lots of games, tours and opportunities to meet with players. This year, it was held at the Saints/Pelicans practice facility so we got another peek behind the scenes, this time focusing on the daily life and preparation of our players.

Within 5 minutes of arriving, I spun a wheel for people who’d already renewed their tickets and won a ball signed by the whole team!

My Niece Visits NOLA – Fun Ensues

We were still in our formal wear at midnight when we got to the airport to pick up my niece and her 2 friends from college. We’d been dancing and dining at the annual Raintree Gala benefitting foster children and the families who care for them. We dropped the kids in the French Quarter and hoped they didn’t get in too much trouble on their Spring Break’s first night. We all enjoyed a tasty brunch at Wink’s Bakery the next morning, finishing our meal with super-tasty donuts and their famous Buttermilk Drops.

As Pelicans season ticket holders, we were invited to their annual appreciation day so we left the kids to the Quarter and headed to the Arena for a day of tours, games, lots of freebies and Pelicans players everywhere.

Pelicans – Asst. Coach Phil Weber and Kid’s Night

Though I’ve been too busy to write about it, we had a blast at the Pelicans game last Sunday. With no Saints game that day,    we were happy to have our other favorite team to cheer on. Season ticket holders have some advantages and one offering is a private audience with someone from the coaching staff. Asst. Coach Phil Weber couldn’t have been more personable and candid, even while fielding tough questions like the one from a 4 or 5 year old in the front row, “How old are you?” Brought in by new head coach Alvin Gentry, Weber seems to have a Midas touch contributing to winning seasons and championships on a string of teams. Despite the Pelicans slow start this season (due in large part to injuries and the toughest opening schedule in the league), optimism burns bright for Gentry, Weber and the rest of the team leading the team to the NBA Championship this season (due in large part to injuries healing and the easiest last 30 games in the league).