Pelican Park

Pelican Park New Orleans: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Pelican Park holds a special place in New Orleans’ rich cultural and sports heritage. Once the vibrant home of the New Orleans Pelicans minor league baseball team, the park’s history intertwines with the city’s development, offering visitors a unique lens to explore the local spirit of resilience and community. Today, Pelican Park refers both to the original historic site in the Mid-City neighborhood and to a modern community recreational park at 3200 St. Claude Avenue. This guide delivers comprehensive details on Pelican Park’s history, visitor hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and travel tips—perfect for history buffs, families, and anyone seeking an authentic New Orleans experience.

Shoeless Joe Jackson running towards first base at Pelican Park in New Orleans, 1910

Introduction
Pelican Park Historical Overview
Visiting Pelican Park Today
Community Park at St. Claude Avenue
- Facilities & Activities
- Hours & Admission
Nearby Attractions
Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Legacy & Cultural Significance
Practical Information
References

Pelican Park Historical Overview

Pelican Park opened in 1908 on South Carrollton Avenue between Banks Street and Palmyra, across from Jesuit High School (New Orleans Baseball History). It quickly became a beacon for baseball lovers, hosting the New Orleans Pelicans and notable exhibition games with major league teams. The park’s wooden grandstands, accessible via the Carrollton Avenue streetcar, drew diverse crowds and cemented sports as a community cornerstone (SABR).

In 1914, the grandstand was relocated and reassembled at Carrollton Avenue and Tulane Avenue, where it became Heinemann Park (later Pelican Stadium) (Wikipedia: History of the New Orleans Pelicans). Though the original ballpark is gone, its impact on local sports and community identity endures.

Visiting Pelican Park Today

Location & Access

The historic Pelican Park site sits at the intersection of South Carrollton Avenue, Palmyra Street, Banks Street, and Scott Street in Mid-City, New Orleans (Wikipedia). The site remains accessible and is easily reached by car or the iconic Carrollton Avenue streetcar (SABR). Parking is limited, so early arrival or rideshare services are recommended.

Visiting Hours

Since the original ballpark no longer exists and is now a public neighborhood area, there are no formal visiting hours. The site is open year-round during daylight for self-guided exploration.

Ticketing & Entry

There are no tickets or fees required to visit the former Pelican Park site. For those interested in local sports history, nearby museums or guided tours may require advance booking.

Accessibility & Guided Tours

The location is accessible by public transport and features wheelchair-friendly sidewalks.
Several tour operators offer walking or bus tours covering New Orleans’ baseball history and the Pelican Park site; check with the New Orleans Visitor Center for current offerings.

Community Park at St. Claude Avenue

Facilities & Activities

Pelican Park at 3200 St. Claude Avenue is a modern green space dedicated to recreation and wellness, showcasing New Orleans’ commitment to accessible public parks (New Orleans Parks and Recreation). Features include:

Sports fields for baseball, soccer, and more
Modern playgrounds
Walking and biking trails
Shaded picnic areas and barbecue pits
Dog-friendly zones
ADA-compliant restrooms and paths

The park hosts youth leagues, cultural events, festivals, and wellness programs, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. It is especially significant for locals, serving as a gathering point during city recovery efforts and ongoing neighborhood revitalization.

Hours & Admission

Open daily from dawn to dusk; admission is free for general use.
Reservations or small fees may apply for organized sports, special events, or facility rentals (New Orleans Parks and Recreation).

Nearby Attractions

Expand your visit with these local highlights:

Jesuit High School: Historic campus across from the original Pelican Park site
Audubon Park: Scenic green space a short drive away
City Park: Home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, Sculpture Garden, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
French Quarter: Famed for its music, dining, and centuries-old architecture

For more on area attractions, see the Tourist Places Guide on New Orleans.

Visitor Tips

Weather: Summers are hot and humid. Visit in the morning or late afternoon, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat (NewOrleans.com).
Transit: The streetcar offers an authentic local experience.
Combine Stops: Pair your visit with museums, parks, or local eateries for a richer experience.
Respect the Neighborhood: The historic site is in a residential area—be mindful of locals.
Events: Check the New Orleans events calendar for festivals or special baseball heritage events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the original Pelican Park still standing?
A: No, the original ballpark was dismantled in 1914, but the site remains accessible for historical exploration (Wikipedia).

Q: Are there any admission fees?
A: No, visiting the historic site or the St. Claude Avenue park is free, except for some events or facility rentals.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Various local tours include Pelican Park’s history; check with the New Orleans Visitor Center.

Q: Is the area accessible?
A: Yes, both locations are accessible by public transit and feature ADA-compliant amenities.

Q: What else can I do nearby?
A: Explore City Park, the French Quarter, and local museums—many are within easy reach by transit or car.

Legacy & Cultural Significance

Pelican Park’s story is one of community, resilience, and passion for sports. While its grandstands no longer rise above Mid-City, the site’s legacy lives on in the city’s love of baseball and in the New Orleans Pelicans NBA franchise (Wikipedia: History of the New Orleans Pelicans). The modern Pelican Park on St. Claude Avenue continues the tradition of fostering community spirit, environmental sustainability, and inclusive recreation.

Practical Information

Historic site: Intersection of S. Carrollton Ave & Banks St, New Orleans, LA 70119
Modern park: 3200 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117 (New Orleans Parks and Recreation)
St. Claude Park hours: Dawn to dusk
Admission: Free general entry; fees apply for select events or rentals
Transit: Accessible via streetcar, bus, car, or bike
Contact: See New Orleans Parks and Recreation for updates

References

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