Heading to NBA YoungBoy’s sold-out NOLA concerts? Here’s what you need to know about safety, baggage policies, traffic and tickets before you go.
NEW ORLEANS — If you’re heading to NBA YoungBoy’s sold-out MASA Tour concerts at the Smoothie King Center this Sunday, Oct. 19, and Monday, Oct. 20, here’s what you need to know before you go, as the city manages a major police deployment amid a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.
No bags allowed
According to the Smoothie King website, for security reasons and faster security checks, all bags and purses are prohibited, including transparent bags. Only cell phones, keys and wallets/card holders carried on your person are permitted.
“For this show, bags of ANY SIZE, including clear bags, will NOT be allowed inside the venue.” The Ticketmaster website says so.
Security and police presence
The NOPD deploys more than 400 officers throughout Downtown and the French Quarter. Expect marching rhythms, mounted units, bicycles, tactical teams, drones, armored vehicles, light towers and high visibility patrols. State and federal partners are also providing assistance.
Traffic and street closures
Thousands of fans are expected downtown. Streets around Canal, Poydras and Bourbon may be closed or restricted. Plan ahead if you drive or rideshare.
Concerns Related to Past Tours
Some previous MASA Tour stops have been canceled due to public safety concerns:
Tickets and Venue Information
Both New Orleans shows are sold out, with a maximum capacity of 17,000 people. All that remains are resale tickets, with prices ranging from $299 for upper-level 300 sections to more than $1,000 for floor seats.
Financial and cultural impact
The MASA tour is one of the highest-grossing hip-hop tours, with gross ticket sales averaging $1.5 million per show, NOLA.com reported. Local businesses, concessions and parking could also benefit from the events.
About NBA YoungBoy
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, aka NBA YoungBoy, has returned to touring after legal troubles, including a 23-month prison sentence for gun charges. He was pardoned in May by President Donald Trump. With billions of streams on YouTube and over 100 songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100, NBA YoungBoy is one of the biggest rap stars today.
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