NEW ORLEANS - July 20, 2025 - New Orleans & Company, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and its partners salute the success of UFC 318, which sold out the Smoothie King Center last night, with an enthusiastic crowd of 18,138 and $8.09 million in ticket sales, the highest grossing gate in Smoothie King Center history, and another example of why New Orleans is Built to Host major sporting events.
“New Orleans is a championship city—uniquely Built to Host a variety of events; it’s a place where winning moments meet world-class hospitality,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “Once again, we proved why major event producers choose us, because they know attendance will be strong and the experience unforgettable. We’re proud to host a diverse array of events, fans, athletes, media, influencers and storytellers who amplify New Orleans to the world. Every event matters here—fueling our businesses, inspiring and supporting our people, and showcasing the magic of this one-of-a-kind city. Thank you, UFC and we are looking forward to working with you again in the near future.”
During the post-fight press conference, UFC President and CEO Dana White said, “Tonight was a huge success. The gate, the buzz, the energy in this town. It couldn’t have been better. I’m very happy.” We can’t wait to welcome UFC back.
Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President and CEO Jay Cicero added, “UFC 318 was a huge success on all counts. Welcoming Dustin Poirier back home to Louisiana for the last fight of his career was special not just for the legendary MMA fighter but for all of the local fans who have supported him throughout the years. New Orleans and Louisiana are known to embrace major events like these - we saw it for Super Bowl LIX in February, and we saw it last night with a sold-out enthusiastic crowd at the Smoothie King Center. We can’t wait to work with Dana White and the UFC staff to bring another major event here soon.”
UFC is not the only major event in town this summer weekend. We are simultaneously hosting 20,000 young people from the LCMS which kicked off right next door to the Smoothie King Center at the Caesars Superdome last night. The 23rd annual Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s largest cocktail convention, is taking place from July 20-25 at restaurants, bars and venues across the city. Hosted by the Ritz Carlton in the French Quarter, this event is set to be a gathering of the brightest minds in the industry.
These are just a few examples of how New Orleans & Company is bringing in new summer events, expanding existing events and accelerating marketing campaigns for travelers and locals to enjoy July and August in the Crescent City. And in less than one month, travelers will have even more ways to access New Orleans with the August 18th launch of the Amtrak Mardi Gras service connecting New Orleans and Mobile, with stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the first time the service has returned since Hurricane Katrina.
To learn more about what’s ahead this summer in New Orleans, please visit www.neworleans.com/summer-travel-to-new-orleans/.