News Summary
NBA YoungBoy made a highly anticipated return to New Orleans, performing two sold-out concerts at the Smoothie King Center. With around 13,500 attendees each night, public safety concerns prompted a significant police presence. Despite the success, rumors about the artist’s future in the city arose following a minor incident after the concerts. NOPD later clarified their role, dismissing claims regarding a potential ban. The events reignited discussions around balancing safety and the live music experience.
New Orleans recently saw the electrifying return of NBA YoungBoy, who performed two sold-out concerts at the Smoothie King Center on October 20th and 21st, 2025. The events drew substantial crowds of around 13,500 attendees each evening, generating significant revenue through ticket sales and merchandise. However, concerns over public safety arose, prompting city officials to closely monitor the situation.
In preparation for the concerts, Live Nation took the extraordinary step of covering additional police security costs to ensure the safety of attendees and the surrounding areas. A total of 400 officers were deployed by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), in collaboration with state police, drones, and armored vehicles, to manage the large crowds and potential disturbances effectively. Despite these measures, a minor incident occurred after the concerts, as a few fans attempted to rush the venue, leading to some commotion.
Following the concerts, rumors circulated on social media claiming that NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick had issued a ban preventing NBA YoungBoy from performing in the city again. These rumors stemmed from assertions that NBA YoungBoy violated a contractual requirement to leave New Orleans immediately after the shows. The rumors intensified when the artist was later spotted on Bourbon Street, which fueled speculation about possible contractual violations.
In response to the ongoing speculation, the NOPD issued a statement clarifying their role in the incident. They confirmed that the department had no involvement in either booking or banning artists and that, indeed, NBA YoungBoy did not leave town as stipulated in his contract. Furthermore, the department confirmed that no evidence supported the claims regarding gunfire following the concert, dismissing a reported false alarm that had prompted an investigation.
Concerns for public safety during NBA YoungBoy’s performances were heightened due to his previous concert cancellations in urban areas such as Atlanta and Chicago. Both sold-out events were extremely successful, especially considering the context of NBA YoungBoy’s recent return to touring following a lengthy legal dispute that resulted in his imprisonment. Earlier this year, he was granted a pardon by President Donald Trump, allowing him to resume his music career.
The Smoothie King Center implemented a strict no-bag policy for the concerts to further mitigate potential risks and enhance safety measures. While some attendees felt reassured by the visible police presence, others perceived it as excessive and unnecessary. These varying opinions highlight the ongoing debate about balancing public safety with the enjoyment of live music events.
Looking ahead, promoters may reassess the feasibility of booking NBA YoungBoy for future performances in New Orleans due to the challenges presented by security concerns. As his MASA Tour continues, fans are eagerly anticipating his next performance scheduled in Birmingham, Alabama, where excitement for his return remains high.
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Additional Resources
- KPLC: NBA YoungBoy Concerts End with NOPD Debunking False Report
- Fox 8 Live: NBA YoungBoy Mobbed by Crowd
- NOLA: NBA YoungBoy Fans Try to Storm Arena
- Wikipedia: NBA YoungBoy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA YoungBoy
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
