NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Pelicans announced today the launch of Quest for the Coast presented by Chevron on the team’s mobile app. In addition to adding a game to the Pelicans app, the organization is hoping to provide a fun, engaging way to educate fans about the coastal issues effecting not only New Orleans and Louisiana, but the entire Gulf South.

The Pelicans are the first NBA team to develop an in-app game experience that combines exciting gameplay with awesome fun facts that inspire players to learn more about the Gulf Coast and environmental restoration.

The Pelicans app is available for Android and Apple devices and can be downloaded at the App Store or on Google Play.

The Pelicans and Chevron were joined by the Audubon Nature Institute in creating the game to ensure that fans are learning the most relevant facts about coastal Louisiana, as well as ways they can help in rebuilding the coastline.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Pelicans and Chevron will host a “Play the Pelicans” event at the Audubon Zoo on the Capital One Lawn. Fans can challenge Pelicans personalities in Quest for the Coast from 1:00-4:00 p.m. that day, as well as take on Pelicans guard Austin Rivers and forward Patric Young from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

In the game, the Pelicans’ mascot, Pierre the Pelican, works hard to save the coast by flying through the air and diving through the water to collect special items that help prevent coastal erosion and help rebuild shorelines. While he’s collecting items, including oyster shells, sediment and plants to help protect the coast, Pierre has to avoid items like storms, nutria and abandoned fishing nets.

Throughout the game, fans can achieve a “bonus round” by passing specific mile markers. During the bonus round, Pierre is flying through the air with basketball in hand, looking to connect on as many dunks as possible in the allotted timeframe. Additionally, at the end of each round, fans will be prompted with a trivia question about coastal Louisiana. With a correct answer, the game continues.

“Since we announced the Pelicans team name change, coastal restoration has been a cause at the forefront of our community initiatives, partnership and events. We are thrilled to launch Quest for the Coast presented by Chevron as it establishes the opportunity to educate our fans about the importance of coastal restoration to the Gulf South, as well as provide them with a fun, engaging game featuring Pierre the Pelican,” said Pelicans Owner/Vice Chairman of the Board Rita Benson LeBlanc. “Working with Chevron and the Audubon Nature Institute has given us a unique coalition to increase awareness about this environmental issue, while providing information and guidance toward saving the coastline.”

“Chevron is an active partner in support of coastal restoration, marine and wildlife protection and sustainable development. We recognize the importance of protecting biological diversity — the rich variety of life on Earth, its ecosystems and species, and the ecological processes that support them,” said Sakari Morrison, Chevron Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs General Manager. “We are proud to partner on this environmental education initiative with the Audubon Nature Institute and the New Orleans Pelicans.”

“Audubon Nature Institute is proud of our relationship with New Orleans Pelicans as their Wetlands Education Partner. We are equally proud of our partnership with Chevron and we are excited they have chosen Audubon Zoo as the backdrop for the launch of the new Quest for the Coast game. This dynamic game will further raise awareness of the urgent need to preserve our wetlands. The Quest for the Coast game presented by Chevron will also serve to educate the younger generation about the important role they play in conservation and saving the environment,” said Ron Forman, President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.

When finished playing, fans can share fun facts about coastal restoration via social media and encourage more people to play Quest for the Coast presented by Chevron.

The Pelicans worked with Pixel Dash Studios to develop the game, selecting the Baton Rouge-based company for their familiarity and passion for increasing awareness about coastal issues. In addition to working with Pixel Dash, the Pelicans app is built and powered by YinzCam who collaborated with Pelicans and the developer to ensure the quality of the game in the team app.