Baton Rouge groups announce support for new entertainment center proposed by LSU
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Baton Rouge Area Foundation and Visit Baton Rouge announced their joint support for a new $300 million entertainment and sports center proposed by the Tiger Athletic Foundation. They also back a makeover for the Raising Cane’s River Center.
According to a news release, an ordinance proposed to the East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council would help TAF build an arena. The arena would host LSU sports events. It would also host music and entertainment events.
“The proposed new LSU arena would be a historic win for our community that not only attracts talent but elevates our quality of place for current residents,” said Ann Trappey, BRAC interim president and CEO.
The ordinance says a competing facility in the region would stop a TAF project, so the Metro Council would agree to restrict some live music and entertainment. They would be limited to City-Parish property, including the River Center, once the LSU arena is built.
It also lets the Mayor-President find ways to make more space for conventions. They can also build a main hotel near the River Center, the press release said.
“This ordinance speaks to the type of collaborative planning that will propel Baton Rouge into the future,” said Chris Meyer, president and CEO of BRAF. “By coordinating activities among the venues planned on LSU’s campus with future activities at the River Center, along Nicholson Drive, and at other venues across the capital area, our city can unlock an even greater quality of life and a strengthened local economy. Baton Rouge is poised to elevate its game with such thoughtful, collaborative planning now.”
The proposed event venue ordinance is scheduled for a hearing on March 13.
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According to BRAC, Baton Rouge’s population is more likely to attend concerts and events than any other similar region.
“The area’s average age is lower, area young professionals have higher incomes, and the region is home to more than 60,000 college students, yet the region is underperforming in large-scale entertainment when compared to peer metros,” the press release said.
BRAC’s research also found that the River Center would benefit from a makeover.
“Additionally, we must not wait to reimagine another vital community asset, the River Center,” said Trappey. “Together, we must push for a grander vision and detailed plan to enhance the River Center if we want our downtown to grow.”
“Coordinated investment in multiple event facilities around Baton Rouge will result in not only better-utilized community assets but also world-class, attractive venues for convention, meeting, concert and sporting event planners,” said Jill Kidder, Visit Baton Rouge president/CEO. “By working together with our community leaders and economic development partners, we will create a ‘rising tide’ for our city and the progress will benefit everyone.”
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