New LSU arena proposal approved by Metro Council
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — On Wednesday, the East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved an ordinance supporting a new $300 million entertainment and sports center proposed by LSU.
The ordinance would help the Tiger Athletic Foundation build an arena. It would host sports for LSU and music and entertainment events for the city.
The council approved the ordinance with a vote of 10-1-1. District 5 Councilman Darryl Hurst abstained his vote and District 2 Councilwoman Chauna Banks voted against it.
Hurst said there was insufficient data to show how the arena would benefit the Baton Rouge industry. Banks said the ordinance restricts the capacity of a sports and entertainment venue that is currently half the size of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center and the proposed LSU venue.
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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.
Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman said stakeholders and developers will be used to help move the project forward, which includes upgrading the Raising Cane’s River Center.
It also lets Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome find ways to make more space for conventions. They can also build a main hotel near the River Center.
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber was one of three groups that announced their support for the arena. According to BRAC, Baton Rouge’s population is likelier to attend concerts and events than any other similar region.
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