Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, the spotlight is on the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In August of 2024, Lake Charles CVB announce the creation of the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority (LCRSA). This new division of Visit Lake Charles reinforces its commitment to sports, appealing to event rights holders who seek destinations focused on hosting and promoting sporting and recreational events of all sizes.   Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility. 

Behind-the-Scenes Innovation: 

One of LCRSA’s main sports facilities is the Burton Coliseum.  It stands as a multi-purpose domed arena, equipped to host diverse events encompassing basketball, cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, volleyball, wrestling, and rodeos. The facility offers 24,000 square feet of floor space, characterized by a dome culminating at 105 feet and an unrestricted floor load capacity. A movable stage, measuring 40 feet by 60 feet, is provided for performance events. 

Architecturally, the Coliseum encompasses two interconnected structures: a domed arena with a seating capacity of 6,500 (extendable to 8,400 for basketball events) and a 168,000 sq ft Livestock and Exhibit Building. These facilities possess the capability to operate autonomously or in conjunction. The integrated stalls and chutes within the Livestock and Exhibit Building render the Coliseum highly suitable for hosting rodeos. 

Due to the unique structure, the 50,000 sq ft covered arena seats 1,500 for livestock shows, equestrian events, and agricultural exhibitions. It features 250 RV parking spaces with utility hookups (104 premium spaces offer water and electricity). Beyond regional events, the arena serves McNeese State University's athletic programs and hosts large university ceremonies. This dual-purpose design ensures its consistent use by both the agricultural community and the university. 

Success Stories

The Burton Coliseum is a key driver of sports tourism for LCRSA in the Lake Charles region, evidenced by recent events. 

In March 2025, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association boys’ basketball state championships brought over 22,000 visitors to the Coliseum, resulting in a $5 million economic impact, an 85% increase. The Southland Conference men’s and women’s basketball tournament, also in March, attracted 13,743 attendees and generated $2.4 million in economic impact, up from $800,000, significantly increasing national exposure for the region. 

The Burton Complex is also hosting the 2025 Louisiana High School Rodeo Association’s (LHSRA) state finals from this month through June 1. The junior high finals are scheduled for May 24-26, followed by the high school finals from May 30 to June 1. For 75 years, the LHSRA, a National High School Rodeo Association member, has offered competitive rodeo opportunities for Louisiana youth, producing numerous champions.  This entire program encompasses 12,500 students from grades six through twelve.  

Visitor Experience 

When it comes to creating and maintaining a memorable visitor experience, the LCRSA has a clear vision of how to create this experience.  Eric Zartler, Executive Director of the LCRSA states it best, “Our hospitality is second to none, the sky is the limit. A lot of it has to do with the investments the area has made in its facilities. When teams come in from Houston, Corpus Christi, Baton Rouge or New Orleans, they want to go to the place that has the best opportunity to play.” 

Zartler also praised the advantage that events in smaller cities face less competition for attention from major sports teams compared to larger urban areas. “One of the things I always tell rights holders and event operators is you come to SWLA (Southwest Louisiana) you are going to get the red-carpet treatment.  You are not competing for airtime or ticket sales with the Dallas Mavericks or Stars. When you come to SWLA you are going to be the biggest thing going on that week.” 

Visit Lake Charles and the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority actively seek new events, leveraging their core values and extensive resources to attract sporting competitions, according to Zartler. “It is also bringing in people’s families, enjoying our food, shopping and culture and everything we have to offer. It is awesome to see Southwest Louisiana through the visitors’ eyes. They come here for a baseball game and come back bragging about the food or find something really cool to bring back from Southwest Louisiana.”   

KEY DIFFERENCE MAKER: “Impassioned Hospitality” 

LCRSA, as part of Visit Lake Charles, shares the same mission and vision.  When their vision is to be “a world class destination where all are welcome to experience their authentic culture”, this aligns with their mission to “enhance the quality of life in Southwest Louisiana by optimizing visitor related economic impact.”   

To achieve this success, one of their core values is “impassioned hospitality.”  Simply put, they purposely will go out of their way to share their culture with visitors brought in by sporting events.  In closing, I will share the words of Eric Zartler, “We’re committed to making Southwest Louisiana a powerhouse in the sports tourism world. Our goal is to deliver unforgettable experiences for athletes and fans while showcasing the energy and passion of our community.” 

• What type of hospitality do you offer to your attendees? 
• What is the source of your energy or passion of your community?   
• What are the little things you do to create your own “impassioned hospitality”? 

Please comment and share your thoughts on hospitality. 

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Want to showcase a facility in your destination?
Contact: Vince Trinidad at Vince@SportsETA.org

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