SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/139692
▲ SITE SELECTION GUIDE | LOUISIANA Lance LeBlanc Search for CVBs, sports commissions & sports facilities at www.sportseventsmagazine.com The University of Louisiana at Lafayette boasts Cajun Field, a facility that can seat 31,000 and features a natural grass playing surface. LOUISIANA Sports are big in Louisiana, which is easily proven by the state's devotion to football, fishing and baseball—just to name a few. And if you name it, the sporting event has probably taken place here— p g the Super Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, NCAA Women's Final Four—the list goes on and on. Event planners come back to Louisiana again and again not only because of the state's firs rst-rate facilities and fan base but Divine Cuisine What's Going On… Photo by Gourmet Reise CREOLE CUISINE A visit to New Orleans should include a stop at Antoine's Restaurant. Since 1840, this French Quarter institution has been serving up French-Creole cuisine loved by locals and visitors alike. Over the years, Antoine's notable guests include General Patton, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Roosevelt, Judy Garland, Carol Burnett and Pope John Paul, II. www.antoines.com 26 June 2013 also because of the unique experience that only Louisiana can provide. "There are so many unique things to experience away from our stadiums, ballparks and arenas," said Jeff Richard, public information officer for the Louisiana Office of Tourism. "We offer sports fans indigenous Cajun and Creole cuisine served in some of America's most memorable eateries, and museums in all our major cities explore not only our food and music but also our history and culture." Alexandria/Pineville Baton Rouge Situated on the Red River in the central portion of Louisiana is Alexandria and its neighboring city, Pineville. Hotel rooms: 2,584 Major facilities: Rapides Parish Coliseum is a multi-sport, 65,000-square-foot facility that can seat 6,000. The Johnny Downs Sports Complex features four baseball fields, four softball fields and 18 soccer fields. Convention center: Alexandria Riverfront Center has hosted events like powerlifting and MMA bouts. Contact: Alexandria/Pineville Area CVB, www.theheartoflouisiana.com. Baton Rouge, the state capital, is about 80 miles from New Orleans. Situated in southeast Louisiana, Baton Rouge has no shortage of restaurants—more than 900 to be exact—activities—such as the ballet, symphony, zoo and various museums—and, of course, sports venues. Baton Rouge boasts more than 100 tennis courts, 184 city parks, 75 recreational facilities, eight pools and seven golf courses. The Baton Rouge River Center is also available for sports. Hotel rooms: 9,000+ Contact: Visit Baton Rouge, www.visitbatonrouge.com. www.sportseventsmagazine.com