LSU's New Arena: Could It Be Our Lady of the Lake by 2029?
Lady Lake, USA - LSU is making waves in the local sports community with plans for a brand new arena that could take the place of the aging Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC). A significant highlight of this project is the potential name: „Our Lady of the Lake Arena,“ named after the local healthcare provider, Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL) Health. As LSU pushes forward, excitement is building among fans and community members alike.
A mock-up of the proposed arena has already surfaced, as reported by The Baton Rouge Advocate through public records. This early glimpse provides a sneak peek into the ambitious $400 million multipurpose facility that is set to host not just LSU’s basketball and gymnastics teams, but also various concerts and entertainment events. However, it’s important to note that discussions around naming rights haven’t been cemented just yet. LSU Athletics and OLOL representatives underscore that any agreements are still in the air, highlighting the ongoing discussions as a work in progress.
Community Investment and Economic Growth
Alexandra Stubbs, a spokesperson for OLOL, reiterated the hospital’s commitment to the Baton Rouge area, focusing on community investment and economic growth. This partnership, which started when OLOL became LSU’s Championship Health Partner in 2022, includes a staggering $170 million investment—the largest in LSU’s history up to that point. OLOL also has a hand in staffing LSU’s Student Health Center, strengthening this collaborative relationship.
Further cementing this burgeoning partnership, E.J. Kuiper, CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, has expressed the project’s importance for boosting the local economy. Future negotiations for naming rights are expected to be finalized in the coming months, pending approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors. But don’t expect things to happen overnight, as the formal agreement remains unresolved as discussions advance.
Future Prospects and Planning
As discussions progress, LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward has confirmed that preparations for the new arena are underway and a proposal is anticipated to be submitted to the LSU Board of Supervisors soon. Negotiations are currently focused on Oak View Group, which had previously faced controversy when federally indicted for rigging a bidding process for another project. However, they remain in play for this new arena project as ASM Global has been sidelined in the discussions.
With a targeted completion date around 2029, fans will need some patience, but the outlook is bright. While the fate of the current PMAC remains undetermined—whether it’s repurposed or demolished—anticipation for the new venue lingers in the air. It’s certainly going to be an exciting chapter in LSU’s sporting history, significantly benefiting the broader Baton Rouge community.
The new arena promises not only to revitalize LSU’s athletic facilities but also to enhance the local cultural landscape, making Baton Rouge a destination for sports and entertainment. And as developments unfold, the partnership with OLOL stands to be pivotal in shaping this ambitious venture.
As LSU continues to navigate the waters of construction, naming rights, and economic partnerships, one thing is crystal clear: Baton Rouge has a lot to look forward to with the development of the Our Lady of the Lake Arena.
For more information, you can read on LSU Reveille, Louisiana Sports, and Sports Business Journal.
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Ort | Lady Lake, USA |
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