The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has unveiled a sweeping realignment of its state championship venues, confirming that the Boys’ Basketball State Championships, popularly known as “Marsh Madness,” will return to the Cajundome in Lafayette beginning in 2027.
Return of the Basketball State Championships to the Cajundome
The event, which has called Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles its home since 2014, was last staged at the Cajundome in 2011. The move signals a strategic shift aimed at revitalizing the iconic arena while offering fans a fresh championship experience.
Karen Hoyt, LHSAA Assistant Executive Director and Director of Basketball, expressed excitement about the move back to the Cajundome, noting that the venue’s rich history and central location will enhance the tournament’s atmosphere.
In parallel, the LHSAA Powerlifting State Championships will relocate to the West Monroe Sports & Events Complex, departing from the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner where they have been held for the past two years.
Powerlifting and Wrestling Find New Homes
Lee Sanders, LHSAA Assistant Executive Director and Director of Powerlifting, highlighted the opportunity to bring the championships to the Monroe‑West Monroe community, emphasizing the region’s growing support for student‑athletes.
The Wrestling State Championships are slated for February 13‑14, 2027, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, marking a return to the city after several years away.
Adam MacDowell, LHSAA Assistant Executive Director and Director of Wrestling, remarked that the new setting will provide a distinctive championship experience for the participants.
These venue changes reflect the LHSAA’s commitment to balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring that each sport finds a stage that matches the growing caliber of Louisiana’s high school athletes.