The Louisiana High School Athletic Association announced that the boys’ state basketball championship will no longer be staged at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, ending a 13‑year run at the venue.
Venue Change and Regional Impact
The tournament will now be held at the Cajundome in Lafayette, a move that organizers say reflects both logistical considerations and a desire to showcase a different regional hub.
Burton Coliseum has been the backdrop for many iconic moments, including a buzzer‑beating three‑pointer by Casey Jones Jr. of Wossman that still resonates with fans.
Eric Zartler, Senior Vice President of Sports at Visit Lake Charles, said the event generated an estimated $4 million for the local economy and attracted more than 28,000 spectators, underscoring its significance to the community.
While the basketball championship departs, Southwest Louisiana will continue to host the state swimming, softball and baseball championships, ensuring that major sporting events remain a staple of the region’s calendar.