Welcome to Louisiana's Playground

Lake Charles is proud to host the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championships March 24-31, 2026 — and there's no better place to watch champions crowned. All the action takes place at the Townsley Law Arena, home of McNeese Men's and Women's Basketball and the Southland Conference Championship.

But the experience goes well beyond the court. Over the next eight days, Louisiana's Playground invites you to explore a city that knows how to celebrate — world-class food, waterfront views, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality that makes every visitor feel right at home. Whether you're here to compete, cheer from the stands, or discover everything Lake Charles has to offer between games, you're in for something special.

We look forward to welcoming every team, every fan, and every moment to Lake Charles — the Sports Capital of Louisiana, where champions are crowned.

Tickets & Entry Info

Tickets are on sale NOW at GoFan.com! Offering student discounts, all-game passes, and more, there's a game for everyone! Tickets are sold as full-day access, meaning if you buy a ticket for one day, it's good for all the games that day. All games are played at the Townsley Law Arena. There is a clear bag policy, as well as no outside food or drinks allowed. If you purchase a student ticket, you must show your student ID upon entry. Card payments only. No cash will be accepted on site. All tickets must be purchased through GoFan.com.

Pricing:

  • GA Full-Game Pass: $75
  • Student Full-Game Pass: $50
  • Recruiter's Pass: $200
  • Day Pass: $15
  • Student Day Pass: $10
  • Kids 12 and Under: FREE
  • No Senior/Veteran Discounts

Game Schedule & Brackets

Preliminary rounds play from Tuesday, March 24, through Saturday, March 28. Semi-finals kick off on Monday, March 30, at 4 pm and 6:15 pm, and championships play on Tuesday, March 31, at 5 pm. Brackets have been released and can be viewed here

Date Time (CT) Away Team Home Team
3/24/2026 10:00 AM Arizona Western College New Mexico Junior College
3/24/2026 12:15 PM Southwestern Illinois College Grayson College
3/24/2026 2:30 PM Williston State College Hutchinson Community College
3/24/2026 4:45 PM Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Chipola College
3/25/2026 10:00 AM Central Georgia Technical College State Fair Community College
3/25/2026 12:15 PM Northwest Mississippi Community College Dodge City Community College
3/25/2026 2:30 PM Monroe University Three Rivers College (MO)
3/25/2026 4:45 PM Gillette College Gulf Coast State College
3/26/2026 10:00 AM New Mexico Junior College Butler Community College (KS)
3/26/2026 12:15 PM Southwestern Illinois College Eastern Arizona College
3/26/2026 2:30 PM Hutchinson Community College Northwest Florida State College
3/26/2026 4:45 PM Chipola College Shelton State Community College
3/27/2026 10:00 AM State Fair Community College Walters State Community College
3/27/2026 12:15 PM Dodge City Community College College of Southern Idaho
3/27/2026 2:30 PM Three Rivers College - MO Clarendon College
3/27/2026 4:45 PM Gulf Coast State College Trinity Valley Community College

Venue & Parking

The Townsley Law Arena is located at 700 East McNeese Street, Lake Charles, LA, 70607. Built in 2018, the $41-million, 145,000 square foot arena has seating for over 4,000 fans. There is free parking at the arena and lots of it, but get there early if you want a good spot! Click here for a map of the facility and here for an aerial view of parking options. 

Plan Your Visit

Where to Stay

The Townsley Law Center is easy to reach from anywhere in Southwest Louisiana. Explore hotel options and find the best fit for you and your team.

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Come Hungry

Seafood

Casual

Unassuming Eats

Seafood

Fresh from the Gulf and served every way imaginable, seafood anchors the local dining scene.

Cajun Charlie's Seafood Restaurant

Cajun Charlie's Seafood Restaurant

Seafood Palace

Seafood Palace

Casual

When you want great food without the fuss, Lake Charles’ casual spots deliver.

Luna Bar & Grill Downtown

Luna Bar & Grill Downtown

Crying Eagle Brewing

Crying Eagle Brewing

Unassuming Eats

Some of the biggest flavors come from the most low-key spots.

Ball's Fried Chick-N

Ball's Fried Chick-N

T'Pot Noir Cajun Kitchen

T'Pot Noir Cajun Kitchen

From carefully crafted cocktails and crave-worthy boudin to art-filled streets and outdoor adventure in every season, Southwest Louisiana delivers joy in all the right ways. Consider this your invitation to explore more deeply — and come back often.

For more information, contact:

Aubrey Caldwell Headshot

Aubrey Caldwell, MBA Sports Events & Marketing Manager

Execution/coordination of large-scale sporting events, Meeting Max software