The weather might be cooling off here in Southwest Louisiana, but the sports scene is heating up! With exciting events for fans of all ages, there’s something here for everyone. From the court to the cage to the pool, and of course, the football field, there's thrilling experiences happening in every corner of SWLA. McNeese State University’s Cowboys are gearing up to dominate, with basketball season tipping off and football season roaring toward its finale. Whether you're a local fan or just looking for an action-packed outing, these events are filled with the energy, talent, and community spirit that define Southwest Louisiana. Grab your tickets, gather your friends and family, and get ready to cheer on athletes in style in Louisiana’s Playground!
The Pokes are back! McNeese State University’s Men’s Basketball team tips off the 2024-2025 season with their home opener on Thursday, November 7th. Catch the Cowboys as they go head-to-head with the College of Biblical Studies at 7:30 PM in the Legacy Center. Featuring powerhouse returning players like Christian Schumate, Omar Cooper, Javohn Garcia, and DJ Richards, the Cowboys are ready to dominate the court once again. As the reigning Southland Conference Champions, the team, and Coach Will Wade are on a mission for another championship ring! With an electric atmosphere, in-game fan competitions, delicious food, drinks, and more, McNeese Cowboy Basketball games are must-attend events for the whole family. Don’t miss out—grab your tickets here and join the excitement!
Get ready for an action-packed evening as the 2024 American Kombat Alliance brings top-tier MMA to the Burton Complex in South Lake Charles on November 23, 2024. This event will feature 13 thrilling fights, with competitors from all across the U.S. vying for victory. Fans are in for a special treat with Lake Charles’ own champions—Jason “Street Shark” Slaydon, “The A-side” Austin Soileau, and “Nerve” Nevan Driehuis—bringing the heat and showing off true SWLA pride. Fights kick off at 7 PM, so don’t miss out on an adrenaline-fueled night. Tickets are available here!
The LHSAA State Swim Meet returns to the SPAR Aquatic Center in Sulphur from November 20-23! High school swimmers from across Louisiana will compete for the gold in a variety of events including backstroke, freestyle, butterfly, and breaststroke, representing four divisions statewide. SPAR has proudly hosted this prestigious event since 2009, making it one of four LHSAA State Championships held in Southwest Louisiana. Competing at the state level is an incredible accomplishment, so be sure to congratulate these young athletes with true SWLA charm if you see them around town. Tickets are exclusively available for $11.50 at GoFan.com.
McNeese football is back at Cowboy Stadium after a month on the road, ready to defend the turf with two big home games: Saturday, November 2nd, against Texas A&M Commerce, and Saturday, November 23rd, against rival Lamar. The game against Lamar doubles as the intense “Battle of the Border” against the longtime rivals and senior night. Poke fans are fired up for the Cowboys to finish the season strong! Don’t forget the Friday night block party—an essential pre-game celebration under the beautiful oaks at the Robert Noland Alumni Pavilion, with live music from The Party Hounds, food trucks, and plenty of fun for all ages. Bring a chair, and your ice chest, and get your game tickets here for a weekend packed with Poke pride!
More sporting events and details can be found on our calendar of events! For the need-to-know information, big-game updates, and successes of the sporting world in SWLA, be sure to check out Where Champions are Crowned, released on the first of each month on visitlakecharles.org. Let’s Play!
