Get ready to saddle up for a month of unforgettable athletic action and community traditions! As September rolls in, it’s a thrilling time for sports fanatics and visitors alike. McNeese State University is kicking off the fall season with a diverse lineup of athletic events, from the gridiron of Cowboys Football to the Legacy Center for Cowgirls Volleyball and to the field for Cowgirl Soccer. We’ve also got some fall ball and cornhole to throw into the mix as well. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just passing through, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the competitive and lively energy of McNeese State University and experience all Louisiana’s Playground has to offer.
The McNeese Cowboys Football team hosts two back-to-back games throughout September in the hole. On the 14th, the Cowboys will face Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and on the 21st, the Cowboys will battle the Alcorn Braves. McNeese has already started their season with a bang, being the first 2024 college football game in the United States on August 24th. The Cowboys fought long and hard, but fell short to the Texans, with a final score of 26-23. Poke fans are eager for the energetic and revitalized 2024 football season. Game tickets can be purchased at this link, with different package options to fit everyone’s needs. Now, for the most important part, what would football be without the tailgates? McNeese State University is known for its ‘rowdy’ tailgates before home games, and they’ve even extended the party to the night before. Every Friday night before a home game, you'll find a vibrant atmosphere filled with McNeese students, fans, and various food trucks. The Cowboy Block Party is a completely free, family-friendly event to celebrate the Cowboys with drinks, food, and live music (BYOB). So, get your cowboy boots on and get ready for the best football season yet!
2024 Cowboy Block Party Lineup:
- Friday, September 13th – Bag Of Donuts
- Friday, September 20th – Wayne Toups
- Friday, November 1st – Rusty Metoyer
- Friday, November 22nd – The Party Hounds
The Lake Charles Event Center welcomes the American Cornhole Organization on September 6th and 7th. Long known as a backyard game, cornhole has now flourished into one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Key characteristics of the game have contributed to its success, as it is easy to learn and inclusive for individuals with and without disabilities to play together. Competitors from around the nation will meet in Lake Charles to showcase their accuracy and tossing skills and battle for the title of cornhole championship. So, if you’re in the mood for great southern food, refreshing drinks, friendly competition, and to beat the heat, head over to the Lake Charles Event Center.
You’ll also see the McNeese Cowgirl Volleyball team on the calendar this month- with a weekend tournament and a home game. The Cowgirl Classic takes place the weekend of September 12th, and the Cowgirls are set to play on the 12th vs Alcorn and the 13th vs Florida A&M. The Cowgirls also host the Texans from Tarleton State on September 17th. Cowgirl fans are stoked to see libero Bailey Tillman again this season, with accolades such as VolleyMag.com All-American (2023), Southland Conference "Libero of the Year" (2023), and Louisiana "Libero of the Year" (2022, 2023). The Cowgirls are set to have a successful season, as both Bailey Tillman and McKenzie Moore were selected to the 2024 Preseason All-Southland Conference First Team. All McNeese Cowgirl Volleyball games are free admission and are themed nights! This is another great chance for students, faculty, and families to get out and support your Pokes! The entire schedule can be found here!
McNeese Cowgirls Soccer takes the September spotlight as well, as the Cowgirls face the Texas Southern Tigers on the 6th, the Louisiana Christian Wildcats on the 13th, and the Texas State Bobcats on the 19th. With players from all over the world, including Germany, Poland, Hungary, and the Netherlands, the Cowgirls bring a diverse set of talents to the field- which promises a good show. McNeese Cowgirls and Cowboys Cross Country will be competing for the gold in September as well, as they host the 2024 Cowboy Stampede. If you’re looking for something free and entertaining to do, try checking out the soccer and cross-country scene right here in Lake Charles!
Luckily for us, baseball is a year-round sport here in Southwest Louisiana, and the PBR Louisiana Fall Championships will come swinging into town over the weekend of September 21st. Top talent baseball teams will be competing across the parish in this showcase tournament, with games being held at McMurry Park in Sulphur, Barbe High School in Lake Charles, Sam Houston High School in Moss Bluff, and Westlake High School. Don’t be surprised if you go out to eat, head downtown, or do some retail therapy this weekend and run into a lively group of baseball players!
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!
