Sports in Southwest Louisiana

Sports Capital of Louisiana

The Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority serves to measurably improve the economic vitality of Southwest Louisiana and enrich the community by attracting, creating, managing, promoting, and enhancing significant sporting and other competitive events that bring visitors to the 5 parish region.

Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana hosts nearly 100 sporting events annually on the 61 baseball fields, 50 basketball courts, 25 football fields, eight 18-hole golf courses, 45 soccer fields, and 59 softball fields including US Boxing, the Southland Conference, and Pro Watercross. With top-notch swimming and wrestling facilities, tennis and volleyball courts, and track and field stadiums, you will certainly score when you plan your next tournament or camp here.

When you choose Southwest Louisiana to host your next event, the LCRSA will work with you to meet your group's needs. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help with services and area resources to ensure the success of your event making planning your sporting event or tournament a breeze. We offer services from competitive bid proposals and event grants to attendance promotion. For information on facilities, tournaments, and accommodations, contact our Sports team.

Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana consistently demonstrates its capability to host state, regional, and national championships.
  • Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Boys Basketball, Swim, Softball, and Baseball State Championships
  • ​Louisiana Golf Association’s Girl’s and Boy’s Junior State Championship
  • Host for 2026, 2027, 2028 NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships
  • American Cornhole Organization – Big South Regional
  • Southland Conference Basketball Championships
  • Southland Conference Softball Tournament
  • US Sports Congress
  • Elite Fishing Series Solo Tour National Championship
  • Liqui Moly Pro Watercross National Championships
  • Louisiana BASS Nation High School State Championships

Upcoming Sporting Events

Louisiana's Playground Podcast

5 min read

Top Ways to Play this September in Lake Charles

September in Lake Charles, ushers in the fall festival season! Celebrate the return of the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival with fabulous…

7 min read

Things to Do During a Sporting Tournament

Lake Charles and Sulphur, Louisiana Welcome to the Sports Capital of Louisiana! Whether you’re in town for youth, McNeese, pro, or…

5 min read

Where Champions are Crowned September 2024

Get ready to saddle up for a month of unforgettable athletic action and community…

Meet the Team

Eric Zartler

Eric Zartler, TMP, CDME Executive Director of LCRSA & Sr. Vice President of Sports

Manages/Oversees execution of vision & strategies of sports department, recruitment/procurement of sporting events to SWLA

Sam Moore VLC Staff Headshot

Sam Moore Director of Sports Relations

Cultivate relationships with tournament organizers, facility managers, community volunteers, and industry organizations for hosting sports events in SWLA.

Aubrey Caldwell Headshot

Aubrey Caldwell Sports Event & Volunteer Coordinator

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

Advisory Board

Dane Bolin (Asst. Parish Administrator)
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

Robert Pete (CPSB Athletic Director)
Calcasieu Parish School Board

Hannah Veazay (Community Services Asst.)
City of Lake Charles Parks & Recreation

Heath Schroyer (Director of Athletics)
McNeese State University

Alicia Boutte (Director of Sales –Home2 Suites)
SWLA Hotel Community (Lodging Association)

Natalie Bowers (Assistant Director)
Sulphur Parks & Recreation

Albert Landry (Program Director)
Ward 3 Recreation

Jason Barnes (Executive Director –Burton Complex)
Member-At-Large