New Orleans, August 29, 2025
News Summary
During the annual Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Shaquille O’Neal was crowned the King of the Krewe of Bacchus. Alongside this honor, he announced plans to invest in a new arena at the LSU campus, which is set to enhance local sports and entertainment opportunities. However, the arena project faces challenges due to recent management issues within the Oak View Group. The development aims to generate significant economic activity and community engagement in Baton Rouge.
New Orleans – Shaquille O’Neal was crowned the King of the Krewe of Bacchus on March 2, 2025, during the annual Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. This year’s parade theme, “Louisiana Fairs and Festivals,” highlighted the state’s rich cultural heritage. O’Neal, a former LSU basketball player, celebrated his role by waving to the crowd from a traveling throne.
In addition to his royal duties, O’Neal announced his investment in a new arena planned to be constructed on the LSU campus. His endorsement comes as a boost to the Oak View Group’s development plans, which aim to create a state-of-the-art facility for sports, concerts, and various events, benefiting both LSU and the Baton Rouge community.
O’Neal’s commitment makes him the first investor to support the arena project, stating that “LSU and Baton Rouge deserve a world-class arena.” The proposed venue is expected to be transformative, generating significant economic activity and providing a home for LSU basketball and gymnastics events, as well as hosting concerts and other major spectacles.
The development of the arena, however, has been met with some challenges. Recently, the CEO of Oak View Group stepped down following an indictment concerning bid-rigging allegations tied to another venue project in Austin. This situation has led LSU officials to pause the deal while they reassess the implications of the indictment on the arena’s plans. Currently, an LSU spokesperson confirmed that the university is in a due diligence phase to evaluate the project further.
In response to ongoing concerns, the Baton Rouge city council has called for a full audit of Oak View Group’s management practices, specifically regarding the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. This scrutiny reflects a cautious approach to the arena development as city leaders aim to ensure responsible management and financing.
As negotiations continue, Our Lady of the Lake hospital has emerged as a potential candidate for the arena’s naming rights, proposing a $50 million fee over ten years to name the venue “Our Lady of the Lake Arena.” This substantial financial commitment indicates strong local investment interest in the project and underscores its potential impact on the region.
Officials from the East Baton Rouge Metro Council are set to vote on a proposal allowing the LSU Economic Development District to levy a 2% sales tax in the arena’s planned area. Additionally, the financial framework for the project also involves capturing both parish and state sales taxes from the stadium grounds, which would be directed to Oak View Group to aid in the venue’s financial sustainability and development.
If approved, the new arena could significantly enhance the local economy, providing jobs, drawing visitors, and fostering community engagement through sports and entertainment. The potential establishment of this new facility represents a notable investment in the future of Baton Rouge, reaffirming the community’s commitment to enhancing local sports and cultural offerings.
FAQ Section
What is the Krewe of Bacchus?
The Krewe of Bacchus is a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade organization that celebrates amusement and festivities with a grand parade featuring floats, masks, and royalty.
Why is Shaquille O’Neal investing in a new LSU arena?
Shaquille O’Neal is investing in the new arena to provide LSU and Baton Rouge with a world-class venue for sports and entertainment, contributing to economic growth in the region.
What challenges are facing the new LSU arena project?
The arena project is facing challenges due to concerns over the Oak View Group’s management after the indictment of its CEO, prompting LSU to pause the deal for reevaluation.
What potential economic impact could the new arena have?
The arena is projected to generate significant economic activity, provide jobs, attract visitors for events, and enhance community engagement through sports and entertainment.
Key Features of the New LSU Arena Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | LSU Campus, Baton Rouge |
| Investment | First investor: Shaquille O’Neal |
| Naming Rights | Proposed by Our Lady of the Lake hospital: $50 million over 10 years |
| Capacity | To host LSU basketball, gymnastics, and major concerts/events |
| Economic Impact | Potential for significant activity and job creation |
| Sales Tax | Levies proposed to support financing |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 11 Online: Shaquille O’Neal Cancels Brewers Postgame Concert
- The Advocate: Shaquille O’Neal and LSU Arena
- WDSU: Shaquille O’Neal’s 7th Annual Shaq’s Fun House
- LA Times: Shaquille O’Neal’s Regrets on Painkillers
- NOLA: Shaquille O’Neal’s Super Bowl Party
- Wikipedia: Shaquille O’Neal
- Google Search: Shaquille O’Neal
- Google Scholar: Shaquille O’Neal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shaquille O’Neal
- Google News: Shaquille O’Neal
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
