By Hunt Palmer
Naming rights for LSU’s new on-campus arena appear to have approached a conclusion.
The university and Our Lady of the Lake Health are in negotiations, and the finalization of the deal could come in the coming months. It will then be brought to the LSU Board of Supervisors for approval.
E.J. Kuiper, President and Chief Executive Officer of Franciscan Missionaries of our Lady Health System, sent the following to the organization’s employees on Friday.
In a few minutes, you will read in the news that Our Lady of the Lake Health has been in negotiations to be the naming rights sponsor of the new arena on LSU’s campus.
This is a generational project for the Baton Rouge community and economy. Clinical care, economics, and social circumstances all contribute to the health and vibrancy of our region. While no formal agreement has been reached, we have been in discussions as a potential anchor investor for this project.
As LSU’s Championship Healthcare Partner and the healthcare leader in the capital region, we are always looking for ways to invest into our community in meaningful ways that will help stimulate economic growth and ultimately create healthier, more vibrant communities.
We hoped to celebrate with a large planned announcement after the agreement was finalized and the LSU Board gave final approval to the project. However, due to a public records request, the news leaked sooner than we would have preferred. We wanted you to hear it from us first. We’ll have more details as things develop in the coming weeks.
For over 100 years, we’ve supported the Gulf region beyond exceptional healthcare delivery in ways that make a significant difference in the communities we serve. This initiative is another example of that commitment, and we look forward to working together to make this exciting vision a reality.
LSU Chief Communications Officer Zach Greenwell told LouisianaSports.net, “All involved parties are evaluating the implications on the potential arena project in Baton Rouge considering this week’s news regarding Oak View Group. This is not a finalized agreement in place with Oak View Group, not has a potential agreement gone before any governing bodies for approval, including the LSU Board of Supervisors. The future status of the project will be informed by a due diligence review.”
The target for construction completion is 2029. In addition to hosting the LSU basketball and gymnastics teams, the arena will aim to lure concerts and entertainment acts to Baton Rouge as well.
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