Latest news with #VisitBatonRouge
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill advances to give Visit Baton Rouge $100K annually for sports promotion
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Louisiana bill that would redirect state funding to promote sporting events in Baton Rouge has cleared its first legislative hurdle. House Bill 226, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Freiberg (R-Baton Rouge), would reallocate an existing $100,000 appropriation from the now-defunct Baton Rouge Sports Foundation to Visit Baton Rouge. The funds would come from the East Baton Rouge Parish Enhancement Fund, a special state treasury fund established to support local economic and tourism-related efforts. The bill, which passed out of the House Appropriations Committee, updates state law to reflect changes in local organizations. Freiberg told lawmakers that the sports foundation is no longer operational, and Visit Baton Rouge has since absorbed its responsibilities. Visit Baton Rouge President and CEO Jill Kidder testified that the funds would not be used for salaries but would instead help the tourism bureau bid on and secure major sports events that generate hotel stays and visitor spending. She noted that Visit Baton Rouge does not receive state general funds and relies primarily on a local occupancy tax. In its 2025 business plan, Visit Baton Rouge outlined sports development as a key priority. Among its stated goals are launching a sports foundation, securing a large professional sports event in partnership with LSU, and advocating for new sports facilities. The agency also hopes to increase overnight visitors and tourism revenue by leveraging sporting events to bring more travelers to the city. If approved by lawmakers, the $100,000 annual appropriation would be codified into law and take effect immediately upon the governor's signature. BRAC, Visit Baton Rouge launch campaign to bring young people to the city Gunmen kill at least 20 tourists at Kashmir resort, Indian police say What's in the new Army Fitness Test designed to improve strength, lethality? Baton Rouge man arrested after allegedly firing at neighbor during dispute over trash Trump ordered to give some Venezuelans 21 days notice before deportations Bill advances to give Visit Baton Rouge $100K annually for sports promotion Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Baton Rouge hotels see Super Bowl surge with Eagles, Chiefs fans looking for rooms
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — While the big game is in the 'Big Easy,' neighboring Baton Rouge is seeing its own economic boost as hotels fill up with Super Bowl LIX football fans, performers, and production crews. Visit Baton Rouge said many local hotels are fully booked for Super Bowl weekend, with others still receiving last-minute calls for rooms. Short-term rentals are also seeing increased demand. 'New Orleans hotels have been booked for six months or more, mostly by corporations that plan far in advance to be at the Super Bowl for marketing purposes,' said Laura Cating, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Baton Rouge. 'This leaves fans and other groups needing hotel rooms at the last minute and looking outside of the New Orleans metro.' The latest on the 2025 Super Bowl >> The drive from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on I-10 takes about 90 minutes, making the Capital City a convenient alternative for visitors attending the big game. To attract travelers, Visit Baton Rouge launched a digital ad campaign in the Philadelphia and Kansas City markets, spending just under $10,000 to promote local hotel options. Beyond the Super Bowl crowd, other events are also bringing visitors to Baton Rouge this weekend, including the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals conference at the Crowne Plaza. For those in town, Visit Baton Rouge recommends dining at these local spots, exploring local attractions such as the Old State Capitol, LSU's Mike the Tiger habitat, the Capitol Park Museum, and the Knock Knock Children's Museum. Black History Month: See museums, visit Black-owned businesses in downtown Baton Rouge Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, TV personality Chris Hansen partner to catch predators Private investors buy Winn-Dixie, Harveys as ALDI conversions continue Louisiana oyster recall: 61 people report norovirus-like illness Cincinnati Zoo hippo picks winner of Super Bowl LIX Baton Rouge hotels see Super Bowl surge with Eagles, Chiefs fans looking for rooms Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
