The LHSAA announced three site changes for state championship events starting in 2027 in a press release Tuesday. All three are part of the 2026-27 winter sports calendar.
The Sugar Bowl LHSAA Boys’ Basketball Championships is moving from Lake Charles’ Burton Coliseum to the University of Louisiana’s CajunDime in Lafayette.
The Sugar Bowl LHSAA Wrestling State Tournament is moving from Bossier City’s Brookshire Grocery Arena to New Orleans’ Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
The Sugar Bowl LHSAA Powerlifting State Championships is moving from Kenner’s Ponchartain Center to the West Monroe Sports & Events Complex.
“These venue changes reflect the LHSAA’s continued commitment to enhancing championship events and providing memorable experiences for Louisiana student- athletes. Through partnerships with premier facilities across the state, the association aims to elevate the presentation, accessibility, and overall experience of its championship events while supporting the continued growth of educational athletics,” the release stated.
“The site changes also align with the LHSAA’s new championship title sponsorshipagreement with the Sugar Bowl. As the title sponsor of LHSAA State Championships, the Sugar Bowl has demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in and elevating educational athletics throughout Louisiana. The partnership is focused on enhancing the championship experience for student-athletes, schools, and fans through improved venues, expanded event presentation, and increased statewide visibility for high school athletics.”
The boys’ basketball championships has been held in Lake Charles since 2014.“Moving Marsh Madness back to the CAJUNDOME marks an exciting new chapter for our boys’ basketball state championships and reinforces our commitment to delivering apremier experience for student-athletes, schools, and fans across Louisiana,” said LHSAA Assistant Executive Director and Director of Basketball Karen Hoyt.
The release called powerlifting one of the fastest-growing sports in Louisiana.
“The expansive space available inside the West Monroe Sports & Events Complex will provide ample room for the platforms, equipment, warm-up areas, spectators, and operational needs required to host the four-day championship event,” the release stated.
The wrestling state tournament has been held in Bossier City’s Brookshire Grocery the last four years
“As we evaluated the future of the LHSAA Wrestling State Championships, one message was consistently expressed by our coaches: a desire to provide our student-athletes with a new championship experience,” said Adam MacDowell, LHSAA Assistant Executive Director and Director of Wrestling.
“After careful consideration and feedback from our wrestling community, we believe moving the state tournament to New Orleans will create exciting new opportunities and continue the growth of our sport. At the same time, we want to sincerely thank the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission for their outstanding partnership over the past four years.”