Groundbreaking for West Calcasieu Events Center Held

An official groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming West Calcasieu Events Center was held on Thursday, June 7,  2012.  The indoor complex which will include a 45,000 sq. foot multipurpose center, will compliment the existing outdoor area.  Construction is planned until it's opening in spring of 2014.

“This phase of the West Calcasieu Community Center development is one which has been anticipated for many years.  The Events Center will not only benefit West Calcasieu, but also Southwest Louisiana, by providing another venue for various events.  The City of Sulphur welcomes this new facility.  It will truly compliment the West Cal Arena,” said Mayor Chris Duncan of Sulphur.

Adrian Moreno, the executive director of the West Cal Arena is looking forward to the next phase of the development getting off to a great start: “This groundbreaking event is exciting news for everyone in Southwest Louisiana. The indoor facility will allow more flexibility with the types of events that can be accommodated at the West Calcasieu Arena and ultimately in Southwest Louisiana as a whole.”

The facility will be a 45,000 square foot multi-purpose center with a 15,000 square foot main banquet hall that can be divisible into three separate rooms. The new structure will also feature four separate meeting rooms that can be used individually or as three self-supported meeting/event rooms with a full catering kitchen and support area. The facility will cost just under $10 million.

“We have a number of events that we are looking forward to having in our area like Mardi Gras balls, weddings, family reunions, meetings, conventions, tradeshows and a variety of special events. This facility is going to be a wonderful asset to showcase this part of Louisiana,” said Tab Finchum, president of the West Calcasieu Association of Commerce.

"Having multiple options for groups and event planners is a real plus whenever the bureau is looking either to bring new group business to the area or assist an existing client. Many events are planned years in advance, and the staff at the bureau is looking forward to promoting the West Calcasieu Events Center leading up to the opening and beyond,” said Shelley Johnson, executive director of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The anticipated opening will occur in the spring of 2014. For more information on the West Cal Arena, visit www.westcalarena.com or (337) 528-9378.

Source- Angie Manning, Communications Director for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau