River Center

Baton Rouge’s River Center is getting an upgrade, expect amenity enhancements, a headquarters hotel, and unforgettable experiences.

A Downtown gathering place.


Nestled in Downtown Baton Rouge, the River Center has hosted entertainment acts, conventions and big events for nearly 50 years, and now it’s time for an upgrade. Aligned with the exciting new LSU Arena development, this project will modernize the facility, enhance its versatility to accommodate a wider range of events, and explore strategic integration with surrounding developments (shout out Plan BR III) to create a vibrant entertainment district. This redevelopment will lead to significant enhancements, including a new headquarters hotel, ensuring the River Center remains competitive and continues to be a vital hub for entertainment and events in Baton Rouge.

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  • $120MDedicated to building a headquarters hotel at and enhancing the River Center
  • 2025The year work is set to begin on the River Center enhancements

Center Enhancements

The River Center redevelopment will feature upgrades, including state-of-the-art technology, enhanced flexibility to accommodate a wider variety of events, and modernized amenities for improved guest comfort and accessibility. These enhancements will make the River Center a more attractive venue for regional and national conventions, bringing a significant economic impact to Downtown Baton Rouge through increased tourism spending.

Headquarters Hotel

Imagine this: major conventions flocking to our region, visitors staying right in the heart of the action, and a downtown buzzing with excitement. That's the power of a downtown headquarters hotel! Not only will it make hosting big events a breeze, but it'll also have a serious economic impact on our local economy. Think bustling restaurants, happy shoppers, and a vibrant downtown scene that's the envy of the region. This new hotel has the potential to unlock big changes throughout Downtown.

Plan BR III Alignment

The River Center redevelopment isn't just about a shiny new building – it's about creating a vibrant, interconnected downtown that's a joy to live, work, and play in. This project aligns perfectly with Plan BR III, the city's roadmap for a thriving Downtown future. We're talking about creating a vibrant entertainment district, boosting our local economy, and making Downtown Baton Rouge a magnet for visitors and residents alike.

BTR Things Are Coming in 2025.

Better in BTR is a multi-media marketing campaign and website designed to celebrate and retain the incredible talent already thriving in Louisiana’s Capital Region. By showcasing why this is the best place to grow both professionally and personally, we’re fostering pride in our community and solidifying Baton Rouge as a place to stay and succeed.

Get involved and help us keep Baton Rouge moving forward.

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