Baton Rouge stands on the edge of an exciting downtown transformation. Visit Baton Rouge and city leaders are actively reimagining the Raising Cane’s River Center to unleash its full potential as a premier regional destination.
Growing the Local Economy
The primary strategy focuses on expanding the River Center to attract massive conventions and regional conferences. City leaders plan to secure a 350-to-400-room headquarters hotel right next to the facility. Consequently, these larger events will fill hotel rooms across East Baton Rouge Parish. This influx of visitors brings fresh tax dollars into our community, which helps fund local services without increasing costs for residents.
Navigating the Management Transition
Because the current management contract ends later this year, Visit Baton Rouge will oversee a smooth transition process. The city plans to issue an RFP or RFQ to select an experienced management firm. Meanwhile, this temporary team will bridge the gap until city leaders finalize a public-private partnership with a primary developer. Developers will explore options like building upward or expanding nearby while carefully preserving green spaces.
Bringing Proven Expertise to the Table
To guide this ambitious vision, city leaders hired tourism industry veteran Butch Spiridon. Spiridon previously helped transform Nashville into a global tourism powerhouse. Now, his deep industry expertise will help Baton Rouge maximize its unique assets and create a stronger capital city.