Ralph O. Ward Memorial Arena formerly McNeese Arena is a 5,000 seat multi-purpose

arena An arena is a large enclosed platform, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theatre, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators ...

located in the McNeese State Recreational Sports Complex in

Lake Charles, Louisiana Lake Charles (French: ''Lac Charles'') is the fifth-largest incorporated city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, and the parish seat of Calcasieu Parish, located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River. Founded in 1861 in Calcasieu ...

. It is named after Ralph O. Ward, who was head coach of the men's basketball team from 1952 to 1971. The arena is currently home of the men's and women's indoor track and field teams. The Department of Health & Human Performance and administration offices are also located in the building along with athletic facilities for students.

Arena history

The building opened in 1939 as an open-air arena for rodeos and livestock shows. A roof was later added and became the home venue for the

McNeese State Cowboys basketball The McNeese State Cowboys basketball team represents McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Southland Conference. They are led by head coach John Aiken and play their ho ...

team from 1956 to 1971. The facility also held tennis matches and physical education classes. The Intramural Recreation Complex opened in 1982. In 1990, the arena was renamed the Ralph O. Ward Memorial Arena in honor of the former McNeese State basketball head coach.

McNeese State Recreational Sports Complex

In 2001, the recreational sports complex was built. An addition was constructed and attached to the arena. The facility became known as the McNeese State Recreational Sports Complex and the arena became a part of the facility. The complex offers basketball, volleyball, racquetball and indoor track. The complex has an Olympic size indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a 200-meter indoor track, eight outdoor tennis courts, intramural playing fields, wellness center, and locker rooms.

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Arena information
Basketball venues in Louisiana College indoor track and field venues in the United States Defunct college basketball venues in the United States Indoor arenas in Louisiana Indoor track and field venues in Louisiana McNeese State Cowboys basketball McNeese State Cowboys and Cowgirls track and field Rodeo venues in the United States Sports venues in Lake Charles, Louisiana Swimming venues in Louisiana Tennis venues in Louisiana University and college student recreation centers in the United States Buildings and structures in Lake Charles, Louisiana Sports venues completed in 1939 1939 establishments in Louisiana {{Rodeo-stub