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Complex Info

A Versatile Venue with a Legacy of Hosting Unforgettable Events

Owned and operated by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, The Burton Complex stands as a cornerstone of entertainment, community, and celebration in Southwest Louisiana. Nestled on 50 acres near the Lake Charles Regional Airport, the Complex features four distinct facilities: the Burton Coliseum, Burton Arena, Burton Event Barn, and the Chalkley Room, each offering flexible space to accommodate a wide range of events.

Since first opening its doors to the public in 1977, The Burton Complex has welcomed guests from across the region to enjoy concerts, sporting events, rodeos, livestock shows, trade expos, corporate functions, festivals, and so much more. Today, it remains one of Louisiana’s most adaptable and trusted venues for both public and private events.

Our Facilities

The Coliseum

A true landmark in the region, the Burton Coliseum is a domed, climate-controlled facility with seating for up to 7,000 guests. When it opened, it was the only domed coliseum between Houston and New Orleans—a distinction that still echoes its regional significance today.

  • 24,000+ square feet of concrete floor space
  • Dome roof rises 105 feet above the arena floor
  • Heated and air-conditioned for year-round comfort
  • Recent upgrades include:
    • A new exterior and roof
    • LED lighting throughout the interior and exterior
    • Refurbished interior spaces and modernized infrastructure

Whether you're hosting a graduation, trade show, concert, or championship game, the Coliseum offers the size, style, and flexibility to bring your event to life.

The Chalkley Room

Located within the Coliseum, the Chalkley Room is a versatile banquet-style space ideal for meetings, receptions, banquets, and private functions.

  • Comfortably accommodates up to 275 guests
  • Configurable for classroom, banquet, or theater-style seating
  • A perfect setting for intimate gatherings or breakout sessions during larger events

The Event Barn

With 160,000 square feet of floor space beneath a massive 4-acre roof, the Event Barn is one of the most expansive open-air covered venues in the state.

  • Ideal for livestock shows, car shows, flea markets, crawfish boils, and western events
  • Spacious enough for large-scale exhibitions and outdoor festivals
  • Open-sided structure offers airflow while protecting guests and participants from the elements

The Outdoor Arena

The Burton Arena is a 50,000 square foot, covered, open-air arena designed primarily for equestrian and rodeo events.

  • Seating for up to 1,000 spectators
  • Equipped with lighting, sound systems, restrooms, and a concession area
  • A favorite among horse show and rodeo organizers for its layout and amenities

Additional Amenities

  • Parking for over 3,000 vehicles across the Complex grounds
  • 140 RV/Camper sites with full utility hookups, including electricity, water, and sewer
  • Seamless coordination between facilities—spaces can be rented individually or in combination to accommodate events of any size or complexity

Built for Flexibility, Designed for You

The Burton Complex was designed with maximum adaptability in mind. Whether you're planning a single-day workshop or a multi-day festival utilizing every inch of our campus, we’re here to make your event run smoothly. Our team is proud to offer a venue that’s as flexible and dynamic as the community we serve.