About Us
Get to Know One of Southwest Louisiana’s Premier Event Venues
Curious about what makes The Burton Complex such a unique part of our community? Here are a few fun and frequently asked facts that give you a behind-the-scenes look at our facilities, operations, and history:
When did The Burton Complex open to the public?
1977 — We've been proudly hosting events of all kinds for nearly 50 years!
Who owns and operates the Complex?
The Burton Complex is owned and operated by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, serving the Southwest Louisiana community as a public facility.
How is the Complex funded?
The Complex is funded through a combination of facility rentals, event-related fees, and a parish-wide property tax. These revenue sources help us maintain and upgrade our facilities for long-term community use.
How many events take place at the Complex each year?
We host approximately 200 events annually, ranging from high-profile public events to private functions and everything in between.
What types of events happen at The Burton Complex?
We host a wide variety of events throughout the year, including:
- McNeese State University Rodeo Program
- Southwest District Livestock Show & Rodeo
- LHSAA High School Basketball Tournaments
- Louisiana High School Rodeo Finals
- High School and College Graduations
- Concerts & Festivals
- SWLA Garden Expo & Conference
- Trade Show & Flea Markets
- Fundraisers & Banquets
- Social Studies & Science Fairs
- Educational Programming
- ...and so much more!
No matter the occasion, our facilities are designed to adapt to your event’s unique needs.
How big is the Burton Complex?
The Complex sits on approximately 50 acres of land near the Lake Charles Regional Airport. Highlights include:
- Burton Coliseum, one of the largest indoor venues in Southwest Louisiana
- Parking for over 3,000 vehicles
- 140 RV/camper sites, each with full electricity, water, and sewer hookups
Why are some of the parking lot light poles shorter than others?
Great observation! A portion of our parking lot falls under the final approach path of a runway at Lake Charles Regional Airport. Due to FAA regulations, the light posts in this area are required to remain below a certain height to ensure aviation safety.
The Coliseum looks brighter than ever—what kind of lighting is used?
The interior of the Burton Coliseum is equipped with approximately 80 high-performance LED light fixtures. These modern lights provide:
- Brighter, more even lighting for all types of events
- Energy efficiency and reduced operating costs
- Longevity—each fixture is designed to last 10+ years with minimal maintenance
This upgrade brings us in line with today’s best venue operation standards and enhances the guest experience.