LAFAYETTE CHOSEN TO HOST THE STATE POWERLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Raising Lafayette’s profile, spurring the local economy

Lafayette, LA – Lafayette is excited to have been chosen to host the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) State Powerlifting Championships for the next two years, with 2023 marking the first time the competition will be held in Lafayette.

“We’re honored to have this opportunity to host coaches, more than 1,000 athletes, their families, and spectators, both local and from across the state,” said Mayor-President Josh Guillory, a former high school powerlifter himself. “Not only will it be our time to shine and show visitors the hospitality Lafayette is known for, but also the event and number of visitors will boost our economy.”

The youth sports market continues to be the fastest growing part of Lafayette Parish’s tourism economy. As the host destination, Lafayette stands to gain a significant economic boost with 1,350 projected room nights and an estimated economic impact of nearly $1.6 million as visitors spend money on hotels, stores, and restaurants, Ben Berthelot, President and CEO of Lafayette Travel said. “We are excited to bring the Powerlifting State Championships to Lafayette thanks to more great teamwork. Mayor-President Guillory’s relationship with Coach Duane Urbina, who is responsible for the logistics of putting on the championships, was a huge factor in gaining this great piece of business and started the conversation. Powerlifting is one of the fastest growing sports at the high school level, and we know that we will provide a first-class experience for these student athletes to compete,” said Berthelot.

In the 1980s, high school powerlifting became a sport in its own right, then became a recognized and certified LHSAA sport in 2012.

The Championships will be held at the CAJUNDOME March 21-25, 2023.