Baton Rouge Will Weigh Tax Rebates for LSU Events
The Metro Council will review potential tax incentives for two events planned at LSU facilities in March 2027.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Other — General
Live Poll
Should your local government offer tax rebates to attract large concerts and events to city facilities?
The East Baton Rouge Metro Council is scheduled to discuss sales and use tax rebates for two LSU events taking place in March 2027. Visit Baton Rouge recommended the move to support the Death Valley Live initiative.
Why it matters
The proposed rebates are part of a broader local effort to attract high-profile special events to Tiger Stadium and Alex Box Stadium. This strategy aims to leverage tax incentives to entice promoters and artists to choose Baton Rouge.
The East Baton Rouge Metro Council is considering rebates for two events, with the first scheduled for March 4, 2027, at Alex Box Stadium and the second on March 6, 2027, at Tiger Stadium.
The players
East Baton Rouge Metro Council
This is the primary legislative body responsible for governing the city and parish of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Visit Baton Rouge
This is the official destination marketing organization tasked with promoting tourism and local economic development.
LSU Athletics
This organization manages the sports programs and athletic facilities at Louisiana State University.
The details
The Metro Council previously established a tax rebate plan for promoters and artists in November 2025 to encourage large-scale bookings. Visit Baton Rouge, alongside partners like LSU Athletics and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, continues to drive the Death Valley Live initiative despite past setbacks such as the cancellation of a Post Malone and Jelly Roll concert.
Timeline
November 2025: The Death Valley Live initiative launched.
September 21, 2026: The agenda item for tax rebates was introduced.
October 14, 2026: The Metro Council is expected to discuss the rebates.
March 4, 2027: The first event is scheduled at Alex Box Stadium.
March 6, 2027: The second event is scheduled at Tiger Stadium.
Industry Dynamics
These proposed rebates follow the framework of the November 2025 tax incentive plan, which was designed to position Baton Rouge as a competitive venue for national touring acts. By providing financial support to promoters, the city aims to counteract regional competition and overcome the momentum of previous high-profile concert cancellations.
If approved, these tax rebates could lower the operational costs for event promoters, potentially impacting ticket pricing and the variety of concerts available to local residents. The decision directly influences the likelihood of future national tours incorporating Baton Rouge into their schedules.
The takeaway
Local tax incentives serve as a key tool for attracting large-scale events to university facilities. Residents should monitor upcoming council discussions to understand how these fiscal policies shape the local entertainment landscape.
What happens next
The East Baton Rouge Metro Council is scheduled to meet on October 14, 2026, to discuss the tax rebate proposal.
Further reading
For more information on the city's approach to entertainment incentives, explore the /entertainment/other/other-general/ section.
Live Poll
Should your local government offer tax rebates to attract large concerts and events to city facilities?
