There’s still time to get squared away to attend any or all of the four ticketed events at this weekend’s 2022 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.
The toughest ticket? Friday night’s VIP Taste of Tallgating Party, hosted inside Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room, brimming with tasty Louisiana treats from 11 chefs locally and statewide.
You can still get lined up for the party by visiting LaSportsHall.com for a secure online transaction, or by calling 238-4255. But don’t wait too long. There is a capacity limit and a sellout for the party inside the air-conditioned restaurant is not out of the question.
VIP Taste of Tailgating guests will have complimentary wine and beer, soft drinks and tea, while enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres, 11 food stations, with a premium view of the Rockin’ River Fest concert happening from 6-10:30 on the Rue Beauport riverbank stage, and the sports-themed fireworks show at 9:15 following introduction of the Class of 2022.
Taste of Tailgating guests will have personal access to meet and greet the LSHOF Inductees in the air-conditioned venue, and can take advantage of some remarkable silent auction items.
The concert down on stage is free to all, featuring emerging Lafayette country/rock artist MJ Dardar and the revolutionary Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Kings, who are much more than supremely-talented zydeco artists. They’ve played with Bob Dylan and Britney Spears, they’ve played Bill Clinton’s White House, they’ve jammed with James Brown and Paul Simon.
The music and vibe is free. But access to the VIP Taste of Tailgating Party is not, and tickets could be all gone by Friday, if not before.
Who’s at the center of all this fun? The dozen people in the LSHOF Class of 2022, including:
New Orleans Saints six-time Pro Bowler, and XLIV Super Bowl champion Jahri Evans;
LSU football All-American and 2003 national champion Kyle Williams, also a six-time Pro Bowl star for the Buffalo Bills;
Three-time national champion gymnast, 12-time All-American Susan Jackson of LSU;
LSU’s two-time All-American softball pitcher Britni Sneed Williams, who threw 10 no-hitters;
Owner of 64 state championships, Episcopal High track and field coach Claney Duplechin, also a former successful head football coach;
Former LSU football player Steve Duhon, who went on to fame and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
It’s their party, and you are cordially invited.
