Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Welcome Reception gets the party started; free concert tonight
Story, photos by KEVIN SHANNAHAN, Journal Staff
Sports enthusiasts and area residents were joined by 2026 inductees into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame at the welcome reception for the LSHOF’s 2026 class held Thursday evening.
The event at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum was free to the public and was an excellent opportunity to meet some of our state’s sports legends, and enjoy a festive scene in a world-class museum at 800 Front Street.
Another free event is tonight, downtown at the Rue Beauport stage and amphitheater. The Rockin’ River Fest concert begins at 6, stops for Hall of Fame introductions at 9:15 followed by fireworks, and continues until 10:30. Food trucks and other vendors will be on site along with a Kids Zone with games and activities guided by NSU athletes and marketing staff from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans.
Thursday, the official portraits and memorabilia from each inductee were displayed for the first time to the general public. Each portrait shows the inductee in the context of his or her sport and is a tradition of the Hall of Fame.
Saturday morning will feature the free Junior Training Camp presented by NRMC on the NSU campus where young people will be able to test their abilities and learn what it takes to succeed on and off the playing field. Registration is open Friday at LaSportsHall.com.
The weekend will culminate with the induction ceremony Saturday evening at the Natchitoches Events Center, televised live statewide on LPB.
