Our man Shaq may have retired from basketball years ago, but when it comes to supporting his alma mater, he’s still playing at the highest level. The former LSU Tiger and four-time NBA champion announced his support on Friday for a proposed $400 million world-class arena on the LSU campus—and he’s ready to put his money where his mouth is.
Following a private meeting with Baton Rouge business and community leaders, Shaq released a statement making his position clear:
“LSU and Baton Rouge deserve a world-class arena and I’m very excited to endorse Oak View Group’s plan. I’ve worked with OVG in venues across the country (with my Big Chicken brand) and they are the best partners and great operators. I look forward to becoming the first investor to help bring this new venue to Baton Rouge and LSU.”
That’s vintage Shaq—loyal, bold, and never shy about stepping up first.
Shaq’s Deep LSU Roots
Shaquille O’Neal’s name is legendary in Baton Rouge. Before he became an NBA superstar, four-time champion, 15-time All-Star, and eventual Hall of Famer, Shaq was dominating the court at LSU. From 1989 to 1992, the 7-foot-1 center wowed crowds with his size, athleticism, and larger-than-life personality. He was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and the 1991 National Player of the Year.
Even decades later, Shaq continues to represent LSU with pride. His latest move to back the arena project is just another way he shows love for the school and city that first put him on the map.
Arena Project Still in the Works
It’s important to note that while Shaq is on board, the project itself isn’t finalized. Oak View Group—the company behind the proposed arena—is still in the due diligence stage with LSU. The Denver-based developer has faced scrutiny recently, including legal troubles tied to past projects and its ongoing ties to Ticketmaster and Live Nation.
Some community leaders have voiced concerns over transparency, urging LSU to move carefully. But if everything goes forward, the arena would be a massive addition to both the university and Baton Rouge.
The venue, which could open by 2029, would not only host LSU sports and graduation ceremonies, but also concerts, entertainment events, and more. The likely site? The LSU Golf Course area, south of Gourrier Avenue.
A Game-Changer for Baton Rouge
If completed, the new arena would give Baton Rouge a facility to rival other SEC schools and major entertainment hubs. It would also reshape the future of the Raising Cane’s River Center, which could pivot toward focusing mainly on conventions.
For LSU fans and Baton Rouge residents, the possibilities are exciting—bigger concerts, major sporting events, and an arena that reflects the school’s status on the national stage.
And with Shaq not just supporting the idea but also stepping in as an early investor, the project already has a larger-than-life champion behind it.
Shaq Always Plays Big
This isn’t the first time Shaq has gone beyond basketball to make an impact. From launching his Big Chicken restaurant chain, to starring as a TV analyst on Inside the NBA, to countless community projects, Shaq has always been more than just a player—he’s a brand, an entertainer, and a philanthropist.
Backing LSU’s new arena is simply the next chapter in that story. As Shaq himself would say: Diesel doesn’t run from anybody. And when it comes to helping Baton Rouge and LSU, Diesel doesn’t sit on the sidelines either.