Chitimacha-La Open benefits area economy at $7 million

The long-running Chitimacha Louisiana Open is coming up March 26-29, and its economic benefit to Acadiana has been significant, tournament officials and tribal leaders say.
“We’ve got a great field playing for charity on Sunday and then we will follow that with the Pro-Am party here at the casino on Monday,” said Anthony Patrone, CEO and general manager of Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel. “The event raises so much money for local charities and we are proud to do everything we can to support this event.”
Chitimacha Tribal Chairman John Darden said, “The people of Acadiana have been so good to us and sponsoring this tournament is a prolific way we can give back. We have so much success and being a part of the Chitimacha Louisiana Open for our 23rd year is a way we can share some of this success with the entire Acadiana region.”
The partnership is one of the longest-running of PGA sanctioned events that is held at Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club.
In addition to its charitable component, the tournament also provides a significant boost to the local economy.
“When you consider the hotels, cars, food, gas, it quickly adds up,” according to Danny Jones, the tournament’s executive director. “Add in the operating budget for the tournament of nearly a $1 million and the expected immediate impact is $2 million for one week.”
Total economic impact is likely over $7 million.
Tickets for this year’s Chitimacha Louisiana Open can be purchased at laopen.com.
Celebrity participants this year are:
George Faust - KLFY
Allison Bourne-Vanneck - KATC
Sean Trcalek - KADN
Dave Schultz - Delta Media
Tom Poehler - KLAF TV
Zack Barker - LEDA
Ray Bourque - Broussard City Councilman
Stafford Barnett - the 705
Mark Hudspeth - UL Football Coach
Garry Brodhead - UL Women’s Basketball Coach