LSU’s proposed new arena project is facing yet another delay after the CEO of the firm who was the sole finalist to build the facility was indicted for allegedly rigging the bid process for a similar project at UT Austin. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says there’s a lot of unknown.
“It’s definitely in jeopardy right now,” said Horne. “It was already significantly behind its original timeline, and LSU is clearly right now reeling.”
CEO of Oak View Group, Timothy Leiweke, allegedly eliminated competition for Texas’s Moody Center with lucrative concessions and premium-seat contracts. Horne said Leiweke has already agreed to pay a $15 million fine, hoping to mitigate criminal imprisonment.
“LSU certainly did not expect this to happen. I don’t know if they had any inkling this was going on, but they certainly appear to be reeling from it right now and not making any definitive statements or decisions until they’ve fully investigated,” said Horne.
The arena was originally scheduled to award a bid and break ground in July of 2024. It wasn’t until May of this year that LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward announced a plan to award the bid to Oak View Group. Horne said the arena was expected to be finished in 2029.
“I don’t see how it could possibly happen any time soon,” said Horne. “In fact, I would be surprised if we hear anything definitive as far as plans go by the end of this year,” said Horne.
No contract had been signed with the firm.
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