LAKE CHARLES, La. (October 21, 2011)—Out of 248 markets, 419 teams, and 47 leagues Lake Charles, La. was ranked 95 in top minor league markets by Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal. SportsBusiness Journal ranks the minor league markets from the result of three category-specific scores: tenure rank, attendance rank and economic rank.

Lake Charles proves to be an excellent destination for potential minor league teams and currently hosts the Professional Indoor Football League’s, Louisiana Swashbucklers; two-time Intense Football League Champions, 2009 Southern Indoor Football League Champions and two division titles: 2005 NIFL Pacific South and 2011 SIFL Western Gulf. They were originally the Lake Charles Land Sharks and began in 2001. Through their four years the Landsharks won two Atlantic South division titles in 2002 and 2003.

“Minor leagues have a long history in Lake Charles,” said Eric Zartler, senior sales manager/athletics for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From minor league baseball to basketball, football and even minor league hockey, Lake Charles has a venue for many different sporting events.”

In 1934, Lake Charles was awarded a minor league franchise, the Lake Charles Lakers, who played at Legion Field. In 1956, The Lakers signed with the New York Giants and became their Class C franchise Lake Charles Giants. Major League outfielder, Felipe Alou joined the Giants and had his first professional bat at Legion Field. He propelled the team into the playoffs, and permanently put Lake Charles on the Minor League Baseball history map. Legion Field was also a very popular venue for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro League in the post Jackie Robinson era.

Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana has a rich history and outstanding reputation for hosting successful youth, amateur and professional athletic events and tournaments.

Book your next sporting event with the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information on the numerous athletic facilities in Southwest Louisiana, please contact Eric Zartler at (337) 436-9588 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .