A successful flagship university athletics program could prove to be vital to the state’s economy during the next governor’s administration. Jason Dore asked the two gubernatorial candidates about their opinion of athletics in Louisiana. Democratic candidate Kathleen Blanco has yet to answer.
Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bobby Jindal is a Baton Rouge native. He attended Brown University and received an undergraduate degree in biology and public policy. He then received a graduate degree from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar before returning to Louisiana to serve in various capacities including President of the University of Louisiana System.
JD: Do you believe a successful athletics program at LSU is important to the state?
BJ: LSU’s athletic program is a huge asset to the state in several ways.
LSU’s athletic events bring families together to spend quality time with one another. LSU’s athletics program has been very successful over the years and has garnered positive national attention for Louisiana with trips to the College World Series, football bowl games and national track titles. LSU athletics generate millions of dollars for the economy every year. Plus, the emotional ties LSU fans feel for their team is a source of pride and unity for the state that few other places can match.
There’s no place like Saturday night in Death Valley.
JD: How important are sporting events and teams to Louisiana’s culture and economy?
BJ: In addition to the revenue generated by LSU’s athletics, the state has three NCAA bowl games, the Bayou Classic and has hosted numerous Super Bowl games – more than any other site. These bowls employ many of our citizens and draw fans from all over the country to our state to visit, contribute to our economy and get a taste of Louisiana’s unique culture.
Teams like the Saints and Hornets also bring Louisiana recognition at the national level. The Football Network and the New Orleans Hornets moved to Louisiana during the past few years partly because of the great sports tradition we have in this state.
JD: With the establishment of the Football Network and our deep-rooted sports heritage, do you think sports are a viable way to pursue economic development?
BJ: The Football Network is a perfect example of the type of economic development opportunities that we can attract to our state to expand our economy. The Football Network could have chosen a number of different cities to build its headquarters, but it saw potential in Louisiana and Baton Rouge. If I am elected governor I will work to make other businesses see that potential so we can keep our great fans in state and close to the Louisiana teams they love. If opportunities to create jobs in a sports-related industry present themselves, I would certainly consider pursuing their development.
JD: Growing up, were you a sports fan? What about now?
BJ: I was and still am. Personally I enjoy playing tennis, even though I have not gotten to play recently due to the campaign. I have always been a fan of LSU and the Saints. Growing up, I attended as many LSU games as possible. I would even volunteer in the concession stands just to get into the stadium and experience the energy of Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. As far as a favorite or most memorable moment that I remember – there are just too many to choose from – from the Auburn Earthquake game, to Warren Morris’ game-winning hit, to buzzer-beater wins in the Maravich Assembly Center. Every year there are so many new memories that I just can’t choose one.