Shaq Wants To Invest In LSU Arena To Support Alma Mater

Shaq will give again to his alma mater of Louisiana State College in a singular means. The NBA legend will turn into an investor within the new enviornment at LSU.

Shaq revealed his intentions to signal on as an early investor within the undertaking Aug. 22. The event will reportedly price $400 million to assist to the Baton Rouge faculty’s Division 1 athletic groups. Based on the Larger Baton Rouge Enterprise Report, the 53-year-old launched a press release on his excessive hopes for the sector.

“LSU and Baton Rouge deserve a world-class enviornment, and I’m very excited to endorse Oak View Group’s plan,” wrote the entrepreneur. “I’ve labored with OVG in venues throughout the nation (with my Large Hen model), and they’re one of the best companions and nice operators. I stay up for turning into the primary investor to assist carry this new venue to Baton Rouge and LSU.”

Shaq has turn into identified for his enterprise acumen as a lot as his basketball profession. Whereas additionally a sports activities analyst, the “Contained in the NBA” co-host has a wide range of investments and model offers which have made him a media character.

Nonetheless, the undertaking has not formally begun regardless of Shaq’s pledged involvement. Whereas he hopes his public assertion will seal the deal, no settlement has been finalized with Oak View Group, the controversial agency developer concerned. LSU Athletics has additionally acknowledged that the proposed undertaking stays in a “due diligence evaluate” earlier than it requests any authorities approval.

Oak View Group has obtained some scrutiny as its ex-CEO, Tim Leiweke, was indicted by the Division of Justice. Leiweke at present faces accusations for his alleged function in a “bid-rigging scheme” for the Moody Middle in Austin, Texas.

The agency owns and operates a number of venues globally, however has different pending circumstances as nicely. Particularly, they’re concerned in an antitrust case in opposition to Ticketmaster, during which they had been known as a “pimp” for its mother or father firm of Dwell nation.

For his or her involvement within the new LSU enviornment, native voices have already criticized the undertaking because of the lack of transparency surrounding its growth. Nonetheless, the sector might open as early as 2029 if Shaq and fellow events safe the deal.

Whereas Shaq has remained mum about Oak View’s ominous historical past, a number of elements play a task in whether or not or not development will get off the bottom in Baton Rouge.

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