News & Updates
DOCUMENTS/LINKS
EBRP/BR & SMG/ASM Management Contract
Open Budget BR - BRRC Fund
Open Checkbook BR - BRRC Fund
BRRC 2020-23 Revenue Breakdown
BRRC 2022 Financial Audit
BRRC 2023 Financial Audit
Survey Says... The Fix Is In!
The 2023 Client Surveys for the Raising Cane’s River Center look more like a PR stunt than real feedback. Out of just 20 survey responses for the entire year, 14 of them (70%) were submitted by two people tied to national promotion agencies—Live Nation and Outback Presents. Both have rumored discount deals with the River Center—deals local events don’t get.
Even more alarming? These surveys are used to justify the management company’s bonus payouts, with perfect scores serving as “proof” of success. Local events? Not a single one was included.
National acts get the perks. Local community gets left out.
We told you there was more to this. Now the proof is stacking up. 
River Center Mission Statement
According to brla.gov, the Baton Rouge River Center exists to “grow the community,” “support local events,” and “positively impact the economy.”
– Local organizers are forced to use overpriced, out-of-town vendors.
– Millions in taxpayer dollars go toward private management bonuses.
– Meanwhile, local businesses are shut out and the public is kept in the dark.
So who is this really helping?Because it’s not the people of Baton Rouge.
This isn’t community growth. It’s a cash grab—behind closed doors.
Did you know that when you book an event at the River Center, you’re forced to use their so-called “preferred” vendors—whether you want to or not?
That means higher costs, fewer choices, and less money staying in the pockets of our local businesses.
A preferred vendor should mean trusted and recommended, not mandatory and overpriced. Instead, locals planning events at the River Center are being stripped of the freedom to choose vendors that fit their needs and budgets. The result?
Skyrocketing costs and fewer opportunities for local event planners, caterers, and businesses.
The River Center is supposed to serve our community—not limit it. It’s time to demand transparency, fairness, and the ability to choose who we do business with.
We’re calling on our city leaders to put control back where it belongs: in the hands of the people. Let’s take back the River Center!
📢 Transparency Matters: Research & Fact-Checking in Progress!
At Behind Closed Doors: Take Back the River Center, we are committed to sharing only verified, accurate information with the public.
We are actively researching and fact-checking:
The massive increase in management fees at the Baton Rouge River Center Who is approving these skyrocketing costs and where the money is going The decision-making process happening behind closed doors How this impacts taxpayers, local businesses, and the communityBefore posting updates, we are consulting public records, reviewing financial reports, and confirming facts with reliable sources. We will share everything once verified.
🚨 Baton Rouge River Center: Outrageous Management Fee Increases 🚨
2018: $305,770 2022: $624,247 (+104%) 2025: $1.29 MILLION (+322% since 2018)
What’s happening behind the scenes? Who is benefiting from these increases? Why is the public left in the dark?
The River Center is a community space, yet decisions impacting YOUR money are being made without transparency. It’s time to take back control.
Demand accountability. Demand transparency. Demand change.UPDATE: 📈 The River Center’s Contract Management Fee Budget has now been updated to $1.71 MILLION — approved by the Metro Council in December 2024.