BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -
Most hotels in New Orleans are booked to capacity for the BCS Championship game. But Baton Rouge hotels have stepped up offering competitive packages to guests that include a ride to and from the Big Easy.
Paul Arrigo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Baton Rouge, says his telephone has been flooded with calls from people wanting to know what Baton Rouge has to offer. With an estimated 10,000 rooms in Baton Rouge, local hotel executives have opened their doors to what could be a winning opportunity.
Peter Dunn, General Manager of newly-opened Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel, says for months the BCS has been at the forefront of hotel meetings. The hotel is offering a package that includes a room and ride to and from the game for $450, and the flexibility of celebrating with Tiger fans at their home base.
"It gives people basically a twelve-hour opportunity to enjoy the festivities and New Orleans and come back to a more sane culture," Dunn said.
Baton Rouge hotels are also offering convenience. Crowne Plaza is offering specials in its restaurants and bars. Executive Hotel Management Executive Vice President Ed Baker is banking on his $99 a night offer. He says putting a minimum of more than one night on a customer's tab got him thinking.
"A lot of people would be in my boat, not wanting to pay five nights stay and a premium they would rather stay here than go back and forth because they don't have five nights to give away," Baker said.
Arrigo says regardless of where fans stay, he has no doubt the Capital City will create the kind of crowd that makes fans want to come home to celebrate.
"People are going to be coming to Baton Rouge, not only for the game. I think they'll stay in Baton Rouge and watch the game to be part of the excitement, for those who don't want to go to New Orleans. I think beyond the economics of staying in New Orleans, I think there's just a certain comfort level of Baton Rouge," Arrigo said.
Hotels
Renaissance Baton Rouge - Fans heading to the BCS National Championship on Monday, January 9 in New Orleans can take advantage of the hotel's BCS Transportation Package, which starts at $450 double occupancy and includes roundtrip transportation for two to the game (game tickets not included).
Radisson Hotel - Can't find an affordable room in New Orleans for the BCS? Stay at the Radisson Hotel in Baton Rouge. Rates starting at $102. Includes breakfast and an upgraded room with free high speed internet. Only 2 blocks from the "Bus to the BCS" pickup location.
Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn - $99 rate. This includes transportation to Acme Oyster House where you can purchase additional transportation to New Orleans.
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