Ralph O. Ward Memorial Arena formerly McNeese Arena is a 5,000 seat multi-purpose arena located in the McNeese State Recreational Sports Complex in Lake Charles, Louisiana . It is named after Ralph O. Ward, who was head coach of the men's basketball team from 1952 to 1971. The arena is currently home of the men's and women's indoor track and field teams. The Department of Health & Human Performance and administration offices are also located in the building along with athletic facilities for students.
5-577: The building opened in 1939 as an open-air arena for rodeos and livestock shows. A roof was later added and became the home venue for the McNeese State Cowboys basketball team from 1956 to 1971. The facility also held tennis matches and physical education classes. The Intramural Recreation Complex opened in 1982. In 1990, the arena was renamed the Ralph O. Ward Memorial Arena in honor of the former McNeese State basketball head coach. In 2001,
10-708: A sports venue in Louisiana is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This rodeo-related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . McNeese State Cowboys basketball The McNeese Cowboys basketball team represents McNeese State University in Lake Charles , Louisiana , United States. The school's team currently competes in the Southland Conference . They are led by head coach Will Wade and play their home games at The Legacy Center . Currently members of
15-511: Is 5–0. They were national champions in 1956, their only appearance in the tournament. The Cowboys have appeared in three National Invitation Tournaments (NIT). Their combined record is 1–3. The Cowboys have appeared in one CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT). Their record is 0–1. Six former Cowboys have appeared in the National Basketball Association . This college basketball team article
20-681: The NCAA Division I , they were national champions of the NAIA in 1956. Since joining Division I in 1972-73, the Cowboys have appeared three times in the NCAA Tournament , most recently in 2024. The Cowboys have appeared in three NCAA Division I Tournaments . Their combined record is 0–3. The Cowboys have appeared in one NCAA Division II Tournament . Their record is 0–2. The Cowboys have appeared in one NAIA Tournament . Their record
25-599: The recreational sports complex was built. An addition was constructed and attached to the arena. The facility became known as the McNeese State Recreational Sports Complex and the arena became a part of the facility. The complex offers basketball, volleyball, racquetball and indoor track. The complex has an Olympic size indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a 200-meter indoor track, eight outdoor tennis courts, intramural playing fields, wellness center, and locker rooms. This article about
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