By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is marking its one-year anniversary in February with a month-long celebration highlighting the entertainment destination’s growth, community involvement, and expanding regional and national presence since opening in February 2025.
Anchoring the anniversary celebration is a public, Mardi Gras-inspired art exhibit featuring local artists and artifacts from the ArkLaTex Mardi Gras Museum, along with exclusive promotions and giveaways throughout the month. The milestone comes as Live! continues to build momentum following its recent addition to the Curio Collection by Hilton, a move that connects the property to the global Hilton Honors loyalty program and broadens its reach to national and international travelers.
In its inaugural year, Live! earned widespread recognition from both players and industry observers. The resort received 14 honors in Casino Player Magazine’s Best of Gaming 2025: Louisiana, including six First Place awards recognizing gaming, hotel accommodations, staff excellence, and core casino offerings. Additional accolades highlighted Live! as a top destination for vacations and staycations, as well as its amenities, promotions, and game variety—an uncommon achievement for a property still in its first year of operation.
“Time flies when you’re having fun, and this first year has been remarkable,” said John Chaszar, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. “We’ve made meaningful contributions to the local economy, supported our community at every turn, and delivered a guest experience that stands apart. Energy loves company, and we’re honored to celebrate this milestone with the people who make it possible.”
Beyond entertainment, Live! has emphasized community investment. Since opening, the property has contributed more than $375,000 to Northwest Louisiana causes, logged over 3,500 volunteer hours, and supported more than 70 local organizations through its Live! in the Community program.
A centerpiece of the anniversary celebration is the Geaux Live! 1st Anniversary Mardi Gras Art Exhibit, running Feb. 1–28 in the Live! Event Center pre-function area. The exhibit is open to the public and presented in partnership with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC).
The exhibit showcases works from 14 local and regional artists, alongside select Mardi Gras artifacts on loan from the ArkLaTex Mardi Gras Museum through the Krewe of Gemini. All artwork featured in the exhibit will be donated to SRAC’s Christmas in the Sky 2026 Auction, supporting arts programming across the region.
Featured artists include Leah Welch, Mia Grosshart, Amber Stroud, Stephanie McElhaney, Lisandra Di Liberto Torres, Barbara Legan, Brad Campbell, Courtney Hoffman, Lisa Perkins, Jennifer Psalmonds, Gregory Ellis, Karin Ebbesson, Lisa Miller, and Ron Smith, with works spanning oil, acrylic, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.
Live! is also celebrating with exclusive February promotions, including weekly commemorative bead giveaways for Live! Rewards® members, a $100,000 Wheels & Wins Giveaway, and the chance to win a 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat.
As Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana enters its second year, leaders say the anniversary reflects both how far the destination has come and where it is headed. With expanded dining options, live entertainment, continued community partnerships, and its new Curio Collection by Hilton affiliation, Live! is positioning itself for continued growth as a premier entertainment and hospitality destination in Northwest Louisiana.