RUSTON, La. (KNOE) – The Ruston Sports Complex has had many new changes that are adding to the city’s economic growth.

Ruston Parks and Recreation Director Matt Cotton says the complex saw a record number of tournament bookings in 2024.

This year, the complex will have more sports leagues for people to participate in.

Cotton says he wants to increase the amount of people that come to the complex and that he wants to give them a sense of community.

The new additions include camps for children during spring break and adult sports leagues.

The Ruston Sports Complex will also see old traditions come back like the winter basketball tournament.

“It’s the first time in about 20 years that we’ve offered a winter basketball here in Ruston. Really excited about it. The registration numbers have been great,” said Cotton.

With the new additions, Cotton hopes to bring even more economic growth after last year.

“This past year, we had more tournaments and more tournament bookings than we had throughout the entire time that the sports complex has been open, and that’s been a big driver for people coming to eat in our restaurants, shop downtown, stay in our hotels. Just come to visit Ruston and then stay, shop and eat. It’s just been great,” said Cotton.

The Ruston Sports Complex is coming up on their busiest time of they year with tournaments scheduled every weekend from March through August.

WATCH: KNOE Latest Video

Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved.