Your Playbook for Summer Tournament Weeks in Monroe-West Monroe
Tournament weeks aren't just about the game - they're about making the most of every inning, match, and minute in between. Whether you're cheering on your athlete, traveling with the whole family, or coaching a team, Monroe-West Monroe offers plenty of ways to turn downtime into quality time. Instead of waiting around until the next game, here's how to build the ultimate tournament week.
Got an Hour? Here's What We'd Do.
Sometimes you only have enough time to grab lunch or let the kids burn off a little energy.
Perfect one-hour stops:
Grab a milkshake from Eskamoe's.
Let siblings play at Forsythe Park.
Take a Downtown Monroe self-guided walking tour.
Walk Antique Alley and find your next treasure.
Grab coffee from Seventh Square or Standard Coffee Co.
Find a few Herons on the Bayou.
You'll be back at the complex before first pitch.
Two to Three Hours Between Games?
Now you've got enough time for a real adventure.
Our favorites:
Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo
Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum
Paddle the Ouachita Paddling Trails
Explore Black Bayou Wildlife Refuge
Bowling at Bayou Bowl
Chunk It Axe Throwing
Play a favorite game at The Sheaux
Enough fun...without feeling rushed.
Feeding the Entire Team?
Finding food for twenty hungry athletes doesn't have to be complicated.
Pizza Night
Flying Heart Brewing & Pub
Johnny's Pizza House
Revival Pizza Co.
Southern Comfort
Kayla's Kitchen
Catfish Charlie's
The Fish House
Burgers & Wings
Fieldhouse
Tailgators
Catahoula’s
Tournament Tip:
Call ahead! Many restaurants are happy to accommodate large teams when they know you're coming.
Not Everyone Came for the Tournament
One of the best things about sports travel is everyone gets their own vacation.
While your athlete is competing...
Grandparents can:
Visit the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Shop Antique Alley
Tour Masur Museum of Art
Little brothers and sisters can:
Ride the train at the zoo
Play at the Children's Museum
Hunt for Herons
Parents can:
Grab lunch on the river.
Sneak away for coffee.
Actually sit down for dinner after the last game.
Everybody wins.
Celebrate the Win (Or Shake Off the Loss)
Every tournament deserves a memorable ending.
Celebrate with:
Dinner on the water at Waterfront Grill or Trapp's.
Ice cream from the Creamery or frozen custard from Eskamoe’s.
Sunset on the Ouachita River.
One last family photo before heading home.
Because years from now...
Your athlete probably won't remember every score.
But they'll remember that trip to Monroe-West Monroe.
Tournament Family Pro Tips
Louisiana weather changes quickly - bring rain gear. And don’t forget those sunglasses!
View the Discover Monroe-West Monroe Visitor Guide before you arrive for more trip ideas.
Ask locals where they eat.
Leave room in the schedule for one unexpected adventure.
Some tournament weekends fly by in a blur of whistles, scorebooks, and game schedules.
Others become family traditions.
So between games, explore somewhere new, eat somewhere local, and make memories that last long after the championship trophy has been handed out.
Monroe-West Monroe is ready to be part of your team's winning weekend.