Kelly Wells - Mission Accomplished as Florida Parishes Arena Director

Written by Nick Gagliano | Photo by Johnny Chauvin

When Kelly Wells walked into the Florida Parishes Arena 20 years ago as the new Director, he knew many people saw the just completed facility as just a cow barn. He saw it quite differently.

“My vision from Day One was to assemble a team, build community partners and make the Florida Parishes Arena a major covered outdoor facility that would be the best in the Florida Parishes and one of the best in Louisiana,” said Wells. “Now that I’m retiring, I can look back and say mission accomplished!”

Wells was hired by the late Parish President Gordon Burgess with a simple directive to hit the ground running and make the Arena a successful economic generator for north Tangipahoa Parish and be a destination for events for the agriculture, equestrian, and livestock industry.

“Mr. Burgess said if you want to throw in a Monster Truck Show, that would be okay as well.”

Over the years the footprint of the original structure has grown with more area for horses, cows and campers. Including a multi-purpose Florida Parishes Event Center which was constructed for special events such as banquets, receptions, reunions and so much more.

Today the Arena and Event Center are operational almost 365 days per year. The arena is now recognized on regional and national levels with a reputation of first-class facilities and first-class service.

“During my tenure as Director, I have been blessed to work with two great parish presidents. Mr. Burgess was a joy to work with since his focus was on the agriculture and livestock shows. Our current Parish President Robby Miller is great to work with since he gives me the freedom to run the facility while keeping in mind his vision for the Arena is to serve the community and be an economic impact generator.”

Wells also gives credit to his relationship with the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Then Executive Director Betty Stewart was a tremendous help from the beginning and was always willing and ready to help me market the arena and avoid any political landmines. Today, my dear friend, the TPCVB Executive Director Carla Tate, is always ready to help with marketing ideas and event advice to keep the Arena’s reputation and utilization at full capacity.”

While parish and tourism leadership have been two important cogs in the success of the Arena, Kelly Wells

gives a tremendous amount of credit and admiration to his staff. Wells said they are truly the backbone of the operations.

“I don’t call them my Arena Team. I call them my Arena Family. Prior to coming to the Arena, I worked at a number of quality educational institutions with many fine people, but our people take pride in making each event a unique and memorable experience for the show participants, organizers and spectators. We always receive rave reviews.”

As Kelly Wells begins the transition, he knows the Arena and Event Center will be left in very good hands. Wells said the new director, Lane Taillon, is very familiar with the Arena and Event Center. He said Lane has been working on the campus since he was fifteen years old.

Taillon is also ready for the challenge.

“I am looking forward to continuing to keep our current high standards for the shows we host while still delivering outstanding personal service,” said Taillon. “There are some really big shows and events already planned for 2025 and beyond.

Now that his twenty-year term is coming to end on December 31, Kelly Wells is ready for the next chapter in his life.

“I am going to take a few months to travel with my parents, Carl and Sandra Wells. After that, everyone knows I love Tangipahoa Parish and can’t sit still and do nothing. I’ll see what the future brings and see what kind of mischief I can get into!”

Kelly Wells - A Great Florida Parishes Arena Director

A Job Well Done!