ABOUT US
We’re more than a venue, we’re a community legacy
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI’S EVENT SPACE
The Center offers flexible facilities for events of every scale, from concerts and conferences to rodeos, fairs, and festivals. With a full-service arena, modern conference space, barns, and an RV park, we provide the resources and support to bring your vision to life.
New amenities—the 147-site RV Park, a conference center, and a 16-acre stocked lake—helped generate over $1 million in local economic impact by mid-2002.
& Meaning
By 2005, The Center housed over 300 livestock stalls with new barns underway—and when Hurricane Katrina hit, it became a shelter for people and pets, proving it was built for far more than events.
A seasoned staff with decades of experience ensured every event ran seamlessly.
Partnerships with universities, tourism boards, and civic groups turned the venue into a pillar of regional entertainment and economic growth.
Under new leadership and a new name, it entered a revitalized era: modern facilities, expanded programming, and a renewed commitment to youth, families, and community investment.
Today, The Center at Forrest County stands ready for what’s next—where tradition meets tomorrow and every event fuels something bigger than itself.
THE CENTER TEAM
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Interested in
joining the team? Interested in
joining the team? |
joining the team?
joining the team?
FORREST COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Center is owned and operated by Forrest County, Mississippi and under the supervision of the county’s elected Board. Five supervisors, representing the counties five districts, are elected and serve four-year terms.
 Gentry Mordica
District 1
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 Sharon Thompson
District 2
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 Steve Stringer
District 3
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 Rod Woullard
District 4
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 Terri Bell
District 5
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lost items are turned into the Main Office and held for 30 days. After that, certain items, like credit/debit cards, are securely disposed of.
Currently, we accept cash or check only for all facility rentals and RV Park stays.
We’re currently updating our ADA facilities. Accessibility depends on the event. Please call ahead for details and assistance.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the Main Arena. Please give us a call (601) 583-7500 to request special accommodations.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8AM-4:30PM | Event Hours vary. Please check our events calendar here.
We hire extra event staff as needed. Please call the office or check the website/our socials for openings.
Policies vary by event. Check the event page or call our office for more details.
Some equipment is available to rent; contact our office for specifics. All tables & chairs must be rented from The Center.
Fill out our inquiry form and we will get back to you, or call our office (601) 583-7500 to check availability and get details. Rental rates depend on the event.
There is no dump station on-site.
No; rent a Post Office Box if needed.
Day visitors may use the honor box. For weekly or monthly stays, please stop by our office inside the main arena to make payment.
Daily Rate: $35
Weekly Rate: $245
Monthly Rate: $550
Layovers: $36/night & includes 2 bags of shavings.
First-come, first-served. We don't take reservations. Call ahead to (601) 583-7500 to check for scheduled events.
Non-service animals are only allowed in building during livestock events (excluding rodeos). Animals may not be tied to fences, stalls or any part of the facility.
Yes; animals must be on a leash outside vehicles or RVs, and owners must always be with them if they are out of a stall, pen or kennel. City leash laws apply. *Owners are responsible for supervising their animals and cleaning up any messes they make.
Yes; the lake is open Thursday-Sunday for fishing. You must follow state fishing regulations and have a valid fishing license.
Yes; the storm shelter is managed by the EOC and opens whenever a tornado watch is issued.
Showers are located in C & E barns on the breezeway end and are available for event participants and barn users.