Shreveport Voters Will Get to Vote on Proposed Sports Complex

The Caddo Parish Commission has voted to call an election on November 3, asking voters to approve a $60 million bond initiative that would allow for the construction of a proposed multi-use sports complex in the Shreveport area.

There is no designated location for this complex at this time. Caddo Parish Administrator Erica Bryant says

Residents across Caddo Parish have consistently expressed interest in having a local sports complex that would allow more tournaments and sporting events to be hosted locally.

Bryant adds "the proposed sports complex would reduce the need for families, athletes, and teams to travel outside the region to compete and be a strong economic driver and contributor to sports tourism in our region.”

 What Would the Complex Include?

If approved by the voters this fall, the sports complex would include an expansive indoor sports arena that could have ten basketball courts which could also convert to multiple volleyball and other courts. The layout can also be reconfigured to have a championship court with bleachers and more room for spectators.

READ MORE: Take a look at what this sports complex would look like

This complex would also include a family recreation center where youngsters can play and relax during downtime. The facility would also house a sports medicine facility with a local medical partner.

Parish leaders also hope this development would attract many other businesses including restaurants, a hotel and retail spaces.

What Will Sports Complex Cost?

Parish leaders say this project could cost as much as $70 million dollars with a part of the money coming from private partnerships. But much of the money would come from a $60 million dollar bond issue. Bryant says the parish would not have to increase taxes to pay for this complex.

Three commissioners, Chris Kracman, Ed Lazarus and John Atkins voted against putting this measure on the ballot. Also, the Caddo Parish Republican Party has voted unanimously to oppose this proposal.

What Is the Economic Impact?

After the first 3 to 5 years this complex is expected to generate about $20 million dollars in direct spending each year. It is also expected to bring in more than 135,000 visitors each year.

The construction timetable for this complex is 2 years.

The Parish is gearing up to host multiple public listening sessions across the community to answer questions and provide additional information about the proposal.