Fairgrounds Field Demolition Officially Begins

SHREVEPORT, LA

The final rides and attractions of the 2024 State Fair of Louisiana has finally moved on, so now the fence has been erected around Fairgrounds Field, and the demolition company has begun to move in equipment to officially raze the former home of the Shreveport Captains.

After years of contentious legal battles between private groups and the city, after years of dealing with the bats that ended up calling Fairgrounds Field home, (and I don't mean Louisville Sluggers), then more battles over what to do with the guano after the bats left...  the wrecking ball has finally arrived. And it's a sad day.  It's a sad day because it didn't have to happen.

Fairgrounds Field first opened in 1986 as the new home of the Texas League AA Shreveport Captains.  Fairgrounds Field was built to replace the aging, historic Spar Stadium.

Below is a great video sent to Twin Blends: Northwest Louisiana History Hunters Facebook page.  It is a highlight video of the 1990 Texas League Champions Shreveport Captains from Moore Video Productions sent by Ron A. Viskozki, Assistant General Manager of the Shreveport Captains at the time.

Click HERE to get a sad look at how far Fair Grounds Field was left to just rot away.

I understand why Mayor Tom Arceneaux felt the need to demolish the ballpark.  He told KEEL News several weeks ago, that even if Fairgrounds Field was renovated, it still wouldn't meet the needs, or requirements of professional baseball, even for the minor leagues.

A contract was signed with Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition to have Fairgrounds Field torn down within 60 days, with work beginning after the State Fair was completed.  The hope is to have the property cleared before the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl game on December 28th.