First Look: Inside Shreveport’s Proposed $70M Multi-Sports Complex

A big plan is being discussed to bring a multi-sports complex to Shreveport to attract sports tourism which is a billion dollar industry. The Caddo Parish Commission is moving forward with a plan to ask voters to support the plan to build a sports and event center.

A presentation before the Economic Development Committee included a detailed plan for what this complex could look like.

The goal is to make this complex "an elite tournament quality sports tourism venue as well as a special event center hosting regional tournaments and events."

What Will the Economic Impact Be

Experts say such a facility could bring in $49 million in annual revenue from direct spending. The data shows such a complex could bring in 781,000 visitors to the local area each year with more than 79,000 annual room nights in hotels

What Is the Total Cost of this Project?

This complex is expected to cost about $70 million dollars. But the parish is expected to ask voters to approve a bond issue of $60 million to pay the bulk of the cost. Parish Administrator Erica Bryant says this will not require a tax increase. She says this debt can be covered by the existing millage. But there are concerns about property tax dollars. If that drops, the parish could be looking at some trouble ahead.

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What Will Sports Complex Include?

It would be 174,000 square feet with 80,000 square feet of indoor space. The indoor portion would include 10 basketball courts, 20 volleyball courts, pickleball courts and much more. Bryant says we would also be able to host many other events like wrestling, cheerleading and many other sports. She also says the complex would include an area to host gaming competitions.