Shreveport to Build Massive New Baseball Complex

SHREVEPORT, LA – Work has now started on a massive new Little League baseball complex for Shreveport. These fields are being built next to the YMCA on Knight Street.

This is a partnership involving several local groups and government.

Willis Knighton President and CEO Jaf Fielder says

Few things in our community are as important as creating a positive quality of life and healthy environment. That’s why Willis-Knighton is proud to partner with the YMCA and Shreveport Little League to offer greater access to activities with this new state-of-the-art complex that will bring families together and increase participation in sports for children across northwest Louisiana. This is all in keeping with our mission to improve the health and well-being of the people we serve.

Shreveport and Caddo Parish have also helped fund this massive project. Caddo Parish Director of Parks and Recreation Patrick Wesley says

“The Parish of Caddo is excited to be a part of the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana Baseball and Softball Complex. We envision this as a long-term partnership for the development of youth baseball in Caddo Parish.”

What Will New Baseball Fields Cost?

The total budget for the project is just under $10 million dollars. Nearly $8 million has already been raised including monies from the city of Shreveport and Caddo Parish. The state of Louisiana has also included money from the capital outlay budget.

The YMCA is kicking off a campaign to raise the remaining $2 million to complete the project.

What Is Included in this Sports Complex?

This project includes tournament-grade youth baseball and softball fields. There will be 8 fields in total. The complex also includes batting cages, concession stands and additional parking.

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When Will the Work Be Complete?

Construction has now started and this is a 12-month build, but it could wrap up sooner, depending on the weather.

This new youth baseball complex is expected to have an economic impact of $5M/ year on the local area.

The estimated total number of visitors to the complex in year one is expected to close in on 350,000 people.

These fields will be home of Shreveport Little League baseball and softball.  The goal is to host a minimum of 20 youth tournaments in the first year of operation.

YMCA CEO Gary Lash tells KEEL News:

“This facility will not only allow kids to play baseball locally and support the growth of Shreveport Little League. It will also enable us finally to begin capitalizing on our incredible geographic advantage. We sit right between Little Rock, Dallas and Jackson. This facility will allow travel teams from north, west and east of us to meet in the middle for numerous competitions and tournaments throughout the year. The long-term economic impact of this project will be massive.”