Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium Hosts Grand Re-Opening

Elvis was there. So were Mike Tyson and some other "celebrities." Of course, they were all impersonators, but they added to the festive atmosphere of the historic Municipal Auditorium's grand re-opening and open house.

Those attending were able to see the Iron Mike Tyson lookalike and Shreveport mayor Cedric Glover square-off in the boxing ring for some good-natured sparring.

The historic venue, which was built in the 1920s, has just undergone more than $5 million dollars worth of renovations.

The 2011 bond issue set aside $4.3-million for the project. That figure increased to $5.3-million after the city applied for and received funding through the state historic rehabilitation tax credit program.

The Municipal Auditorium is listed with the U.S. Interior Department as a National Landmark and, for many years, was home to the weekly broadcast of the Louisiana Hayride.

The renovations have also brought the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Renovators also addressed upper-level seating, flooring, air conditioning, rear-access to the stage for equipment loading and unloading, window replacement, shades and myriad cosmetic repairs, such as plaster and painting.

Here are some more photos from the re-opening: