Demolition of Fairgrounds Field Expected to Start in Just Weeks

SHREVEPORT, LA - Work is expected to begin in just a few weeks to tear down the crumbling Fairgrounds Field baseball stadium.

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After years of delays and legal challenges, the City of Shreveport is now moving full steam ahead to demolish the property. Mayor Tom Arceneaux says it is a priority for his administration to have that complex torn down before our community hosts the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl which is Saturday, December 28 on ESPN.

How Much Were the Bids for Demolition?

The city got 4 responsive bids for the tear down. Those bids ranged from $334,000 to $400,000 dollars. Shreveport has budgeted $600,000 from American Rescue Plan funding to pay for this demolition, so this bid is considerably under budget.

The lowest responsive bidder came from Lloyd D Nabor at $334,000.  The contract has been sent to Nabor’s and the city is awaiting the return of that contract along with bonds for the work.

READ MORE: Legal fight to try to save Fairgrounds Field.

Once that is done, the contract will be signed by the Mayor and the work is expected to begin in just a couple of weeks. Under this contract, Nabor's will have 60 days to demolish the property.

The Dallas-based Nabor's has completed "many commercial demolition projects including bridges, concrete, storage tanks, as well as residential homes."

How Has Shreveport Spent $48 Million Dollars in ARP Funding?

The City of Shreveport got just under $49 million. KEEL News recently obtained a list from the city on how the money was spent prior to 2023 and how the money has been spent since 2023.

Prior to 2023:

Total spent : $19,077,095

$3,800,000 – Purchase of Millennium Studios

 

$2,171,595 – Fire Vehicles and Equipment (includes 3 Fire pumper trucks)

 

$2,000,000 – City-Wide Sewer Infrastructure

 

$1,500,000 – YMCA for ball fields

 

$1,500,000 – Cargill Park Ball Field Improvements

 

$1,420,000 – Riverview Park (includes $420,000 added in 2024)

 

$1,100,000 – Sci-Port IMAX Upgrades

 

$1,012,500 – SporTran Vehicles and Equipment

 

$1,000,000 – City-Wide Water Infrastructure

 

$1,000,000 – Rec. Center Upgrades

$800,000 – Ronald McDonald House

 

$555,000 - YWCA Allendale project

 

$500,000 – Independence Stadium

 

$500,000 – Roadway and Drainage $500,000

 

$188,000 – Jail Maintenance

 

About $30,000 in vaccination incentive payments – first responders

2023-2024 ARPA Spending

Total: $28,875,000

$8,900,000 – Various Street Projects David Raines, Audrey, plus a lot more

$4,400,000 – Ford Street Improvements

 

 

$4,000,000 – HVAC Repairs – Conv. Center, Riverview, Sci-Port and Courts

$3,750,000 – Knight Street Improvements Supplemental Funding

$2,100,000 – Police and Fire recruitment and retention incentives for 2024

$1,000,000 – Choice Neighborhoods Park (CC Antione) Supplemental Funding

$862,500 – Cockrell Park Pool Supplemental Funding

$750,000 – Roof at Stage Works

 

$600,000 – Demolition of Fair Grounds Field

 

$600,000 – Fire Station 14 Supplemental Funding

$600,000 – Fire Station 15 Supplemental Funding

$500,000 – Police Firing Range Supplemental Funding -

$400,000 – Fuel Island Replacement for SPD

$362,500 – David Raines Pool Supplemental Funding

$50,000 – Relocate section of Parkway walking trail

Shreveport has a balance of just under $900,000, but that money will be allocated and obligated before the deadline at the end of this year.