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Shreveport, LA (KSLA) — REV Entertainment has updated its proposal to build a world-class ballpark at the Louisiana Fairgrounds in Shreveport.
In October, the city announced a partnership with REV Entertainment to build a sports complex.
Despite efforts to stop the demolition of the old Fair Grounds Field, REV leaders returned to town on Wednesday, March 22 to update residents on their plans.
“We think it will add a lot as a point of pride for the community and a gathering place for people to come. We are proposing a world-class ballpark in the middle of the fairgrounds, adjacent to and close to Hirsch (Memorial) Stadium and the Independence Bowl, And bring more to the table,” Sean Decker, president of REV Entertainment, said during the meetup at Bilberry Park.
The company’s program shows hotels and restaurants, among other things.
“Above the field, we were looking for a mixed-use development with a bar and restaurant concept. A place for people to come before and after games, before and after games at Hirsch and Independence,” Decker said.
“We’re looking at adding a hotel. We’ve worked with the city to envision a three-part plan that basically adds more development.”
Some said the facility could have a positive impact on the community.
Niesha Walpool, secretary of the Queensborough Neighborhood Association, said: “Taking unused areas and putting them to use can then provide different opportunities to people in the city or surrounding areas.”
“It’s not just baseball, it’s a 365-day-a-year program,” Sam Brock observes. “They plan to bring events all the way to the city. It’s not just baseball season and then the area dies. If they’re successful, they’re going to be alive in that area 365 days a year.”
Louisiana Rep. Cedric Glover said, “I’m always excited when I hear that big names coming to Shreveport are interested in investing in this community.”
The plan is contingent on the removal of Fair Grounds Field. Linc Coleman of UL Coleman Cos. has been working to stop the demolition.
“We’re interested in marshalling the city’s assets and spending money prudently. The city doesn’t have an unlimited budget to spend money on,” Coleman said. “We’ve got a lot of sewer systems and water systems. Streets that need repairs. Pension funds that don’t have the money. So we need to fix those, and we need to entertain our communities. So we need to be careful with our assets.”
REV Entertainment stated that if all goes well, they expect the facility to be completed by 2026.
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