The cancellation of Shreveport’s plan to build a new baseball stadium at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds raises an obvious question: What to do with Fair Grounds Field?

Friends of Fair Grounds Field stands ready to work with the City of Shreveport, State Fair Board and any other interested parties – including REV Entertainment – to develop an achievable plan to restore the 38-year-old structure and again make it an asset for our community.

We believe Mayor Tom Arceneaux made the correct decision to cancel the new ballpark. Like most cities, Shreveport has financial and operational challenges that cannot be ignored. In that context, burdening our citizens with $200 million in long-term debt to build a new athletic park does not make sense.

Rebuilding Fair Grounds Field does not simply preserve a baseball field. A new Fair Grounds Field would celebrate sports, be a central location for outdoor events and support core neighborhoods.

Friends of Fair Grounds Field was created in 2022 to make this case to City officials intent on demolishing the stadium. When our persuasion failed, we went to court to stop the bulldozers and prevent the airborne spread of dangerous contaminants arising from the stadium’s bat population.

Fair Grounds Field was built during the John Hussey administration with proceeds from the City’s 1986 Bond Issue. In 2019 Shreveport voters expressed their desire to preserve the facility.

Building a case for restoration, we researched the stadium, its use and its maintenance. Here is what we discovered:

1. A variety of options exist to use the stadium.

2. The building is structurally sound and affordable to renovate.

3. Drainage issues can be solved with minimal expense.

4. The bat population can be relocated safely.

Sports and concern for our youth are common values in our diverse city. We excel in sports and produce world-class athletes. A refurbished and reprogrammed Fair Grounds Field can unify Shreveport around a multi-purpose stadium and quality-of-life venue.

Friends of Fair Grounds Field desires to help the City and State Fair renovate and reprogram Fair Grounds Field. Allow us to present an alternative vision for this 38-year-old facility and give Shreveport hope for a brighter future.

FRIENDS OF FAIR GROUNDS FIELD