REV Entertainment updates public on its plans for multi-sport facility in Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – REV Entertainment has released an update on its proposal to build a world-class stadium in the middle of the Louisiana State Fair Grounds in Shreveport.
In October, the city announced a partnership with REV Entertainment to build the multisport facility.
Despite efforts to prevent the demolition of the old fairgrounds, REV leaders were back in town on Wednesday March 22 to brief residents of their plans.
“We believe it will add a lot as a community pride and as a gathering place for people to come. We are proposing a premier baseball field in the middle of the fairgrounds adjacent to and near the Hirsch (Memorial) Coliseum and the Independence Bowl, and we are offering much more than that,” said Sean Decker, President of REV Entertainment, during the gathering at Bilberry Park.
The company’s plan shows hotels and restaurants, among other things.
“At the top of the stadium we are looking at a mixed use development that will have a bar and restaurant concept. A place for people to come before and after the game, before and after the events at Hirsch and Independence,” Decker said.
“We are thinking about adding a hotel. We worked with the city to basically visualize a three part plan that could allow for further developments.”
Some people said the facility could be positive for the community.
“To take that area that isn’t being used and use it, and then different options that can be offered to people from the city or the surrounding area,” said Niesha Walpool, secretary of the Queensborough Neighborhood Association.
“It’s not just baseball, it’s a 365-day-a-year project,” noted Sam Brock. “They plan to bring events to the city all the time. It’s not just going to be baseball season and the area will be dead. They’re going to keep this area alive 365 days a year if that works out.”
Louisiana State Assemblyman Cedric Glover said, “It’s always great to hear from established, respected people who are coming to Shreveport and are interested in investing in this community.”
The plan is dependent on the demolition of Fair Grounds Field. Linc Coleman of UL Coleman Cos. fought to stop the demolition.
“We’re interested in pooling the city’s assets and being careful about how the money is spent. The city doesn’t have an unlimited budget for spending,” Coleman said. “We have many sewerage and water systems. Roads that need repairs. Unfunded pension funds. So we need to address these things and we also need entertainment for our community. So we have to be careful how we handle assets.”
REV Entertainment said if all goes well, they expect the facility to be completed by 2026.
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