The demolition of Fairgrounds Field stadium has commenced, and it should be completed early next year, if not by year end. The property that consists of the parking lot adjacent to the stadium and the stadium itself belongs to the City of Shreveport.
This parcel has high visibility from I-20, and it has easy access off the interstate from Hearne Avenue. The location is near Willis Knighton North and the Kings Highway medical corridor. It is in close proximity to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum on Greenwood Road.
The idea of a multi-use facility featuring a stadium was nixed by REV entertainment after a comprehensive study. The Friends of Fairgrounds Field brought nothing to the table other than unfunded dreams of a youth sports complex.
So, what is the best use for this property?
The City does not have the funds, without a bond issue, to develop this property. Even if funding was available, the city does not need to own any more properties. And as attested by the poorly planned build-out/renovation of Expo Hall, the city's track record on developing property for city/third party use is poor at best.
Ideally, the City can negotiate a solid lease with a third party developer that will actually follow through on contractual terms. As evidenced by the total non-performance of Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, give-away leases with pie in the sky performance standards that are not enforced is not a course of action to be repeated by the city.
The Fairgrounds Field tract offers the Arceneaux administration a development opportunity not enjoyed by any past administrations. There will be no need for hot air promotions of the property like the proposed Cross Bayou taxpayer boondoggle or an Elio plant. How this property is managed by the current administration could very well be a campaign issue in the next mayoral campaign.