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CADDO PARISH COMMISSION CALLS ELECTION FOR PROPOSED
$60 MILLION SPORTS COMPLEX BOND INITIATIVE
Citizens to Vote November 3 on Major Community and Economic Development Project; No Increase or New Parish Taxes
CADDO PARISH, LA – The Caddo Parish Commission voted today to call for an election on November 3, asking citizens of Caddo Parish to consider approving a $60 million bond initiative that would allow for the construction of a proposed multi-use sports complex in Caddo Parish.
The proposed project is designed to create a premier destination for youth sports competitions while also serving as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and community recreation opportunities throughout the Parish.
“Residents across Caddo Parish have consistently expressed interest in having a local sports complex that would allow more tournaments and sporting events to be hosted locally,” said Caddo Parish Administrator/CEO Erica R. Bryant. “The proposed sports complex would reduce the need for families, athletes, and teams to travel outside the region to compete and be a strong economic driver and contributor to sports tourism in our region,” said Bryant.
If approved by voters, the sports complex would feature a large indoor sports arena that could potentially house ten (10) basketball courts convertible into multiple volleyball and assorted courts. Plans also include a family recreation center and sports medicine facility. Through anticipated private investment partnerships, adjacent development opportunities could include hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments surrounding the complex.
“The proposed sports complex represents an opportunity to invest in the future of Caddo Parish,” said Caddo Parish Commission President Gregory Young. “This project has the potential to expand recreational opportunities for local families, attract visitors from across the region, and create long-term economic benefits for our community. Our region is prime for growth of this magnitude, and the Caddo Commission believes that the time is now,” said Young.
Total project costs are estimated at approximately $68 million dollars. Funding for the project would come primarily through the issuance of $60 million in government obligation bonds utilizing the Parish’s Capital Projects Fund, which is dedicated exclusively to long-term construction projects. Remaining costs would be covered through a combination of saved dollars and future naming rights opportunities within the facility. This project would not require any new taxes or tax increases for Caddo Parish citizens.
The exact location of the sports complex has not yet been finalized. The Parish is currently conducting additional research to determine the best site within Caddo Parish that would provide central access and maximize surrounding development opportunities.
According to projections, within three to five years of operation, the complex could generate approximately $20.1 million in direct annual spending, attract more than 136,500 out-of-town visitors each year, and create more than 31,750 annual hotel stays.
Local schools and youth organizations would also have opportunities to utilize the facility for practices, competitions, and special events.
If approved by voters in November, construction of the complex is estimated to take approximately two years. All phases of the project would follow Louisiana state law regarding Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).
Citizens are encouraged to learn more about the proposed project and stay updated by visiting the Parish’s online informational portal, caddo.gov/caddosports, which goes live on Friday morning. The Parish will also host multiple public listening sessions across the community to answer questions and provide additional information about the proposal.
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