Caddo Parish Commissioners Discuss Proposed $60 Million Sports Complex Before November Vote

By Carla Buntyn, Ph.D.
 
The 2026 Caddo Parish Commission Economic Development Committee is chaired by Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts. Committee members include Commissioners John-Paul Young, Roy Burrell, Grace Anne Blake, and Commission President Gregory Young.
 
Last week, on August 6, 2026, the Caddo Parish Commission Economic Development Committee met to discuss a proposed $60 million indoor sports complex that voters will consider on the November 3 ballot. Supporters said the project would encourage economic growth, improve the quality of life, and help make northwest Louisiana a destination for regional and national sporting events.
 
The committee reviewed plans for the proposed facility, which would host more than youth soccer tournaments. According to the presentation, the indoor complex could also be used for football, arena football, lacrosse, and other sporting and community events. Supporters said the facility could attract visitors throughout the year, increase sports tourism, and generate new economic activity for the region.
 
Commissioner Roy Burrell questioned whether the project's location could also help revitalize older neighborhoods. He suggested placing the sports complex in the Princess Park community or a similar urban area that could benefit from new jobs, business growth, and redevelopment.
 
Project representatives responded that no final location has been selected. They explained that Fairgrounds Field is too small because the existing stadium occupies about one acre, while the proposed sports complex would require at least 12.5 acres, with additional land needed for future expansion. Representatives said several locations throughout the parish remain under consideration and emphasized that any land purchase would require approval from the Caddo Parish Commission.
 
Commission President Gregory Young described the proposal as a start of partnerships for economic growth. He said the project could create jobs, attract visitors, and strengthen the local economy. Young also said increased tourism could provide new opportunities for businesses and residents throughout Caddo Parish.
 
Young also addressed concerns about blight and poverty in some neighborhoods. He said long-term economic development projects should focus on creating opportunities that improve residents' quality of life. Young noted that on August 1, 2025, the Louisiana Legislature enacted legislation that had been initiated by the Caddo Parish Commission to establish the Caddo Parish Land Bank. He said the land bank provides a framework for addressing blighted properties, returning vacant properties to productive use, and encouraging redevelopment throughout the parish.
 
Commissioner John Atkins asked whether enough commercial property is available for the proposed project. Representatives replied that several possible locations remain under consideration and reiterated that no final site has been selected.
 
After the committee meeting, Commissioner Roy Burrell discussed the proposed sports complex during an interview on KEEL Radio, where he said he had concerns that not every commissioner had been included in discussions about the project.
 
Following Burrell's comments, The Gazette contacted several Caddo Parish commissioners to ask about their awareness of the proposed multi-sports complex. Commissioner Victor Thomas said he was aware of the proposal and attended Economic Development Committee meetings, even though he is not a committee member, to learn more about the project. Commissioner Ron Cothran said he had been aware of the proposal and remained involved throughout the process. Commissioner Ken Epperson responded, "I'll talk about the issue when I'm ready." Commissioner John Atkins said he was aware of the proposal. Commissioner Chris Kracman said he learned about the proposal after Chief Executive Officer Erica Bryant contacted him following the first Economic Development Committee meeting to inform him that a bond initiative for a multi-sport complex was under consideration. Kracman said his primary concern is the potential impact the new facility could have on business at the Northpoint Sports Complex. As of publication, The Gazette is continuing to seek responses from the remaining commissioners regarding their awareness of the proposed multi-sports complex.
 
However, records from the Caddo Parish Economic Development Committee meeting on May 18 and the Caddo Parish Commission regular session on May 21 show that Burrell participated in discussions and voted on matters related to the proposed $60 million sports complex.
 
Project representatives said the administration will continue evaluating potential locations before presenting a recommendation to the commission. Commissioners emphasized that the final site selection will be discussed publicly and approved by the full commission before any land is purchased.
 
Voters will ultimately decide whether to approve funding for the proposed $60 million sports complex when the measure appears on the November 3 ballot.