May 13, 2025

Curtis Jackson Secures Long-Term Lease for Stageworks Venue

News Summary

Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson has established a 30-year lease for the Stageworks Louisiana venue after the Shreveport City Council’s approval. The lease aims to revitalize a long-vacant facility in downtown Shreveport, allowing for various events and boosting the local economy. The G-Unit Films & Television Louisiana LLC will manage the venue, taking on maintenance and operating costs. The agreement brings optimism for community engagement and economic growth through diverse events, marking a key development for the area.

Shreveport, Louisiana – Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has secured a 30-year lease for the Stageworks Louisiana venue, following a unanimous approval by the Shreveport City Council on March 25, 2025. The lease agreement, made through Jackson’s G-Unit Films & Television Louisiana LLC, is expected to revitalize the long-vacant facility located at 400 Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway in downtown Shreveport.

Under the terms of the lease, G-Unit will pay a monthly rent of $200 for the use of the venue. The agreement includes responsibility for all maintenance and operational costs associated with the facility. This includes the upkeep of the parking lot, utilities, and taxes associated with the property. Councilman Alan Jackson highlighted the potential benefits of this agreement for the city, expressing excitement over the new opportunities it will bring.

The Stageworks venue has been undergoing renovations since 2022, and there was significant prior discussion about its utility, as the facility had remained vacant for approximately 20 years before this lease agreement. Previously, the venue was leased at only $100 per month. The new lease arrangement resolves earlier concerns surrounding Louisiana’s film tax credit, which had delayed negotiations.

The Shreveport City Council notes that the venue will be able to host a variety of events, including film productions, photography sessions, basketball and volleyball leagues, boxing and MMA matches, seminars, conventions, auto shows, concerts, and business meetings. Mayor Tom Arceneaux stated that the lease is a key step towards fostering economic development by attracting visitors to Shreveport and providing entertainment opportunities for residents.

As part of the lease agreement, G-Unit Films has a right of first refusal to purchase the building and surrounding grounds. Meanwhile, the city has been incurring approximately $50,000 annually in costs for maintaining the facility before the lease sign-off. By entering into this agreement, the city aims to alleviate those expenses while offering a dynamic space for entertainment and community events.

While there has not been a specific start date mentioned for planned events or renovations at the Stageworks venue, Jackson’s involvement is expected to contribute significant entertainment programming to the area. G-Unit Films is prepared to offer programming that meets the needs and interests of the Shreveport community, with Jackson committed to delivering substantial value throughout the lease term.

In addition to the Stageworks venue, Jackson has also shown interest in further expansion within the region, including a potential lease of shops and restaurants in the Red River District. The Mayor did commend G-Unit’s endeavors to enhance economic growth and the entertainment landscape in Shreveport, marking a potentially transformative moment for the city.

In summary, the approval of the 30-year lease for the Stageworks Louisiana venue represents a significant milestone in revitalizing downtown Shreveport and stands to benefit the local economy and cultural scene. The community looks forward to the diverse events that G-Unit Films will bring to the city and the revitalization efforts that will breathe new life into a long-closed venue.