July 16, 2025

Demolition of Fair Grounds Field Marks End of an Era in Shreveport

News Summary

Fair Grounds Field, once home to the Shreveport Captains, will be demolished following a contract signed by Mayor Tom Arceneaux. After 38 years of operation, the stadium’s decline led to neglect and ultimately its closure. Despite attempts to revitalize the facility, crucial issues like hazardous conditions contributed to its fate. The stadium holds lasting memories for the community, highlighting the challenges faced by professional sports in the region. The demolition symbolizes a turning point as discussions for a potential entertainment complex take place.

Shreveport

Fair Grounds Field, the former home of the Shreveport Captains, will be demolished following a recent contract signed by Mayor Tom Arceneaux, marking the end of 38 years of operation for the stadium. The demolition is expected to cost approximately $334,000.

The 5,300-seat stadium, which opened its doors in 1986, became known for hosting the Minor League baseball team, the Shreveport Captains. In its inaugural season, Fair Grounds Field attracted a total of 183,560 attendees, showcasing a strong local following for professional baseball at the time. The Captains, affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, later rebranded themselves as the Swamp Dragons before eventually relocating to Frisco, Texas, in 2003, where they became the Rough Riders.

Over the years, the quality of baseball at Fair Grounds Field declined. Ultimately, the Captains moved to Laredo, Texas, following the 2011 season, which left the stadium in disuse. Various efforts to revitalize the facility, including proposals for youth and community sports programs, were ultimately deemed too costly by city officials, leading to its current state of neglect. Recent issues, including hazardous bat guano from a large bat population on the premises, have further complicated use and maintenance of the facility.

Fair Grounds Field holds memories for many local residents, including notable events such as a no-hitter and a widely publicized brawl during a game, cementing its place in the cultural history of Shreveport. However, the stadium’s closure is emblematic of broader challenges faced by professional sports in the Shreveport-Bossier area, where local teams struggle to capture and maintain community support.

Currently, the only remaining professional sports franchise in Shreveport is the Shreveport Rouxgaroux, a team in the National Arena League, which recently completed its inaugural season. This shift away from traditional minor league baseball illustrates the changing landscape of sports in the region. Former Mayor Cedric Glover has indicated that for professional teams to thrive in Shreveport, community investment and a stronger economy are essential components.

While discussions are underway regarding the potential revival of the fairgrounds into an entertainment complex, there are no immediate plans for constructing a modern ballpark or attracting professional teams back to the area. The demolition of Fair Grounds Field thus represents both a literal and symbolic turning point for the community, which holds a rich heritage of sports history and memories tied to the now-derelict stadium.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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