News Summary
The city of Shreveport has initiated the demolition of Fair Grounds Field, the historic former home of local baseball teams. This decision marks the end of an era as the field faced severe disrepair and health concerns. Fair Grounds Field served as a significant venue for community events and sports since its opening in 1986. The city’s decision to demolish contrasts against failed attempts to revitalize the stadium for contemporary use, signaling a shift in focus for local sports investments.
Shreveport Demolishes Fair Grounds Field, Closing Chapter on Local Baseball History
The city of Shreveport is moving forward with the demolition of Fair Grounds Field, the former home of the Shreveport Captains, marking the end of an era in the local baseball landscape. A contract for the demolition was signed by Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, with the total cost estimated at $334,000. This figure is significantly lower than previous proposals for revitalization efforts that had been discussed over the years.
Fair Grounds Field has been in a state of disrepair, leading to health concerns related to hazardous bat guano that had accumulated over time. The city classified the stadium as condemned due to these safety issues, effectively ending any remaining hopes for its revitalization as a community facility.
Historical Significance of Fair Grounds Field
Originally opened in 1986, Fair Grounds Field was designed as the home for the Shreveport Captains, a Double-A affiliate for the San Francisco Giants. The stadium boasted a capacity of 5,300 and experienced a thriving inaugural season with 183,560 attendees. Over its operational history, the Captains transitioned to a new identity as the Shreveport Swamp Dragons during their final two seasons before the franchise was sold and subsequently renamed the Frisco RoughRiders in 2003.
After the Captains, baseball continued to thrive in the area with the independent league team known as the Shreveport Sports, which was later retitled the Shreveport-Bossier Captains. However, this franchise faced difficulties and ultimately relocated to Laredo, Texas, following the completion of the 2011 season.
Failed Attempts at Revitalization
Over the years, various proposals to introduce a summer collegiate team or other revitalization plans for the stadium failed to materialize. This inability to generate interest has contributed to the current situation; no substantial plans to build a new baseball park or to attract professional baseball back to Shreveport have emerged.
Comparing Success in Professional Sports
In contrast, the Shreveport Mudbugs, a successful local hockey franchise, have played an instrumental role in revitalizing interest in professional sports since starting operation as a junior team in 2016. The Mudbugs’ success highlights the challenges that baseball has faced in appealing to local fans. Former Mayor Cedric Glover pointed out that community investment and higher average incomes are essential factors in determining the success of professional sports franchises in the area.
Community Impact and Legacy
Fair Grounds Field was not just a baseball stadium but also a venue for community events and youth sports, serving as an important gathering place for Shreveport residents. The rising costs associated with modernizing the facility have ultimately made such efforts impractical. The decision to demolish the field serves as a recognition of its historical significance as a cultural landmark within the Shreveport-Bossier community.
As the demolition progresses, local residents are taking time to reflect on the sentimental value and rich memories associated with Fair Grounds Field. Despite its crumbling condition, the stadium will forever remain a symbol of the vibrant baseball history that once thrived in Shreveport.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS – Pro Sports in Shreveport-Bossier
- Shreveport Times – Dave Nitz’s Loves
- Bossier Press – Services for Dave Nitz
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate – Demolition of Fair Grounds Field
- Wikipedia: History of Baseball in Shreveport
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.
