Shreveport Eyes Event Center

A proposed $100 million mixed-use development, including a sports event center, in Shreveport, La., will go forward, according to Mayor Ollie Tyler. he complex could help the city attract a NBA development league team and host events including concerts.

The proposed event center is expected to have a capacity of about 3,000 and could serve as a home for the New Orleans Pelicans’ farm club. Shreveport is one of two finalists for a franchise, according to the Shreveport Times.

– Shreveport seal

Details are sketchy but, according to a news release, city officials will seek approval to spend up to $30 million as part of a public-private funding partnership.

“City Council approval will be needed prior to utilizing any funds once there is a formal agreement with both the Pelicans and its other private partners,” the Times quoted from the release. “This effort is part of the Mayor’s vision to provide a more competitive landscape to the community in order to generate jobs, improve our economy, decrease crime and provide a better quality of life for each citizen.”

Tyler added that the development would be “a great opportunity for the City of Shreveport and the entire region to provide a significant economic driver in job creation as well as a family-friendly venue for our citizens.”