Friends of Fair Grounds Field: A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Shreveport's Historic Ballpark

Rendition of current condition of Fair Grounds Field

Shreveport’s Fair Grounds Field, once a hub for local sports and entertainment, is once again the center of a heated debate. The Friends of Fair Grounds Field, a passionate group of preservationists, have launched yet another attempt to prevent the beloved ballpark from meeting the wrecking ball. With the city pushing to demolish the structure, citing its disrepair and financial burden, the group has become even more vocal, claiming that the field still holds significant value for the community.

A Battle for Preservation

Fair Grounds Field, opened in 1986, was home to the Shreveport Captains, and for many locals, it holds fond memories of summer nights spent cheering on the hometown team. Since the field was abandoned more than a decade ago, the debate over what to do with it has raged on. The city’s proposal to demolish it, citing safety concerns and the costs of maintenance, has fueled controversy. But the Friends of Fair Grounds Field believe there’s still hope for its revival.

In a recent interview with KTBS, a representative from the group stated, “We believe that Fair Grounds Field can be restored and used once again, whether for sports, concerts, or other community events. It has so much potential. Demolishing it would be erasing an important part of Shreveport’s history.”

New Proposals for Revitalization

The group has put forward several proposals for revitalizing the ballpark, suggesting that it could serve as a multi-use facility. In an op-ed published by The Shreveport Times, members of Friends of Fair Grounds Field laid out ideas for transforming the space into a venue for high school baseball tournaments, local concerts, and even food festivals. They argue that, with the right investment, the ballpark could be a revenue generator for the city instead of a financial drain.

While many of these proposals have garnered community support, city officials remain skeptical. The estimated cost to repair the ballpark is substantial, and some leaders argue that tearing it down and repurposing the land would be a more practical solution.

A Race Against Time

This isn’t the first time Friends of Fair Grounds Field has tried to rally support. The group has been advocating for the field’s preservation for years, but they now find themselves in a race against time. In July, the city announced plans to move forward with demolition, with only a few legal and logistical hurdles standing in the way. However, the Friends of Fair Grounds Field quickly mobilized to halt the process, submitting petitions, meeting with city council members, and gaining backing from some prominent local business owners.

At a recent city council meeting, as reported by KSLA News 12, emotions ran high. Preservation advocates pleaded with council members to reconsider the demolition. “Fair Grounds Field is more than just a ballpark. It’s part of the fabric of Shreveport,” said one speaker during the public comment session. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”

A Community Divided

The debate over Fair Grounds Field has sparked division within the community. Some argue that the field is beyond saving and that its demolition would pave the way for new development that could benefit the city in the long term. Others, however, believe that Shreveport cannot afford to lose another piece of its cultural and historical heritage.

As the battle continues, the Friends of Fair Grounds Field remain determined. Their latest efforts, combined with a growing social media campaign, have reignited the conversation around the future of the ballpark. Whether these efforts will be enough to sway the city’s decision remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fight to save Fair Grounds Field is far from over.

With every petition signed and every proposal presented, the Friends of Fair Grounds Field are sending a clear message: they won’t give up without a fight.

Conclusion

As Shreveport wrestles with the future of Fair Grounds Field, the community finds itself at a crossroads. The decision will not only impact the fate of the ballpark but also the legacy of the city’s past. For the Friends of Fair Grounds Field, saving the stadium is about more than nostalgia; it’s about preserving a space where memories were made and where, they believe, new ones could still be created.