The City Of Shreveport has officially thrown its hat into the ring as a contender for the new New Orleans Pelicans D-League Team.  Pelicans’ management has narrowed the list of viable cities to five.

As part of the proposal, the mayor’s office is developing a video that will show why Shreveport should be the place for the new team.  The project kicked off last night with a pep rally at the new BHP Billiton YMCA with attendees hoping to make an appearance in the official video.

To even be considered as the host city for the new team, Shreveport will have to build a new facility.  The mayor is loathe to call the building an “arena”, but is instead calling it a “sports complex.”  The cost is estimated to be around $25 million to build it.

Many Shreveporters, including some on the City Council, have expressed doubts that the citizens of the city will support another pro team.  Residents have certainly shown no propensity to do that in the past.  But, there are definitely some positive things that could happen for the city should the New Orleans Pelicans decide to locate their new team here.

 

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    Google
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    1

    Cross Bayou Development

    The City has long desired to develop the land just north of Sam's Town Casino where Cross Bayou meets the Red River.  The new sports complex would be an anchor for development.

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    2

    Family Entertainment

    Most of the entertainment provided downtown is centered around the casinos.  The Pelicans' team would add an entertainment option that would attract families.

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    3

    Event Variety

    In addition to NBA Basketball, a  new sports complex could host a variety of events year-round.

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    Revive Shreveport Sports Interest

    A brand-new D-League team and sports complex could ignite renewed interest in professional sports in the Ark-La-Tex.  With casinos and professional sports existing side-by-side, downtown would be a bona fide tourist attraction.

  • Chung Sung-Jun, Getty Images
    Chung Sung-Jun, Getty Images
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    5

    Jobs & Economic Development

    Jobs will undoubtedly come with the advent of a new professional team and sports complex.  The result would be a boon for the Shreveport-Bossier economy.

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