Here’s the Latest Info on Fairgrounds Field

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The Caddo Parish Commission heard arguments at their meeting today concerning the temporary restraining order halting the demolition that is underway at Fairgrounds Field.  Local businessman Linc Coleman addressed the Commission with his concerns about health issues caused by exposure to bat guano.

"We're asking that the Commission support a resolution to reach out to the Health Department..." Mr. Coleman continued, "This is a win for everybody, I think it's a political win for all the governmental agencies, the mayor, the city council, every governmental agency that touches it.  I don't think it's a negative for anybody. We're not trying to point fingers at anybody, and this is a... truly, there is a common denominator for all of us. And that's our children and our sports. And this can help us bring those things together. We're asking this to help unite our city."

The case was originally set for a hearing on Wednesday, but was changed to 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Caddo District Court before District Judge Brady O'Callaghan.  The hearing has been postponed until next Friday, October 14th. The hearing is to determine whether or not the temporary TRO issued to the city to halt demolition should become permanent until a full health assessment can be performed.

Fairgrounds Field was built in 1986 to replace the aging SPAR Stadium, and was home to the AA Minor League baseball team the Shreveport Captains.  The 4200 seat Fairgrounds Field was considered one of the premiere minor league parks in the country.  After the Captains, other minor league teams, including the Swamp Dragons, the Shreveport-Bossier Sports, and the Shreveport-Bossier Captains briefly called Fairgrounds Field home.

The hope of local supporters is that Fairgrounds Field can be saved, renovated, and then used to host various baseball activities, including local high-school games as well as regional high-school and college baseball tournaments.