The sales pitch was to host regional basketball. pickleball and volleyball and other sports events for travel sport teams. Shreveport does not have such a facility, and all the "experts'" touted how many travel dollars are lost to other cities because of this.
So, to remedy this void in the tourist attractions basket Expo Hall was to be converted into a multi-use facility.
The City spent $4.5 million for a conversion into an indoor sports venue.
This work was completed in the fourth quarter of 2023. Since that time, nothing has happened other than more expenses for the City of Shreveport for utilities and insurance.
The latest excuse for non-action is the interest by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson in getting a second sweetheart lease for Expo Hall much like Millenium Studio lease. But then nothing has happened at that location because of the pending revision of the film tax credits.
Now, reports have surfaced that the conversion of the facility was faulty in design.
Reportedly, it is not user friendly for the sports activities planned.
The Arceneaux administration needs to take concerted action to get Expo Hall up and running. Sitting idly by hoping Jackson will be the economic savior for the city, including Expo Hall, is poor government. The Shreveport City Council should review the effectiveness of the sports venue conversion and push to have Expo Hall a money generator versus a money loser.