Caddo Parish committee accepts site recommendations for Catapult Sports Complex, adds urban‑area review

The Caddo Parish Economic Development Committee voted to accept site recommendations for a proposed Catapult Sports Complex and directed parish administration to include urban‑area options in the ongoing site search. The motion, made by the chair and seconded in committee, passed without opposition during the meeting.

The chair moved to “accept the site recommendations and authorize our CEO to move forward with all necessary actions to advance the project,” and the substitute language adding urban‑core considerations was agreed to during debate. CEO Erica Bridal told the committee the parish has called a Nov. 3 election on a $60,000,000 bond proposition intended to fund part of the complex; she said the full facility is estimated to cost about $70,000,000 and would be developed in phases, beginning with an indoor venue. “This complex, would actually cost about 70,000,000,” Bridal said during the presentation.

Commissioners debated whether the project should prioritize regional access or inner‑city revitalization. Commissioner Burrell urged explicit attention to urban neighborhoods, arguing the parish should consider sites that would maximize benefit for residents closest to concentrated need. Supporters said the consultant’s study focused on regional access and land availability but that urban options—such as Fairgrounds Field—would be evaluated where feasible. The clerk recorded affirmative votes for Commissioners Desmont, Jampaya, Burrell, Blake and Brecken; the motion passed without opposition.

The administration said it will return with more detailed analyses of candidate parcels, infrastructure needs, and outreach plans. The committee’s action does not constitute a purchase; staff said any property acquisition would require a future commission approval vote.