10-23-24 Minutes

Minutes of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission Advisory Board October 23, 2024 Members Present: Doyle Adams, Chairman Stacy Brown, Visit Shreveport-Bossier Jeff Free, City of Bossier Shantel Hardison, Caddo Parish Commission Shaun Houston, City of Shreveport Patrick Wesley, City of Shreveport Stormy Gage-Watts, Caddo Parish Commission Not Present: Bob Brotherton, Bossier Parish Police Jury Guest / Staff Present: Sara Nelms Aaron Bronson Cicely Parson Call to Order The regularly scheduled meeting of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission (SBSC) Advisory Board was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 629 Spring Street, Shreveport, LA. Doyle Adams, Chairman, called the meeting at 8:33 a.m. A quorum was present.

Agenda The agenda of the October 23, 2024, meeting was reviewed. Mrs. Gage-Watts moved to accept the agenda with a motion approved by Mr. Free. All in favor none opposed with no public comment.

Minutes The Minutes of the August 21, 2024, meeting was reviewed, a quorum was not present at the September 25, 2024 meeting. Following review, Mrs. Gage-Watts moved to accept the minutes. Ms. Hardison seconded the motion. All in favor none opposed with no public comment.

Financial Report Mr. Bronson shared the financials with the board. Mrs. Gage-Watts moved to accept the financials. Mr. Free seconded the motion. All in favor none opposed with no public comment.

Grant Applications A. RCA National Black Rodeo Finals – requested additional funds to $15,000, no change in event, Grambling Band no longer participating as that is an increased expense. Comp tickets are hurting revenue, recommend remaining at $10,000. Requested to have partial funding up front, asking board to approve. Advise the applicant that he will not be able to get funds up front next year. The motion was made by Mr. Wesley and seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts. All in favor none opposed with no public comment.

Events Update/Discussion A. LSU/GSU Basketball Game—Site visit with 12 LSU Operations and Athletics staff; LSU will manage the game that is owned by a third-party promoter. Possibly hosting open practice; working on details to cap attendance at 2,500 youth guests. Currently searching for a TV production partner. The event is owned by the third-party promoter, and neither the SBSC nor VSB will receive tickets to disburse. Activation will be shared today with the LSU team.

B. Sports Relationship Conference – Small tradeshow with 250 people in attendance. In talks with a Scrabble Association at SCC and Jump Rope Association possibly hosting at Centenary. Concern was expressed about the short lead time.

C. Grambling – possibly hosting a football game at Independence Stadium in 2025.

Matchup must be good for garnering sponsorship investment.

Upcoming Events a. Super Retriever Series - Dog-related event with 150 competitors nationwide. b. State Fair Rodeo – November 1-3, 2024 c. HBCUAC Volleyball—A volleyball clinic will be held at the YMCA on November 10 at 1:00 p.m., an event to help grow volleyball in the area. The contract has been extended for another three years until 2028. d. Sales Mission—Colorado Springs is hosting a luncheon with National Governing Bodies to attract more championship /qualifying events to the area. e. USA Softball is pushing to host offsite practice locations for Olympic teams before the LA28 games. BPCC could be a good location for the bid package.

Adjournment The next meeting is November 13, 2024, at The Visit Shreveport-Bossier office. With no further business, Mrs. Gage-Watts made a motion to adjourn, and Mr. Adams seconded, which was voted on and passed with no public comment; the meeting adjourned at 9:08 AM. _______________________________ Doyle Adams, Chairman