Minutes of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission Advisory Board
December 11, 2024
Members Present:
Doyle Adams, Chairman
Stacy Brown, Visit Shreveport-Bossier
Jeff Free, City of Bossier
Stormy Gage-Watts, Caddo Parish Commission
Mary Ward, Bossier City Parks & Recreation
Patrick Wesley, Joint Appointee
Not Present:
Bob Brotherton, Bossier Parish Police Jury
Shaun Houston, City of Shreveport
Shantel Hardison, Caddo Parish Commission
Guest / Staff Present:
Aaron Bronson
Sara Nelms
Cicely Parson
Call to Order
The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission (SBSC) Advisory Board's regularly scheduled meeting was held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Visit Shreveport-Bossier office, 629 N. Spring St., Shreveport, LA. Doyle Adams, Chairman, called the meeting at 8:37 a.m. A quorum was present.
Agenda
The agenda of the December 11, 2024, meeting was reviewed. Mrs. Gage-Watts made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Free. All in favor, none opposed, with no public comment.
Minutes
The Minutes of the November 13, 2024, meeting was reviewed. Mrs. Gage-Watts made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Wesley. All in favor, none opposed, with no public comment.
Financial Report
Mr Bronson reviewed the November financials. Mrs. Gage-Wage made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Free. All in favor, none opposed, with no public comment.
Grant Applications
a) 2025 ALAS North Regional Tournament
I. Hosted at Bossier Civic Center 400 athletes; requested $3,000, budgeted for $3,000. Recommended $3,000.
b) Louisiana Adult State 70 and Over Tennis Tournament
I. It will be held in March at the Bossier Tennis Center with 250 players. $3,000 was requested and budgeted, and $3,000 was recommended.
c) 2025 Red River Classic – Summit Volleyball
I. Requested $12,000; budgeted $13,000 recommended $12,000 – Motion by Mrs. Gage-Watts; seconded by Mr. Free
d) USSSA Twin City Shootout
I. Requested $15,000; budgeted $15,000; recommended $15,000
e) Louisiana State Adult 18 and Over Men and Women Tennis Tournament
I. Requested $3,500; budgeted $3,500; recommended $3,500.
Events Update/Discussion
a) LSU v. Grambling Women’s Basketball Game Recap
a. Attendance was 8,400; the promoter and LSU were happy with the turnout. AT&T wants to install fiber at the arena; networking allowed AT&T to meet with the arena general manager. There was positive press media coverage.
b) Independence Bowl
a. Announced teams on December 8; Army and Marshall are in town for planning purposes.
c) Site Visit – North American Scrabble Players Association 2026 & 2027
a. January 7 – visiting Shreveport Convention Center and Horseshoe Casino.
Upcoming Events
a) 2024 Independence Bowl | December 28, 2024
b) Never Give Up with Maggie Nichols | January 10-12, 2025
c) ALAS North Regional Archery | January 11, 2025
d) Quad State Bass Club Annual Meeting | January 18, 2025
e) Moretown Community Festival – January 4, 2025 – a panel with local NFL players to provide resources and a fun day to explain the history of Moretown.
Adjournment
The next meeting is on January 22, 2025, at The Visit Shreveport-Bossier office. With no further business, Mr. Free motioned to adjourn, and Mrs Gage-Watts seconded, which was voted on and passed with no public comment, the meeting adjourned at 9:19 AM.
Doyle Adams, Chairman