Members Present:
Minutes of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission Advisory Board January 29, 2025
Doyle Adams, Chairman
Stacy Brown, Visit Shreveport-Bossier
Jeff Free, City of Bossier
Stormy Gage-Watts, Caddo Parish Commission
Shaun Houston, City of Shreveport
Mary Ward, Bossier City Parks & Recreation
Patrick Wesley, City of Shreveport
Not Present:
Shantel Hardison, Caddo Parish Commission
Guest / Staff Present:
Sara Nelms
Aaron Bronson
Charlie Rice
Call to Order
The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission (SBSC) Advisory Board's regularly scheduled meeting was held on Thursday, January 29, 2025, 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 for the January 29, 2025 meeting was reviewed Mr. Free moved to accept the agenda with a motion approved by Mrs. Brown. All in favor, none opposed, with no public comment.
Minutes
The Minutes of the December 11, 2024, meeting was reviewed. Following review, Mr. Free moved to accept the minutes. Ms. Ward seconded the motion. All in favor, none opposed, with no public comment.
Financial Report
Mr Bronson reviewed the December financial summary with the board. The year-end reports are not available.
Grant Applications
• USTA Independence Bowl Junior Classic – budgeted $4,000 for two events, awarded $3,000 for one event.
• Louisiana State Bowling Tournament – requested $10,000, budgeted $5,000. Staff recommends staying at $5,000.
• 2025 CABOSA Cup – requested $10,000; Ms. Nelms will update the board with more information at the February meeting.
• Wodgodz – requested $15,000; budgeted $10,000. Staff recommends staying at $10,000.
Events Update/Discussion
a. National Scrabble Players Association bid on 2026-2027. With 600 players over five days, it would be held at the Shreveport Convention Center and the Downtown Hilton.
b. Shreveport Boat Show – local dealers are trying to grow the event.
c. Red River Balloon Rally – credit card readers have been purchased for onsite ticket purchases.
d. Super Bowl Sports staff will head to New Orleans to promote the Shreveport-Bossier area. They will be with the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
e. Grambling University – Ms. Nelms updated the board on the possibility of a football game on Labor Day weekend. SBSC requested a proforma and additional numbers from Grambling.
Upcoming Events
• Bulls Bands and Barrels – February 8, 2025
• 2025 LHSAA State Wrestling Championships – February 14-15, 2025
• Red Line Cheer – February 22-23, 2025
Adjournment
The next meeting is on February 26, 2025, at The Visit Shreveport-Bossier office. With there being no further business, Mrs Gage-Watts made a motion to adjourn, and Mr. Free seconded, which was voted on and passed with no public comment, the meeting adjourned at 9:19 AM.
Doyle Adams, Chairman