Key Takeaways
- Jefferson Parish opened the 147-acre John Alario Jr. Youth Sports Complex on Friday with a $45 million investment in four multipurpose artificial turf fields
- The facility already has tournament bookings scheduled through 2028 and will host its first event February 21 with up to 100 football teams
- Champions Sports Management will operate the complex and invest $1 million over five years for an administrative building, with the parish matching that amount
- Expansion plans include dormitories and a dining hall, pending state funding
- The complex can accommodate 12 youth baseball games simultaneously and host softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby
Tournament Schedule Already Full Through 2028
The John Alario Jr. Youth Sports Complex opened Friday at 11080 Nicolle Blvd. on 147 acres in Jefferson Parish. Champions Sports Management, led by Andy Powers and Wally Pontiff, will operate the facility under a revenue-sharing agreement that scales from 0% in year one to 3% of gross operational revenue after the third year.
The first official tournament launches February 21 with a 7-on-7 football event featuring up to 100 teams. The calendar also includes the 2D Sports Youth Southeast Cup, a softball showcase, and potentially the national Adult Kickball Championship, which airs on ESPN.
Powers, who founded two baseball training facilities in Texas before relocating to Louisiana last summer, said bookings extend through 2028.
Facility Design and Future Expansion
The complex features four multipurpose artificial turf fields capable of hosting 12 youth baseball games at once. The fields also accommodate softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby. Additional amenities include a sports shop, pavilion, concession stand, and public restrooms.
Champions Sports Management will invest $1 million over five years starting May 2026 to add an administrative building, with Jefferson Parish matching that investment. Longer-term expansion plans include dormitories and a dining hall, contingent on state funding approval.
Market Context and Regional Development
Parents spent an average of $1,016 on their child’s sport in 2024, according to an Aspen Institute survey, contributing to a $40 billion youth sports tourism industry. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said the complex positions the area to capture tourism revenue that previously went elsewhere.
The facility sits near the John A. Alario Sr. Event Center, which hosts volleyball, gymnastics, and cheerleading competitions. Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission Executive Director Jerry Bologna said he plans to request qualifications for hotel development at nearby Churchill Technology and Business Park in response to anticipated tournament traffic.
The property is located between Avondale and Westwego, an area that has lacked a grocery store since 2019. State Sen. Patrick Connick said the complex could help attract additional commercial development to the region.
Project History and Funding Structure
Former state Sen. John Alario Jr. initiated the project approximately a decade ago, securing state capital outlay funds to purchase the 147-acre property for $3.1 million from real estate developer Joseph C. Marcello. The Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District managed development, allowing Jefferson Parish to avoid the standard 25% local match requirement for state capital outlay projects.
The final cost of $45 million doubled initial estimates due to material and labor cost increases, project delays, and the addition of a fourth field. The parish will assume ownership upon completion.
via: NOLA
photo: Chris Granger
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