Key Takeaways
- The 147-acre John Alario Jr. Youth Sports Complex in Avondale cost between $42 million and $45 million, more than double the original estimate
- Four multipurpose artificial turf fields support baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby
- The facility is nearly fully booked with travel tournaments for 2026 and has begun accepting reservations for 2027 and 2028
- Champions Sports Management LLC will operate the complex under a revenue-sharing agreement with the parish
- The inaugural tournament on Feb. 21 will host 60 baseball teams
A New Destination for Travel Sports on Louisiana’s West Bank
Jefferson Parish is preparing to open a state-funded youth sports complex that parish leaders believe will establish the area as a standalone tourism destination. The John Alario Jr. Youth Sports Complex, located on Nicolle Boulevard in Avondale across from NOLA MotorSports Park, spans 147 acres and features four multipurpose artificial turf fields designed to accommodate baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby.
The facility also includes a sports shop, pavilion, concession stand, and covered restrooms. Construction is nearly complete, with the inaugural tournament scheduled for Feb. 21, when 60 baseball teams are expected to compete.
“This will be the first time visitors get off a plane with the destination being Jefferson Parish,” said Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng.
Booking Demand Signals Strong Market Interest
According to operator Andy Powers, the complex is already nearly fully booked with travel sports tournaments for 2026. Reservations are now being accepted for 2027 and 2028. The facility will primarily serve travel sports, though local sports organizations will have some access as well.
Project leaders have outlined plans to expand the complex with a dormitory and administrative building. Local developers are also exploring the possibility of a hotel near the site.
A Decade in the Making
The project, spearheaded by former state legislator John Alario Jr., was funded through state capital outlay funds and developed by the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, commonly known as the Superdome Commission. Using the Superdome Commission allowed the parish to bypass a 25% local match requirement typically applied to state capital outlay projects.
Duplantis Design Group of Thibodaux handled design, and Ratcliff Construction Co. of Alexandria managed construction. The project took more than a decade to complete due to feasibility studies, COVID-19 delays, and the planning and construction timeline.
Final costs came in between $42 million and $45 million, more than double the original estimate. Rising material and labor costs contributed to the increase, as did the addition of a fourth multipurpose field.
Management and Revenue Structure
Once construction is finalized, ownership of the facility will transfer to Jefferson Parish. The parish has contracted Champions Sports Management LLC to manage operations. Under the agreement, Champions will invest $1 million over five years to construct an administrative building on the property, beginning in May 2026. The parish will provide a $1 million match.
Champions will also remit a percentage of gross operational revenue to the parish on a graduated scale: 0% in year one, increasing to 3% after the third year.
Champions Sports Management LLC is led by Andy Powers, owner and founder of two Texas baseball training facilities, and Wally Pontiff, father of the late LSU baseball player Wally Pontiff Jr.
Looking Ahead
The opening of the John Alario Jr. Youth Sports Complex positions Jefferson Parish to capture a share of the travel sports tournament market. With bookings already extending into 2028 and expansion plans in development, the facility represents a long-term investment in sports tourism infrastructure for Louisiana’s West Bank.
via: NOLA.com
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