Experience Ruston Blog

Ruston Sports Complex Now Open

Ruston Sports Complex Now Open

Ruston’s new sports complex is now open. On Friday, July 26 the Ruston Sports Complex will host the Dixie Youth World Series, a two-week long event. The first week will bring in 40 teams; and the second week, beginning August 2, will bring 36 teams, securing in total over 5,000 overnight stays between Lincoln, Ouachita, Jackson, Bossier, and Webster Parishes.

“We are excited to have this part of the sports complex now open and to kick off the Dixie Youth World Series. This tournament is not only a win for Ruston & Lincoln Parish, but for North Louisiana,” says Travis Napper, CVB President/CEO. “We’re welcoming teams, coaches, and fans from across the country to experience what our area has to offer. After spending time on our fields and in the community, we’re confident that they will leave with many great memories.” 

When completed the Ruston Sports Complex will feature facilities for baseball, softball, tennis, soccer, and football. The 185-acre complex includes 36 fields, 16 turf fields, batting cages, meeting rooms, covered pavilions, ticket office, as well as a 6-acre pond, natural biodiversity reserve, and playground area. Additional plans include an indoor facility for basketball and volleyball tournaments, as well as dance and cheer competitions.

“This is an economic boom for our city and for entire North Louisiana,” says City of Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker. “Basically, all of the hotels in Ruston are full. Most, if not all, in Monroe-West Monroe are full, as well as Minden, even some teams staying as far as Bossier City. Entire North Louisiana is benefitting from this tournament and will benefit in the years to come from this complex because partnering with these other cities for hotels will be necessary.”

The Ruston Sports Complex is a project of the City of Ruston. The complex is an investment that will be hosting travel tournaments year-round and introducing Ruston to countless visitors. The complex also provides visitors and locals with a first-class facility for sports, events, and recreational activities. The complex will be a giant economic driver for Ruston, Lincoln Parish, and North Louisiana, as already evidenced from this first tournament that has secured teams in five different parishes.

Mayor Walker thanks for voters of Ruston for passing the “Moving Ruston Forward” initiative. The citywide tax passed in 2016 will fund the sports complex and many future projects.

About the Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization that works to create, preserve and enhance a variety of quality visitor experiences through the promotion of Lincoln Parish. For more information, visit www.experienceruston.com.

Amanda Quimby Carrier, TMP

Amanda is originally from Franklin Parish but has called Ruston home for several years. She has a passion for travel and tourism, event planning, and showcasing Ruston & Lincoln Parish. As the President & CEO, Amanda leads the CVB's sales and marketing efforts to promote the area and oversees all administrative functions of the CVB.