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Today, City Park Conservancy (CPC), in collaboration with the New Orleans Saints, celebrated the completion of a new field and other improvements at Pan American Stadium with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial “kickoff”.
The event took place at the 50-yard line with CPC and Saints representatives, local leaders and students. A special kickoff was performed by Eleanor McMain, showcasing the school’s young talent and the athletes who benefit from the stadium’s improvements.
The highlight of this first phase of renovations is the installation of a synthetic turf which was generously donated by the New Orleans Saints after playing on it in the 2023 season. New goalposts and netting and a new PA system were also installed, and a scoreboard will complete Phase I renovations later this month.
“This tremendous turf donation improves the field of play for all of the students and other athletes who call this field home,” said Rebecca Dietz, President and CEO of City Park Conservancy. “We are beyond thankful to the New Orleans Saints for their incredible partnership, bringing the first phase of this important renovation project to life. All of these upgrades will provide a safer and more elevated experience for the athletes, sport enthusiasts and members of the community.”
In June, CPC and the City Park Improvement Association (CPIA) approved the $3.1 million dollar Pan Am renovation project. The project’s plan consists of three phases, and funding is provided through a variety of sources, including the New Orleans Saints, as well as from FEMA funding and additional private donors. Phase I renovations total $1.2 million, including the donated turf valued at $486,000, and additional upgrades, installations, disposal, the PA system, goal posts and scoreboards.
The stadium seats about 4,500 and can accommodate up to 5,000 people in general admission.
The stadium serves more than 30 high school, professional, and community football, lacrosse, rugby and soccer programs, including the New Orleans Jesters, a National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) team, and multiple adult Hispanic and Veterans soccer leagues who play weekly.
“The impact of sports on our community cannot be understated,” said Senator Jimmy Harris, of Louisiana’s 4th Senate District. “With generous donations from valuable partners like the Saints, and with the Park’s ongoing commitment to completing the entire Pan Am renovation project, these stadium improvements are going to improve the experience for athletes, spectators and everyone in our community.”
Built in 1973, Pan Am Stadium underwent its last major renovations in 2008.
“I’m elated to see this storied field get put to good use this season by the 10 home high-school football teams at Pan Am,” said Joe Giarrusso, District A Councilmember and CPIA Commissioner. “Our players and guests deserve great facilities that match the level of play taking place in them. We’re grateful to the Park and the Saints for making this happen in time for the season.”
Work on Phase II is expected to begin next year and will involve new stadium lighting funded through FEMA resources resulting from Hurricane Ida impacts in 2021. Completion for Phase II is set for spring of 2025.
“Pan Am Stadium is an incredibly important recreational facility for many of our brilliant athletes and local sport enthusiasts,” said Eugene Green, District D City Councilmember and CPIA Commissioner. “I am thrilled to work with the City Park Conservancy and the New Orleans Saints on this significant community project and see these much-needed upgrades completed for this year’s exciting football season, and I look forward to the next phase of renovations.”
CPC is currently seeking additional funding from private donors for Phase III renovations, which will address bleacher repairs, locker room and bathroom renovations, press box and door repairs throughout the stadium, and parking improvements.
“We are extremely grateful to City Park’s dedicated staff for their work and to the New Orleans Saints for their donation and support of high school sports,” said Stephanie Hilferty, Louisiana State Representative District 94 and CPIA Commissioner. “With strong leadership and valuable community partnerships, we can successfully complete the rest of the stadium’s renovations, creating a premier recreational facility for athletic excellence and community gatherings that will benefit the region’s entire sports community.”
The renovated Pan American Stadium is now open and hosting sporting events.