FAQ

1. What is the “9th Ward Stadium” project, and who is in charge of it?

The 9th Ward Stadium project is a re-energized initiative that seeks to provide critically important recreational facilities for public school students throughout eastern New Orleans. The facility will be under the governance of New Orleans Public Schools (NOPS), which is the public school system that serves all of New Orleans. NOPS has executed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with 9th Ward Stadium Inc, in order to set forth the rights and responsibilities of the respective parties

2. How is this non-profit structured, and how will fundraising monies be handled?

The new non-profit, named 9th Ward Stadium Inc, is a 501c3 and has ten Board of Directors who believe passionately in the new project: Arnie Fielkow, Ann Duplessis, Stacy Martin, Wilbert Thomas, Sr., Roy Glapion, Deuce Mcallister, Bobby Garon, Mark Ripple, Darryl Berger, Austin Badon, and Bill Hines. All leaders are lending their time, energy, and talent completely pro bono, with the goal of making this project a success.

In addition, a broad cross-section of state and city leaders are very supportive, and we will continue to expand community-wide leadership in order to ensure success.

Regarding the fundraising activities and financial accounting, all monies raised and disbursed will be tracked openly and transparently. All monies will be deposited into an account at a local banking institution.

3. Is this the same project I saw on the Fox 8 report several months ago, or is this a new initiative?

Many of us in the community were disappointed by the lack of success of the previous organization to achieve its mission, but recognize the importance of this compelling project. As a result, we have started over with a new leadership group, that has no ties whatsoever to the former organization. We believe this new, expanded initiative, serving not just George Washington Carver High School but the entire 9th Ward community, will enhance the growth and redevelopment of the upper 9th Ward neighborhoods, and provide all public schools in the area the opportunity to pursue their athletic dreams.

4. Will the stadium be exclusively used by George Washington Carver High School?

While the facility will indeed serve as an anchor home field for George Washington Carver High School (football/track and field/soccer), it will be open for use by all public high schools and middle schools, with special emphasis on serving the eastern part of the city.

5. Will public school teams need to pay fees to play games there?

It is anticipated that a reasonably priced fee structure commensurate with (or lower than) other stadiums will need to be assessed. The fee schedule will be part of a community discussion involving NOPS, to ensure that all New Orleans public schools will have the opportunity to play.

6. What facilities will be provided? Is there any special programming?

The facility will include an artificial turf football field, an 8-lane track with field events included, a grandstand seating 4,000-5,000 spectators plus a press box and scoreboard, restrooms, concessions and ticketing, parking, and site amenities. The stadium will also include a multipurpose space that can be used for educational purposes.

The long-term project vision also includes the creation of a sports ”hall of fame”, honoring the rich collection of local public high school athletes who have demonstrated success over the years. This is most appropriate, given the sustained excellence of New Orleans athletics, and is also seen as a potential revenue generator. The specific program and design of the Hall of Fame will be a community-driven effort, with details to follow.

7. How much will the project cost? How will the project be financed?

The total project will cost $12 million at this time. Since the funding for the project includes State capital outlay and Federal funds, the construction contractor will be selected using a competitive bid approach in full compliance with Public Bid Law requirements.

Project financing will be a combination of State capital outlay, Federal funding, New Orleans City Council funding, plus private fundraising. As of December 18, 2023, the 9th Ward Stadium Board has raised $10M.

The leadership team is currently working on raising the remaining funds.

8. As part of the private fundraising, is there the possibility of naming rights and other opportunities?

Yes, definitely! There are opportunities for naming rights of both the stadium as well as the field, for any individuals or organizations so inclined to contribute. For sponsorship opportunities, please call Gillian Stagg at 504-201-8610 or email gstagg@nocci.com.

9. Who will be responsible for maintaining the facility?

NOPS will, at a later date, initiate a formal solicitation request for a qualified facility management company with proven experience in both the operation and maintenance of sports facilities. It is expected that revenue generated from the use of the stadium (including entry fees, gate receipts, concessions, special events, and the like) will be used to help offset the anticipated maintenance and operations costs.

10. Is the facility expected to generate a profit?

As a non-profit corporation, the stadium will be run professionally and transparently. It is anticipated that any profit from operations will be reinvested into the stadium. None of the directors nor officers of the non-profit will receive any compensation whatsoever.

11. What are the next steps and timetable for the Stadium project?

Our goal is to have all requisite funds raised by the Spring of 2024.