August 1, 2024 | From City of New Orleans
City of New Orleans Celebrates Completion of $5.9 Million Skelly Rupp Stadium Upgrades
NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Capital Projects Administration (CPA) Director Vincent Smith, New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission CEO Larry Barabino, Jr., District C Councilmember Freddie King, III and the Edna Karr and L.B. Landry baseball teams to celebrate the completion of Skelly Rupp Stadium in Algiers. This highly anticipated project, with a total cost of $5.9 million of City bond funds, will provide recreational space for the community.
“We have a lot to celebrate in the City of New Orleans, especially as we continue to do the work on behalf of the residents of not just Algiers but across this city,” said Mayor Cantrell. “As Mayor-elect, I made a sincere promise to this community that we would bring Skelly Rupp Stadium back and better than before. In the spirit of true partnership and staying focused on delivering results, we are here today. That focus started with the community, listening and trusting government when we asked them to approve an unprecedented bond sale of $500 million, which helped fund this renovation.”
“As a proud native of Algiers, the transformation of Skelly Rupp Stadium is incredibly exciting,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02). “This project revitalizes a beloved community space and significantly invests in our youth and local wildlife preservation efforts. The collaboration between the City of New Orleans, local schools and wildlife teams highlights our commitment to creating a multifaceted space that benefits residents and the environment.”
“There is a lot happening in Algiers that is beneficial for the residents, and this is a representation of the commitment made by Mayor Cantrell and Mr. Barabino,” said Councilmember King. “Now, we have a place for our baseball and softball teams to play. It’s big for the city, it’s big for Algiers, and I am extremely proud to be a part of it.”
The Skelly Rupp Baseball Stadium was originally constructed in 1986/87 and was damaged in Hurricane Katrina. These extensive repairs have brought it back into commerce for community and competitive youth games managed by NORD, meeting National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) standards for both daytime and nighttime games. These repairs and alterations meet American with Disability Act (ADA) standards, while also adhering to U.S. Department and Wildlife and Fisheries rules regarding the preservation of eagles and their nesting patterns to accommodate eagles that had previously taken residence adjacent to the facility.
“I always start these ceremonies out with noting the vision of Capital Projects, which is to improve the quality of life for the citizens of New Orleans through delivering the capital program,” said Smith. “Skelly Rupp Stadium is just another way that we can meet that vision. It has been out of service since Hurricane Katrina, so we appreciate all of the partners that made this happen, and we recognize the patience of the community as they have waited for this facility to come back.”
The scope of work included repairs to the field and manager and administrative offices, full rehabilitation of the restrooms and press box, as well as upgrades to the concession stand. All lighting in the playfield and stadium were restored with LED fixtures, and an updated electronic scoreboard with remote controls using Wi-Fi was installed.
Improvements also include upgrades to dugouts and batting cages, as well as installing an Astro Turf Infield with the ability to expand the Astro Turf to the outfield. The parking lot was also repaired and resurfaced. Repairs were made intentionally to ensure proper stormwater drainage from the stadium.
“This facility has sat dormant for almost 20 years,” said Barabino. “We watched teams from Algiers, whether it was NORD teams or high school teams, have to travel to the Eastbank to play in facilities. They never had the opportunity for home games in their own community, on their own turf. That ends today. Whether it is Edna Karr, Landry school, the Military Academy – we’re not finished here. We want to ensure that this state-of-the-art facility continues to be better for all our youth and their families.”
CPA has invested more than $83 million in District C under the Cantrell Administration. Completed projects include:
- $7.9 million New Orleans Police Department 4th District Station
- $1.8 million Algiers Courthouse Repairs
- $1.3 million Brechtel Memorial Park Improvements (lagoon repairs/improvements)
- $579,727 Bodenger Playground Improvements
- $781,098 Norman Playground (play equipment installations)
Currently, CPA has two major projects under construction in District C that are both expected to be completed this year:
- $9.6 million Morris X.F. Jeff Pool Renovations
- $857,792 Cut-Off Recreation Center Splash Pad & Walking Path