Roy Lang III

rflang@gannett.com

A couple of years ago, when a group of five investors, led by Tommy Scott, focused on Hirsch Coliseum as a home for the return of the Shreveport Mudbugs, it asked the city to pitch in.

In addition to the Mudbugs, the group hoped the historic building, after a major overhaul, would host events that would attract out of towners and bring money to the local economy.

“I would have liked to have some assistance, but it wasn’t available,” Scott said. “And then, all of a sudden, it’s available. That kind of slaps me in the face a little bit.”

Scott’s group carried on anyway. They raised $3 million and, with the help of the State Fair, turned a run-down Hirsch into “George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum.” The Mudbugs returned to the ice for the 2016-17 season and immediately captured North American Hockey League Franchise of the Year honors.

This week, Scott was forced to chuckle when Shreveport officials revealed a proposal to spend $30 million on a downtown arena that could be the cornerstone of a $150 million mixed-use complex (residences, office space, shoppes, restaurants and more).

Even with the presence of the New Orleans Pelicans’ G-League team at the new arena, Scott is confident the Mudbugs could survive at George’s Pond. However, the ancillary events would be a blow during the Mudbugs’ down time.

“The (Shreveport-Bossier) Sports Commission was wanting to help us attract other events (to the Hirsch), the same events they are now saying they’re going to give to the new place,” Scott said.

The Times spoke to Scott at the first official gathering for the 2017-18 season. Hundreds of fans showed up at the Fairgrounds to meet prospective players on this season’s roster, pick up tickets and skate on the ice at George’s Pond.

“I feel like we’re doing things the right way. We’ll continue to do that,” Scott said. “If tonight’s any indicator, with the fan support, the amount of ticket’s we’ve sold, and our corporate support, we’re going to be just fine.”

For Scott’s full reaction, watch the attached video.

Twitter: @RoyLangIII