Jefferson Parish will soon enter the booming youth sports industry as it opens a roughly $45 million complex in Avondale, which parish leaders say will drive economic growth and tourism for the West Bank.

Construction is nearly complete on the state-funded, 147-acre John Alario Jr. Youth Sports Complex, located on Nicolle Boulevard across from NOLA MotorSports Park. It features four multipurpose artificial turf fields that can be used for baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse and rugby, as well as a sports shop, pavilion, concession stand and covered restrooms.

The complex is already nearly fully booked with travel sports tournaments for 2026, and has already started booking dates in 2027 and 2028, according to operator Andy Powers. Project leaders plan to expand the facility to

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