By Courtney Hornsby
Following a national talent search, the City of West Monroe and Sports Facilities Companies announced their selection of Jamie Johnson for General Manager of their new sports complex, West Monroe Sports & Events. The West Monroe native brings his athletics-focused professional experience, years of public and private sector management, and a life-long passion for sports to the facility. Johnson is the co-owner of D-BAT Monroe, a baseball and softball equipment company and training facility franchise. He also spent over five years playing professional ball for the Detroit Tigers.
“Until now, we haven’t had a local venue large enough for major sports and events. I am blessed to have 
the opportunity to make an impact through sports in my hometown,” Johnson said. “I have big first-year aspirations that include stacking our calendar with a wide range of exciting events and sports tournaments. Our goal is for people nationwide to recognize and get excited about playing at West Monroe Sports & Events and visiting our city.”
The 112,000-square-foot indoor sports venue is slated to open in Fall 2023 and will become a regional hub for multi-purpose sports tourism and local programming. The facility is comprised of eight full-size basketball courts that can convert to 16 volleyball courts or 24 pickleball courts, meeting and event spaces, an open-air spectator mezzanine, and onsite concessions.
“We are thrilled to have Jamie on board,” said Mayor Staci Mitchell. “His leadership experience, customer service expertise, and local knowledge make him a great choice for our facility. He is backed by our national management firm, and we are confident that he will be a big asset in executing the vision of the city and providing guests with an incredible experience.”
“We are working very closely with the Monroe West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau to line up a variety of exciting volleyball and basketball tournaments, gymnastic competitions, and pickleball events, to name a few. These bookings will catalyze an influx in tourism revenue for local businesses, restaurants, and hotels,” added SFC Account Executive Jessica Kuhl. “In addition to driving economic impact, this facility will bring multi-faceted benefits and create new opportunities for the City of West Monroe.”
Progress on the construction of West Monroe Sports & Events continues to progress with the walls and roof of the facility nearly completed. Currently, the focus has shifted to installing necessary infrastructure such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The complex will feature an adjoining hotel connected by a covered corridor for a ‘stay and play’ experience that sets it apart. The venue will boost tourism for West Monroe by hosting large, notable sports tournaments that attract teams and spectators from across the Southeast.
Courtney Hornsby is with the City of West Monroe.
