History
The Hirsch Coliseum, which opened in 1954, was named after a long since passed State Fair president, William Rex Hirsch. It has been the prime venue to host some of the most infamous entertainers including both Elvis, Willie Nelson, The Monkees, Rolling Stones, ZZ Top and more; as well as livestock events, championship rodeos, high school graduations, and sports events including hosting the 1981 Atlantic Sun Conference men’s basketball tournament and has hosted the Southland Conference men’s basketball tournament and even the NWA, WCW and WWE events..
The Louisiana Hirsch Coliseum was home to the professional Shreveport Mudbugs minor league ice hockey team from 1997-2000 and from 2013 to 2015, the Hirsch was home to a professional basketball franchise through the American Basketball Association. In 2015, Encompass Sports Management came across this gem and decided to give her a little tender love and care. With George Cloutier as an inspiration, a 3 million dollar makeover was used to create George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum, a new entertainment venue for the next generation to create their own stories and memories. Soon after in 2016, George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum once again became home to the Shreveport Mudbugs NAHL hockey team.