U.S. Powerboat Nationals to be Held on Red River over Labor Day Weekend

Shreveport-Bossier, LA……The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, the Red River Waterway Commission, Powerboat Nationals LLC, and the American Power Boat Association, will host the 2016 Grand Prix of Louisiana - Outboard Performance Craft  U.S. Powerboat Nationals on the Red River, September 3-5, 2016.
"We met with the local committee, checked out the race site, assessed the infrastructure the city and area
has in place for hosting this type of an event, and we were convinced this is where the new home to the Outboard Performance Craft U.S. Nationals needs to be," said Dan Bunting, Race Director for the Powerboat Nationals. "The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and Powerboat Nationals are committed to this event and are working hard toward making this a Labor Day tradition."

The event, slated for the Red River near the Texas Street Bridge, can be viewed for Free from atop Sam’s Town Casino (must be 21 to enter) or from the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets.  On Sunday and Monday only, the public can view the event from behind the Barnwell Center.  Entertainment, food vendors, and kid’s zone will be under the Texas Street Bridge at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets on Saturday and Sunday.

Registration and testing kicks off the weekend on Friday, September 2nd, with competitive racing starting at Noon Saturday, Sunday and  Monday.

"We are excited to be partnering with Powerboat Nationals and bringing an event of this caliber to Shreveport and Bossier City on Labor Day Weekend,” said Kelly Wells, Executive Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. “We are also planning a fireworks show for Saturday Night, along with other types of entertainment throughout the weekend."

Stoner Boat Launch will be closed to the general public from Wednesday evening, August 31 through Monday, September 5.  The public can alternatively launch from Arthur Teague or the Red River South Marina during these dates.  The Red River from the Horseshoe Casino and North to 12 Mile Bayou will be off limits from Friday through Monday for the general public.  The Caddo and Bossier Sheriffs’ Departments will have water patrols to assist general boaters with crossing these areas during varied and limited breaks in racing.  Spectator boats will need to set up North of the 12 Mile Bayou marker for the race and South of Horseshoe Casino.

For more information on this event visit:  www.powerboatnationals.com.  To see more sports events in the Caddo and Bossier Parish areas, visit shreveportbossiersports.org or sbfunguide.com.