OPSB Approves Final Amended Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for 9th Ward Stadium, Incorporating Naming Rights Provisions
(New Orleans – Jan 26, 2026) — The Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) has officially approved and executed the Third Amended and Restated Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) for the 9th Ward Stadium project, during a special board meeting this evening. This marks a major milestone in bringing this long-awaited community facility to life and is effective starting today, January 26, 2026. This updated version gives clear permission to find sponsors and sell naming rights and other sponsorship deals to help pay for the project.
This final agreement incorporates the project's full funding achievement, including private fundraising milestones met by 9th Ward Stadium, Inc. The CEA enables the construction and operation of a state-of-the-art multi-sport venue at 4300 Almonaster Boulevard, adjacent to George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans' Upper Ninth Ward. The facility will serve as the home field for Carver High School's Rams football team while providing essential athletic and community resources—such as an artificial turf field, grandstand seating for approximately 3,700 spectators, press box, scoreboard, locker rooms, concessions, restrooms, parking, and sloped grass berms—for public schools in New Orleans East and the broader community.
Under the finalized terms, 9th Ward Stadium, Inc. is expressly authorized to pursue exclusive and non-exclusive naming rights, sponsorships, and revenue-generating opportunities for the stadium. Any such arrangements require approval from OPSB in line with its policies and Louisiana state law, ensuring that funds support project advancement and long-term sustainability. The agreement also establishes provisions for an Advisory Panel that may include a designee from a naming rights partner, enhancing community and stakeholder input.
"This final CEA represents the culmination of years of dedicated effort to deliver a transformative facility for our students and residents in the Ninth Ward," said OPSB President Leila Jacobs Eames. "By incorporating robust naming rights provisions, we are positioning the stadium for financial strength while honoring the public purpose of youth athletics, community events, and post-Katrina recovery in this vital area."
The project has overcome significant hurdles since its initial conception post-Hurricane Katrina. Full funding has now been secured for the project. This includes state capital outlay, federal earmarks, municipal contributions, voter-approved bonds through Proposition 2 in November 2025, and private donations. The agreement confirms that the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) is responsible for providing the land, as well as handling the design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of the facility. Meanwhile, 9th Ward Stadium, Inc. has fulfilled its private fundraising commitments. To date, they have raised approximately $15 million. They are continuing to raise additional funds for future projects on the property, such as a track and field facility.
Construction is slated to begin in late March or early April 2026, with the stadium expected to open in summer 2027. The facility will host high school football, soccer, graduations, concerts, festivals, and other community gatherings, serving as a catalyst for pride, economic opportunity, and youth development in the Desire neighborhood and beyond.
For more information on the 9th Ward Stadium project, visit 9thwardstadium.com.
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About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 66 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore.
For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
