Carver High School 'Field of Dreams' stadium clears final hurdles

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After nearly two decades of fits and starts in which the project stalled, leadership fractured and early fundraising evaporated, the effort has cleared its final two hurdles: Voters on Saturday approved an infrastructure bond proposition that will provide the project with $3 million, and a multi-million-dollar naming rights deal with a major Louisiana restaurant brand has been finalized. These pieces push total funding to $15 million, enough to cover construction costs and bring the stadium to life.

"This is a really unique and incredible project," said Arnie Fielkow, the former City Council member who re-floated the dream six years ago after it had run aground. "It will give local youth the opportunity they deserve, spur economic development and improve the overall general health of the community."

For the Upper 9th Ward, where promises have often foundered, the stadium represents a long-overdue homecoming for the Carver High School football Rams and is a symbol of resilience for the historic Desire neighborhood.

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