Shreveport-Bossier will play host to both this year’s Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, with Miss USA confirmed for May 21st. It'll be the first time both pageants have ever been held at the same location back to back. Miss USA will air live on FOX-TV from the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum.

Shreveport Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Crawford says northwest Louisiana is a perfect host site for Miss USA.

“This is exactly the family friendly economic development venue that we encourage and entice for the Shreveport-Bossier region.”

The competition will bring contestants from all 50 states and DC together in Shreveport, and draw in a national TV audience. Crawford says the crush of tourists will be a big boost to the region.

“The economic impact is going to be significant for this event. We’ll certainly feel it here in Shreveport and bossier. Our local businesses will all see a direct impact from this event being here.”

Bossier City mayor Lo Walker fondly remembers the first time the competition rolled into town, back in 1998.

“I’ve seen up close and personal what this is for the young ladies competing, but also what this means for our community. What an experience it is.”

Miss USA/Miss Teen USA will stay in the area for 11 days.

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