The planning of the construction of the new stadium is continuing to take place. Mayor Weinzapfel has asked the Robert Stadium Advisory Board to meet again in order to look at the economic impact analysis. Mayor Weinzapfel said: "We're moving along in a process where we can build something new downtown without raising property taxes, but as a side benefit it looks like potentially we could create several hundred jobs.”
Planning and construction a new stadium is no easy task and we commend the Mayor for taking time and looking at all issues to make sure this project turns out a success for Evansville.
By Marianne Lyles
Posted by Mike Mardis
Evansville is now closer to knowing what kind of stadium it will build. The Roberts Stadium Advisory Board and consultant have already recommended building new.
Now Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel knows what kind of economic impact that will have on the community. Weinzapfel has moved onto the next step of hiring a consultant, architect and financial advisor.
After seeing the research, officials are certain they're headed in the right direction. The Roberts Stadium Advisory Board's job is essentially finished, but board members were called in one more time for a look at the economic impact analysis.
The consulting and planning firm, Conventions Sports and Leisure International put the report together.
Weston Johnson, Conventions Sports and Lesure International, said they tried to get a lot of inpur on the new stadium.
"We talked with a lot of concert promoters, family shows promoters and different sports organizations and sports leagues," Johnson said.
The estimated annual revenue from sources including tickets, food, beverage and hotels is $13.7 million. The study says the current Roberts Stadium will generate $8.1 million annually, but it goes beyond dollar amounts.
The report looks at the quality of life a new arena provides. The recently hired architectural consultants gave examples of other cities turned around because of a downtown stadium.
Wayne Henning, Advisory Board Chair, said it's amazing what a downtown stadium could do.
"To see what these stadiums have done, the before and after pictures, it was a very moving presentation," Henning said.
It's the trickle-down effect of a new stadium that has many, including Weinzapfel, excited about a downtown location.
"We're moving along in a process where we can build something new downtown without raising property taxes, but as a side benefit it looks like potentially we could create several hundred jobs," Weinzapfel said.
The new hires will conduct a feasibility study which should be done in three months. The mayor says at that time, there should be a final decision.
Source: http://www.wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=8868630
