Outdoor baseball field or bigger indoor arena, what's right for Amarillo?
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- This past week, Downtown Amarillo Inc. made a presentation that centered around a new multi-purpose events center in downtown Amarillo. It's been brought up by some that what the city actually needs is a new, bigger indoor arena. So, Pronews 7 looked into the issue and found that both are currently being addressed. After researching both issues here is what we found.
The presentation for the multi-purpose events center was done by a company called Conventions Sports & Leisure (CSL), who recently did a feasibility study to see if Amarillo could support such a center. According to the company's website, they have 150 years of experience and have completed over 1,000 similar studies. They also state they provide independent, conservative, unbiased research, and analysis.
While the center is being called a multi-purpose events center, it was made clear in Monday's meeting that its primary function would be a baseball stadium. The presenters did show that some cities use their centers for other things, such as concerts, swap shows, and graduations.
The study revealed these key findings, all which appear to be positive.
Minor league baseball is feasible in Amarillo. The company identified three potential leagues. The cost to build the complex would range from $20-$30 million, there would be no need for the use of ongoing public funds to operate the center, it would finance itself. The complex could have upwards of a $197 million economic impact over the next 30 years. It was also said, that additional money would be generated from private sector development which would surround the area.
However some argue that this type of events center could only be used four months out of the year, much like the current ballpark is being used. The Dilla Villa is only used for one purpose, that is to provide a place for the baseball team to play. While there have been other groups to use the stadium, the events have been smaller and few and far between.
What about a bigger indoor arena?
It appears that the city is also looking into those needs. Another argument is that Amarillo needs a bigger indoor arena that could be used year round.
ProNews 7 has identified two events currently housed in the civic center that need more space, the Working Ranch Cowboys Association Rodeo and the AISD graduation ceremonies.
A source for ProNews 7 admitted that the civic center is a great arena. The city is able to present a wide variety of events but the city needs to look at building a larger facility that could connect to the civic center.
A spokesperson for the Amarillo schools told ProNews 7 attendance at graduation events has also reached capacity at the Civic Center's Coliseum. We also asked about moving those events outdoors which the district said has not been discussed. If the need arises for an outdoor venue the district does have the newly renovated Dick Bivins Stadium at their disposal.
It's also well known that Amarillo has lost larger concerts and shows to Lubbock because our current facility is just too small. In August, of this year we reported that documents released by Downtown Amarillo Inc. showed that two developers pulled out of any construction projects due to concerns over the current civic center.
So, what would it take to get those shows here?
Our source said that Amarillo would need to build an indoor arena that could sit 10,000 people including the floor while also having the ability to play half house for smaller shows.
We asked Melissa Dailey with Downtown Inc., if they have considered the idea of a larger indoor venue. And if it would bring those bigger concerts and shows to Amarillo?
Here is the statement Dailey sent to us:
"The city is going to be doing a study to look at the needs of the Civic Center which could include a new larger coliseum. It's important as we look at all of these potential projects together to get the most for the community and for both return to both the public and private investment. I think your comment is a good one. We've still got more due diligence to do to determine what makes the most sense to create the greatest impact as a whole."
We also checked with the city about the study mentioned by Dailey. According to Sherman Bass, a Civic Centers Needs Assessment study has been included in the budget, and work on a RFP (request for proposal) is underway. Bass hopes to have it out in early 2011.
Amarillo City Commissioner Jim Simms said the commissioners realize the center has served its purpose for along time and that the coliseum part needs to be bigger. Simms also echoed that a study on the civic center will be done in the near future.
What do you think? Could Amarillo get the best of both worlds, a new outdoor arena and a bigger indoor area? Is that what we need? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
