To renovate or replace?

The Coliseum study group has narrowed the recommendations for a new/renovated sports, entertainment, and tourism facility from seven to four possible sites.

The Coliseum study group (composed of Barrett Sports Group, LLC, Populous Architects, P.C. and Weston Sports & Entertainment) has narrowed the recommendations for a new/renovated sports, entertainment, and tourism facility from seven to four possible sites:

  • The existing Coliseum
  • Public Safety Building
  • The Diamond
  • The ABC warehouse site

These recommendations come after Tuesday’s announcement that City of Richmond will extend its existing contract with the CAA tournament to 2014 with an option to renew for two more years provided the City meets “expectations”, referring specifically to providing a venue that adequately serves the needs of such a large sporting event.

In what we perceived as a reference to Charlottesville, Mayor Jones stated in a press release, “We want a facility that accommodates what this market can support and what this market deserves. Dollars are leaving this area and going to other places because of the limitations of the existing facility and we are going to turn that around.”

No conclusions have been drawn at this point and a final report is expected in mid-November. The next step will be to assess the economic and financial feasibility of each option. The City will be providing opportunities for the public to provide input and help evaluate these recommendations. We’ll keep you posted on those opportunities as they become available.

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