The Henrico County Board of Supervisors last night unanimously endorsed a staff proposal to pursue negotiations to build a sports and convocation complex on 25 acres at Virginia Center Commons. Charles Fishburne reports it could help revitalize a failing mall, become a major tourist attraction and provide a new public arena at a choice location.
Transcript:
Charles Fishburne: The Board voted to enter negotiations to partner with the Rebkee Group to build an arena for at least 4500 seats and 12 basketball courts.
Neil Luther: Their proposal is built around redeveloping the mall.
Fishburne: Neil Luther, Director of Recreation and Parks, says the Sportsplex could bring in about 33 million a year in tourist dollars.
Luther: But perhaps most importantly is that we are suffering from a lack of access for the same facilities for our own residents. So finding gym space this time a year for youth basketball or volleyball is extremely difficult, not to mention that this would become the home for the high school graduation.
Fishburne: And though this is only the first of many steps, Luther says:
Luther: This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Charles Fishburne, VPM News.
If finally approved the 20 thousand square foot arena would occupy the former Sears building space and rival the Siegel Center for size and accommodations. Luther says groundbreaking could begin early next year.