The proposed Colorado Springs downtown event center is being delayed due to funding problems.
The Colorado Springs downtown sports and event center was originally proposed as one of four projects funded in part by the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade “City for Champions” award. According to Mayor John Suthers, the project would need about $28 million in local public financing to complete it. Unfortunately, this makes it ineligible as a City for Champions project.
The fact of the matter is that most major arenas and sports stadiums rely on government funding. Studies show that municipal funding is almost always needed, and the citizens of Colorado Springs currently don’t support using public funds for the project. Mayor Suthers also said that given the infrastructure needs facing the city, he understands and agrees with the citizens. He does hope that in the future, a Colorado Springs downtown sports and event center will be approved, but for now it makes more sense to pursue a more viable option that may be able to use City for Champions funding.
Another proposal comes from the World War II Aviation Museum. The non-profit group is hoping that an existing facility at the Springs airport can be the fourth City for Champions project as a museum. For this to be allowed, the state would have to amend the Regional Tourism Act allowing municipalities to substitute projects. Then the replacement project would have to be approved by Suthers, reviewed by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and be approved for funding by the Colorado Economic Development Commission.
Mayor Suthers stated that he knows a lot has to happen for the funds to be reallocated, but the WWII Museum seems to be a viable project that is ready to go right now, may meet the requirements of the City for Champions award, complement the surrounding area and facilities, and bring visitors to the city. Overall, this project is a very promising substitution to the events and sports center!
