trailerkid wrote:
Although most of us on the board would agree with a new arena before a new Royals stadium, many Kansas Citians would see a new Royals stadium as a more attractive project
I'm in the baseball first, arena second camp for some of the reasons that trailer mentioned.
Does anyone know how often an event occurs at an arena? How often does Kemper have something going on? Aside from being a pretty decoration, a new sports structure doesn't do a lot of good when nothing is happening in it. I think that baseball has a more active schedule that would bring more people downtown more often and could better support the area. Combine that with the fact that more development would spring up around our hometown baseball team's facility rather than an arena for "whatever".
One drawback might be that an arena could augment our sell to convention organizers by providing a good venue for larger events. Placing it downtown within closer reach of Bartle would be a huge help. How often does Kemper come into play for these events?
Personally, I think the K needs to move before Kemper does. The West Bottoms COULD become something. Everyone cites the construction of Kemper down there as a major mistake, but perhaps it was an effort to revitalize the area. If arenas do such a good job of revitalization, why isn't it happening down there?
The West Bottoms has serious charm and potential. The sports complex does not. I'd like to see the areas unified a bit more. I think it is only a matter of time until the bottoms are discovered as the trend turns to urban neighborhoods.
