Vegas Bets On Arena

Las Vegas city officials say a Baltimore-based developer wants to build a sports arena on several blocks of city-owned land downtown along U.S. 95.

The Cordish Companies is due to ask the City Council next week for time to work on plans for a 20,000-seat arena for a professional basketball or hockey team, along with a mixed-use entertainment district and a hotel-casino.

City spokesman Jace Radke says the developer wants an exclusive negotiating agreement to give it time to study the project’s feasibility.

The project would include property at Las Vegas Boulevard and Stewart Avenue now occupied by Las Vegas City Hall.

A previous developer recently bowed out of a similar plan for an arena at another downtown site.