Virginia Beach
Arena Plan Hits Wall

Plans for a proposed arena for Virginia Beach, Va., are dead for now.

Mayor Will Sessoms told WVEC-TV that the project is something that the city would consider down the line, maybe even next year.

Virginia Beach hoped to build an arena near the oceanfront in an effort to persuade a pro sports team to relocate to the city. The NBA’s Sacramento Kings was said to be a likely target after failing to reach an agreement to build a new arena in California.

Under the proposal Sessoms supported, Comcast-Spectacor would operate the arena and be responsible for finding a team to serve as its primary tenant.  Without a pro team to call the arena home, it wouldn’t be built.

To make it happen, the city would have to have spent $241 million and it would need a state contribution of $150 million.  $35 million would have come from Comcast-Spectacor.

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said late last year that his budget wouldn’t include money for the arena.

Mayor Sessoms said the city will not pursue funds in the General Assembly this year.