Funding For Quicken Loans Arena Renovation Requested

The county leader in Cleveland is asking a private, nonprofit marketing agency to redirect some of the public funding it receives to help renovate the outside of the arena where the Cavaliers play.

Photo: Erik Drost

Cleveland.com reports Dan Walsh, chairman of Destination Cleveland’s board of trustees, confirmed they’re discussing the request from Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH’-guh) County Executive Armond Budish.

Walsh didn’t disclose how much they’ve been asked to redirect or how much they would be willing to contribute.

Destination Cleveland received about $15 million this year from Cuyahoga County’s bed tax on hotel stays.

Cavaliers CEO Len Komoroski has suggested the county pay half of the renovation costs. A 2015 estimate puts the total renovation cost at about $140 million.

A county spokeswoman says they’re primarily concerned with protecting taxpayers’ interests.