Industry Noize: Ft. Worth OKs Arena Plan

It’s the first step in a larger plan for Fort Worth’s cultural district that includes demolition of the 44-year-old domed arena of the Fort Worth Convention Center, according to the city’s Star-Telegram.

The council voted unanimously after hearing of “sweeping changes” consultants recommend for the area, including underground parking, another ballroom and a restaurant, according to the paper.

The arena would be funded equally by private and public monies, including taxes levied on each ticket sold, on parking, stalls or pens used by livestock, and a hotel tax within a three-mile radius.

Cost estimates weren’t immediately available, but the project is expected to be completed by 2020.

Once the landmark “flying saucer” arena is torn down, developers would build a multistory building to include a 50,000-square-foot ballroom with retractable seating capable of creating an arena-like setting; 97,387 square feet of exhibit space, 46,480 square feet for 25 meeting rooms and two board rooms, among other amenities.

Those upgrades were left out of a $75 million expansion completed in 2004 and consultants reportedly told the city council that the omission has resulted in the loss of convention, meeting and hotel business to Dallas.