URBAN REDEVELOPMENT VIA SPORTS ARENA -- CASE STUDY -- PART 4

THE ARENA DISTRICT: CONNECTIVITY IS KEY TO 

COLUMBUS’ DOWNTOWN URBAN DEVELOPMENT

In 1997, Columbus was trying for the fifth time since 1978 to get voters to pass a ballot initiative that would fund a civic arena for family shows, concerts and possibly a professional sports franchise.

Nationwide backed the plan by offering private dollars to aid the arena project. 

But the 1997 ballot measure, like those that came before it, was defeated.

This loss hurt more than the others because the National Hockey League was looking to expand and Columbus was on its short list.

Columbus business, civic and political leaders went to work right after the arena issue defeat to see if there was a way to salvage the city’s shot at an NHL team.

Columbus had never had one of the major four pro sports franchises.

The highest level of baseball, football, basketball and hockey were always the domain of neighboring Cleveland to the north, or Cincinnati to the south.

 Case Study continues tomorrow -- June 15