Tarbert said coming to an agreement less than six months later and almost a year exactly to when the request for proposals went out demonstrates the private sector’s willingness to invest in Baltimore. Oak View Group is an experienced operator involved with arenas in Seattle Elmont, New York Palm Desert, California Manchester, United Kingdom and at the University of Texas at Austin. “A new state-of-the-art entertainment facility in Baltimore will improve our ability to attract top-tier events and boost downtown development,” he said. But Mayor Baltimore Brandon Scott, who sits on the five-member board, indicated his support Tuesday afternoon, citing the quick turnaround time for construction and commitment to minority- and women-owned business participation. Tarbert said he couldn’t predict how the spending panel would vote. Oak View Group’s “aggressive” construction timeline and ability to shoulder all of the risk in the investment also piqued BDC’s interest, according to Wednesday’s agenda. The BDC’s board chose Oak View Group in June, largely due to its commitment to solicit 45% minority and women-owned business participation and reserve at least 25% of the equity investment for minority investors, including Durant’s company. The BDC released a request for proposals last November and received three bids from what Tarbert described as the three top stadium management and development groups in the country: Oak View Group, Spectra, and Metropolitan Development and ASM, the present operator. Inside, the arena will be renovated with modern seating, new food and drink vendors, and amenities for patrons. The partnership of Oak View Group and Durant’s Thirty Five Ventures will expand the arena’s capacity by about 10% to 15% and add significant exterior upgrades to the facility including balconies, an outdoor plaza, lighting and sidewalk improvements, Tarbert said. “Coming out of COVID, but still in COVID, there’s a level of excitement to get the renovation done during this period, with the assumption that concerts and events will be back in full swing.”Ĭity officials and business leaders have been discussing how to replace the cramped arena, which dates to 1962, for at least 20 years with little progress. “The arena will be a game-changer for lifting up that side of town,” Tarbert said. To get the latest updates on the CIAA Tournament or to sign up for the CIAA Newsletter, visit Sun eNewspaper Home Page Close Menu You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and on Twitch. Media outlets looking to cover tournament games can request credentials HERE.įor more information about the CIAA, visit. Please check back periodically at the 2022 CIAA Basketball Tournament COVID 19 Guidelines and Protocols website for updates. *Guidelines and Protocols are subject to change at any given time due to recommendations provided by the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, Center for Disease Control (CDC), NCAA Sports Science Institute, and the CIAA Athletic Trainers Association.
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