Deal nears on downtown arena

Diana Sahagun

Friday, Jan. 11, 2002 | 9:16 a.m.

An agreement between Las Vegas and Idaho developer Larry Leasure to build a downtown arena could be finalized within 30 days, Mayor Oscar Goodman said.

In between questions concerning Yucca Mountain, Goodman during his weekly press conference Thursday said the arena is on the "fast-track."

Goodman said workers will likely break ground on the 7,000 to 10,000-seat arena this year, and the project at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Main Street could be ready by 2004.

The City Council is scheduled to get an update on the project Wednesday. Leasure and representatives of the Western Hockey League will attend the meeting, Goodman said.

Leasure helped build a similar arena in downtown Boise, Idaho, that would serve as the model for the Las Vegas facility.

Leasure is negotiating with Boyd Gaming Corp., which owns 2.5 acres at the corner of Main and Stewart, for the proposed arena site. The City Council must agree to forgive Boyd Gaming from a requirement to build a parking garage on the property in exchange for the parcel.

The City Council must approve the agreement.