Editorial: Area needs a center for performing arts

Monday, Sept. 22, 2003 | 8:56 a.m.

It's ironic that Las Vegas, known worldwide for its shows that entertain tourists, does not have a proper venue for bringing shows to its own citizens. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has long done a yeoman's job in opening its facilities for public performances, but they are facilities that were primarily designed for teaching drama students or for staging athletic events. Quality of life in Las Vegas would improve dramatically, no pun intended, if a dedicated performing arts center could be built.

The Las Vegas Performing Arts Center Foundation is working hard to make that happen. Its chairman, Donald Snyder, is a former banking executive and is now president of Boyd Gaming. He leads a group of business and community leaders who are committed to the concept of building a center in downtown Las Vegas using a mix of private and public funds.

For years there has been serious talk of building a performing arts center but nothing has ever come of it. This latest effort, however, has cleared hurdles that have stopped other efforts. The city of Las Vegas, for example, has offered nearly 5 acres for a nominal price within the 61 acres of former railroad property that it is planning to develop. The foundation's members are optimistic they can raise $60 million through corporate and individual donations for an operating endowment. And the Legislature has authorized the Clark County Commission to add a 20-year, 2 percent tax to the price tourists pay for renting automobiles here. Most of the tax would be dedicated to the $125 million cost of building the center.

The next obstacle is the County Commission's decision. We hope the tax, following public debate, is found to be worthy.