Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Commissioners wary of using public money for arena

Clark County commissioners today continued to express their reluctance to use public funds to support an arena near the Strip.

Commissioners spent nearly 20 minutes during their regular meeting today discussing arena proposals, but received no comments from proponents or opponents of the plan and took no action.

The three competing proposals for arenas near the Strip all require some level of support from the county, which commissioners are hesitant to give.

But today’s discussion focused on what the right course of action should be for the county rather than the specifics of any proposal.

Commissioner Tom Collins said the county should place an advisory question on the November ballot to see if residents want an arena. He said Las Vegas needs an arena to continue to grow and be a strong leader in tourism.

“Without the facilities we’re not going to grow in a lot of those areas where there’s opportunities to bring people here as tourists as well as enhance the opportunities for local residents,” he said.

Other commissioners said the issue doesn’t belong on the ballot.

“I don’t think we legislate or make decisions by ballot,” Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani said.

Some commissioners said they would like to see a new arena built, but using public money should be avoided.

“I don’t think it’s about (choosing) an arena or not an arena. I think it’s about how it’s funded,” said Commissioner Susan Brager.

“I think at some point we’re going to need an arena,” Commissioner Steve Sisolak said. “I just think that the timing could not be worse for something like this.”

Sisolak said he hoped a private developer would step forward.

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