City to review arena financing options at worksession

The results of a study on how a proposed 6,000-seat multi-purpose arena could be financed will be presented to the Yuma City Council at a worksession Tuesday.

The study, which was performed by the outside firm Economic Research Associates, will discuss the feasibility and economic impact of the arena on Yuma.

The city has been exploring construction of an arena north of Yuma Palms Regional Center through a public-private partnership with Global Entertainment Corp.

The proposed arena would be anchored by a Central Hockey League team and provide a venue for sporting events, trade shows, concerts, family shows, festivals and other events, such as Disney on Ice.

City staff reviewed the first portion of the ERA study, which dealt with arena design issues, earlier this month. This half will focus on how the project, which would cost more than $50 million to build, according to city and Global Entertainment projections, would be paid for.

Global Entertainment has completed six arenas in small to midsize communities across the country, is developing two more and is in the planning stages for an additional four, including the Yuma project.

Other arenas have been paid for through a variety of public and private partnerships, including sponsorship deals, special sales tax districts and bond initiatives.

This item will be discussed during the City Council's regular worksession at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6 in the Yuma City Hall Council Chambers at One City Plaza.

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Sarah Reynolds can be reached at

sreynolds@yumasun.com or 539-6847.