Looks like Cal Expo is a go!!

[VF21]

A new blog entry has been added:

[drupal=103]Looks like Cal Expo is a go!![/drupal]

When the NBA stepped in to try and resolve the whole arena issue, Kings fans held their breath...until today, when the Cal Expo Board of Directors voted to accept the NBA proposal that includes a new arena and a mixed-use neighborhood that could easily be a showcase for not only Sacramento but all of the Golden State.

Kings fans waited with baited breath - and some with more than a little skepticism - for word on today's presentation. After all, there have been so many times before when hopes soared only to be shot down and dashed upon the rocks.

This time, though, things look good for the future of the Kings in Sacramento. In a larger sense, things look good for Sacramento itself as this project will result in a state-of-the-art venue for entertainment and sporting events and a revitalized fairgrounds for the State Fair.

The entire project will not be completed until 2036, but target date for completion of the first phase is 2013. The first phase will include the arena. Other features will include hotel, retail and office space, residential rentals and for-sale condos. All in all, an exciting proposal for the Arden Fair area.

Because the project will be done in stages, it won't be necessary to obtain all the financing at once.

The next step was supposed to be a study by the Cal Expo Board of Directors with a vote scheduled sometime within the next few weeks. According to a report on KHTK, however, the Board entertained a motion to take their vote tonight and the result was approval for the project to proceed.

It's a good day to be a Kings fan!

 

[SkinnerBox]

Yeah, this was on Twitter, like, HOURS ago. Where have you been?

 

[VF21]

???

I write the blog entries for the front page of the board. www.kingsfans.com Sometimes it takes a while for it to update.

 

[vikinginferno]

2036?! So if the arena is supposed to be finished in 2013 the can the Kings move there at that time?

 

[chasen4r1]

Yes, the arena is part of phase 1

 

[Warhawk]

2036?! So if the arena is supposed to be finished in 2013 the can the Kings move there at that time?

It would be nice if you guys/gals actually read the linked articles instead of asking questions that are already answered.

 

[est.1999]

so were stuck with arco for 4 more years? That's not bad

 

[Vlade4GM]

Yes, the arena is part of phase 1

Phase 1: Build arena
Phase 2: ...
Phase 3: Profit

 

[chanel]

I couldn't be happier.... This is so awesome.... I am one VERY ECSTATIC Kings fan.....WOOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Great news. Congrats to all area fans, as well as former residents who take pride in their hometown team.

I really do look forward to visiting when this is complete.

 

[vikinginferno]

It would be nice if you guys/gals actually read the linked articles instead of asking questions that are already answered.

There isn't any linked articles. There is only his blog...

 

[VF21]

Just to clarify, I said:

The entire project will not be completed until 2036, but target date for completion of the first phase is 2013. The first phase will include the arena.

 

[Kings Faithful]

I'm starting to get worried this is going to fall through...i just saw a poll on news 10 that said 55% of viewers say the plan is a bad idea, while 16% dont care and 29% think its a good idea...

 

[VF21]

The poll means very little at this point. And it was a loaded question poll anyway, because it stressed concerns about traffic for the "bad idea" option.

Since this proposal doesn't require public funding or a vote, the only REAL hurdle to worry about right now is for them to find a developer to invest in the project.

 

[Kings Faithful]

The poll means very little at this point. And it was a loaded question poll anyway, because it stressed concerns about traffic for the "bad idea" option.

Since this proposal doesn't require public funding or a vote, the only REAL hurdle to worry about right now is for them to find a developer to invest in the project.

Yeah...do you think they are gonna do it? Find a developer i mean.

 

[VF21]

Yeah...do you think they are gonna do it? Find a developer i mean.

I'd feel more confident if the economy was stronger, but I'm an optimist. I think it's a fantastic proposal, not only for the Kings but for all of Sacramento. It is a project that will be a step into the future as far as planned venues with hotels, retail shops, restaurants, affordable housing, high-end condos, etc. And I firmly believe it will also facilitate the expansion of public transit in that area.

I pray they will find a developer with the vision and finances necessary to get the deal going.

 

[6th]

Yeah...do you think they are gonna do it? Find a developer i mean.

Hope springs eternal. I want them to stay, so until I know otherwise (for a fact...not conjecture), yes, I'm gotta keep right on thinking they will do it.

 

[D-Rock]

I Hope they run light rail to Cal Expo as part of the project. Then again, if I still live in the same spot, it doesn't matter because I live in East Sac and it's either a short drive or even a bike ride to avoid parking.

 

[Amory]

Thanks for the post. This is awesome!

 

[deki]

It looks great, for now...but...may i ask a question...have been pictures of new arena revealed yet, or they haven't made any scheme yet...

 

[Bricklayer]

Update on the Bee's Kings blog:

February 27, 2009


UPDATE: The board has approved the plan to move forward with a 7-2 vote and the search for a developer is on.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/020186.html


Apparently they did not want to drag their feet and wait for the March 30 deadline.

 

[=LarryLegend=]

I just read that, I hope they find a developer!

 

[Warhawk]

There isn't any linked articles. There is only his blog...

Not in this thread, but in the NEW ARENA forum and threads there are a lot of them.

 

[DocHolliday]

This was very good news yesterday. I just hope they ca find a developer. All of this was a few giant steps in the process, the majority of those involved are in agreemnt. That's definitely better than it has been in the past. Now the REAL hard work starts. Find a developer with A LOT of money or the ability to get the financing.

 

[Merdiesel]

sorry VF but....

**** YEAH!

I've been waiting for some news like this for years!

I will be going to as many games as I can from now on, thanks to everyone who helped put this plan together!!!

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

Iv really clueless about these topics.

So my question is, is this set in stone or will voters have to approve this first ?

 

[VF21]

It's not set in stone; it's a commitment by the Board of Directors of Cal Expo and the NBA (as represented by John Moag) to go forward with the proposal as approved last night. Nothing is concrete as far as actual ground-breaking until/unless a developer - who will finance the project - is found. There is no vote required to proceed.

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

It's not set in stone; it's a commitment by the Board of Directors of Cal Expo and the NBA (as represented by John Moag) to go forward with the proposal as approved last night. Nothing is concrete as far as actual ground-breaking until/unless a developer - who will finance the project - is found. There is no vote required to proceed.

Ok thanks. My biggest concern where the local voters but It feels good to see things are in motion, lets hope everything stays on track and we can see a All Star game in Sactown in the near future

 

[Trueblood]

What's the deadline for finding a developer? Will this be similar to Bennett in Seattle, where he gave them a year to come up with a funding plan only now we are looking for a lone developer or group to come up with the funding?

 

[VF21]

I don't think a deadline has been set. The economy might be a consideration or it might not... We have the NBA on our side, though, and I think that alone is worth something.

There are still a lot of questions that will need to be answered. This is just a first step, but it's such a departure from what's gone on in the past that I'm going to enjoy it and savor the moment and wait for what comes next. There are too many branches in the road at this point to determine which path will ultimately be the one taken...if that makes any sense.