Local leader urges the school board to reconsider its location for a new stadium
SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane voters made it clear during an advisory vote back in 2018 that they wanted the new sports stadium built in Northwest Spokane, not downtown.
Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner believes that would be a 30-year mistake.
Baumgartner says taxpayers could save at least $2million in construction costs if the new stadium is built near the Spokane Arena, instead of over the aging Joe Albi stadium.
It would also make room for new soccer fields at the Dwight Merkle Complex.
He says building downtown could also leverage more state funding.
“I’ve already been in discussion with bi-partisan members of the legislature and if the stadium were to move downtown, there very likely will be additional capital budget dollars coming from Olympia to make an even better stadium and to support those new soccer fields,” said Baumgartner.
Many opposed to a downtown stadium worry about parking and feel Northwest Spokane is still a better location.
The school board has yet to finalize a site. Members are expected to address Baumgartner’s letter during a meeting next week.
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