Spokane Public Facilities District votes to enter downtown stadium agreement with SPS
SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Public Facilities District voted Friday to enter into an agreement with Spokane Public Schools to build a new downtown sports stadium.
The deal has not been finalized and now heads to the school board for consideration.
The proposal for the new downtown stadium was most recently brought forward by the Downtown Spokane Partnership in March. A few years ago, Spokane voters decided they wanted their money to be put toward a rebuild at the district’s current stadium, Joe Albi, instead of a new stadium. The DSP proposal suggests the school district use $31 million in pre-approved funds toward a new downtown location.
The district sought public input over the past few weeks and a recent survey showed overwhelming support for the downtown location. Those opposed to it said they thought the board was ignoring the previous advisory vote and expressed concern over other issues, like parking for the nearby Civic Theater.
On Friday, the SPFD agreed to enter the deal with several conditions brought forward by the school district.
The SPFD agreed to allow SPS to retain 100 percent ownership of the stadium. If the district agrees to the deal, SPS would make money off each ticket sold for non-school-related events. The DSP has made promises of bringing a United Soccer League team to the area to play at the stadium, and SPS would benefit from those ticket sales.
SPFD also agreed to address concerns about parking for the Civic Theater and promised that parking would be free for school events.
The school board is set to discuss the agreement at their meeting Wednesday.
RELATED: Spokane Schools survey showed overwhelming support for downtown stadium
PAST COVERAGE: A new stadium may be coming to downtown Spokane
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