HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The committee set up to look at possible improvements for the Hutchinson Sports Arena met Thursday afternoon for about an hour and a half, but no specifics came from the meeting at this point, according to City Manager John Deardoff.
The idea is to possibly make the arena more accommodating for the the National Junior College Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament, but also for more events throughout the year.
The meeting pretty much consisted of preliminary concepts presented by the architect at their last meeting. Possible improvements could be made in phases. The committee also discussed potential cost and financing. He says they are a ways away from any specifics and plan to meet with the architect at the end of September. The city had approved a contract with Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architects of Wichita to develop a master plan for possible improvements at a cost of just under $30,000.
The decision to look at improvements came after officials with the NJCAA indicated they wanted to see some improvements if they were to keep the national tourney in Hutchinson. They have a contract for keeping the tournament in Hutchinson through 2017, which includes an option for another 5 years after that.
Some of the improvements brought up in the past include upgrades to the bathrooms, the entrances to the building, additional space for hospitality, media rooms, graphic changes and painting, as well as air conditioning which officials say would help attract more events to the arena during the summer months as well.