HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With a lower interest rate on the bonds than expected and strong interest from 
potential contractors, the city of Hutchinson is looking for more good news when the first bids for the Sports Arena project are opened Thursday.
This will be the first of two bid packages and will include all of the concrete, steel, and a majority of the exterior work. The bid will make up about 65 percent of the total project. The remaining 35 percent will be bid out in a second package later this month. The arena project has been met with good news as of late with a large number of contractors turning out for a pre-bid meeting last week, then the news Tuesday that the bond sale turned in a 1.52 percent interest rate, which is far lower than expected. The lower rate will save the city about $1.8 million over the life of the bonds.
If all goes as planned, the City Council will take action on the first bid package during its Feb. 16 meeting.