HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The groundbreaking of the $29.5 million renovation of the Hutchinson Sports Arena is set for Monday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. on the south side of the Sports Arena and being put by the The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce and Greater Hutchinson Convention/Visitors Bureau.
On-hand to speak about the project will be the general contractor JE Dunn Construction, Schafer Johnson Cox Frey Architects, Mary Ellen Leicht from the National Junior College Athletic Association, Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho, representatives from Hutchinson Community College and a representative from the HutchWins campaign.
The Hutchinson Sports Arena will continue to be operational throughout the construction process, which is scheduled to be completed in April 2017. The planned improvements include replacing the plumbing, electrical and heating systems and adding air conditioning and new locker rooms. Additionally, plans include a new main entrance, lobby and ticketing area, multipurpose rooms, restrooms, three full-sized practice gyms, a Hall of Fame and a new weight room. More seating compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be also be created on the upper level of the arena.
Funding for the $29.5 million renovation project comes from a 0.35% sales tax increase that went into effect July 1st, and will last for a period of ten years or less. In addition to the sales tax increase, Hutchinson Community College will allocate $500,000 annually. In April 2015, the Hutchinson community overwhelmingly approved the sales tax increase to fund the project with 75% in support. Jason Ball, President of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, commented “Once completed, the renovated Sports Arena will provide the community with an asset that can be utilized all 12 months of the year. This gives Hutchinson an unprecedented opportunity to recruit new events and tournaments, which will bring with it new visitors and greater economic impact to the community”.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event.