THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 15, 1995 TAG: 9511150013
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
The idea of building a 20,000-seat arena in Hampton Roads deserves thoughtful consideration. Such a facility would help attract businesses and economic development to the area and would help Hampton Roads capture NBA and NHL franchises. An arena would provide a venue for concerts, exhibitions and sporting events that now bypass Hampton Roads in favor of larger and more state-of-the-art facilities in other cities.
The Hampton Roads Sports Authority, under the directorship of Art Collins, has completed an assessment to determine if our community could afford to build an arena and compete for an existing or expanding sports franchise. While the report is generally in favor of building an arena, it offers caution and potential drawbacks.
Mr. Collins has made several comments, however, that lead one to believe little, if any, action will result from the study. Collins said, ``I don't see the new arena going anywhere soon, though,'' and he ``. . . will probably keep the study on file in case a pro-franchise owner looking for a new home comes calling.''
Complacency will not land a franchise in our community, nor can we assume that team owners are even necessarily looking to move to Hampton Roads. We must build an arena and pursue a professional sports franchise in a passionate, proactive and aggressive manner with unified commitment and dedication from the businesses, governments and residents of Hampton Roads.
Apathy has kept Hampton Roads out of the ``major leagues'' until now. Let's not let it continue into the 21st century.
CHARLES M. RAGLAND
Hampton, Oct. 30, 1995 by CNB