After Yuma (Az.) voters overwhelmingly defeated a referendum authorizing city staff to negotiate a $53-million arena, some locals wonder how the city’s identity will be affected.
After Yuma (Az.) voters overwhelmingly defeated a referendum authorizing city staff to negotiate a $53-million arena, some locals wonder how the city’s identity will be affected.
Global Entertainment had proposed city funding of a new arena; Global would manage the arena and potentially provide a Central Hockey League team as well as recruit other minor-league teams. Voters rejected the proposal.
For citizens pushing for a new arena, the rejection makes them wonder about the future of Yuma: whether it will retain its small-town feel or embrace growth. Generally speaking, when cities have this debate it’s too late: the growth is inevitable and already occuring. But whether this will lead someday to a new arena remains to be seen.
