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New Evansville arena would be economic stimulus: mayor

A new downtown arena would be an economic shot in the arm for downtown Evansville, according to Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.A new downtown arena would be an economic shot in the arm for downtown Evansville, according to Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.

"There really couldn’t be a better time to build a new arena," Weinzapfel told members of the Rotary Club of Evansville. "It will create community pride, improve our quality of life and attract more prestigious and visible events to Evansville. An arena will be our own stimulus package.

"It will put hundreds of people to work and support more economic development Downtown. And we will not raise property taxes to build it."

Evansville officials are debating whether to renovate Roberts Stadium at a cost of $90 million or build a new downtown arena, which could cost as much as $127 million. Roberts Stadium is currently too small to accommodate the bigger musical acts a city the size of Evansville could attract; it is also incapable of supporting pro or USHL hockey. The current plan, though not finalized, is for a new arena.

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