For the next step in planning a proposed Palm Springs arena, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.
Oak View Group (OVG) and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have announced plans for a new privately financed arena on tribal land in downtown Palm Springs. The venue would potentially house an AHL expansion team, and be used for events such as concerts. Live Nation Entertainment is also serving as a partner in the proposal, and would supply the venue with live events.
A key part of the planning process for the venue will get underway with the launch of the environmental study, which will be prepared by the Tribe. Per a press release issued by the Tribe on Wednesday, the Tribal EIS–in compliance with the Agua Caliente Tribal Environmental Policy Act–will consider how the project could affect a variety of issues, including air quality, transportation/traffic and utilities, energy, water, and more. Since the proposed arena site falls within the boundaries of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, the Tribe will serve as the lead agency on the report.
Current plans call for the arena to seat as many as 10,000, with the project to include an adjoining facility that will double as a year-round community gathering space and the training center for an AHL team. OVG and NHL Seattle have jointly submitted an application for the AHL expansion team which, if approved, would lead to the club beginning play when the arena opens in 2021.
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