A potential Colorado Eagles arena could factor into future plans for Larimer County, as the facility is one of several being considered for an updated master plan.
Larimer County officials have been weighing proposed updates to the master plan for The Ranch, a complex located in Loveland. Several potential facilities are being considered as part of that proposed plan, including a new arena that could host the AHL’s Eagles and other events. Under the current proposal, the venue would have a capacity of 8,500 for hockey and 10,000 for larger events, with concerts among the other entertainment options that the arena could host.
At that size, the venue would be larger than the Eagles’ current home, the Budweiser Events Center. The master plan, however, has not been finalized, as it was recommended for approval Monday by Larimer County commissioners, with the county’s planning commission having the final say. The county would seek to fund some of the facilities within the master plan, including the arena, through public-private partnerships. Notably, developer and Eagles CEO Martin Lind spoke in favor of the concept at Monday’s meeting. More from the Loveland Reporter Herald:
“It leaves a template for you to have opportunity, and that’s all we’re looking for,” Lind said at the hearing. “The private side will tell you where the appetite is.”
He said the millions of dollars invested in the project would affect the community in added tax dollars and that community youths would benefit from the projects when they come to fruition.
“You have something really magnificent before you today,” Lind said Monday.
Larimer County would pay for its portion of the potential projects with revenue from a sales tax approved by voters in 2017, which is expected to generate $260 million over 20 years. Construction work on infrastructure and new roads is slated to begin next year, with private partners needed to complete some of the potential facilities outlined in the master plan, including the arena.
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