Commissioners cast their votes to approve a $132 million, 21,000 seatstructure that could house an National Hockey League franchise nearCarter-Finley Stadium.That vote came despite a proposal put on the table by Raleigh cityleaders, calling for a smaller arena with 18,000 seats and a price tag of$120 million.
County commissioners bristled at the suggestion of a smaller arena,saying the initial expenditure of more money would, by far, bring in more.Commissioner Vernon Malone commented on the different opinions.
A representative from the Centennial Authority, which is in charge offunding for the proposed arena, said it had been asked to draw up plansfor a smaller arena by other groups with interests in the proposed structure.
By the end of the meeting, it was clear there would be at least onemore round before the issue is resolved.
Meanwhile, no decision has been reached yet as to whether Raleigh willbe one of the four U.S. cities to obtain an NHL expansion team.
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
