Vision 2025 plans for Tulsa's Convention Center

A part of the Vision 2025 proposal we'll vote on in September includes a new downtown arena. <br><br>Design plans for the arena and renovation of the Convention Center were unveiled during a meeting

Wednesday, July 30th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A part of the Vision 2025 proposal we'll vote on in September includes a new downtown arena.

Design plans for the arena and renovation of the Convention Center were unveiled during a meeting of vision supporters Wednesday afternoon. The events center has a $125-million price tag. The Convention Center renovations would cost $58-million.

Supporters say a new arena would cause a ripple effect downtown, while opponents believe an arena should be built with private funds. Larry Payton with Celebrity Attractions, "this will help revitalize downtown. Not only revitalize, but also help with our businesses. It will bring hotels and restaurant businesses down here and will enhance the quality of life as well.â€

Michael Bates, arena opponent, â€œI don't think it is right to raise sales taxes on groceries and food and over the counter medicines to raise money for an entertainment facility, which is what this is going to be."

If voters approve the arena portion of the tax increase, the new facilities could be open in 2007.