Study projects economic boost from coliseum renovations | News

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA)- A study found by the Troy University Center for International Business found proposed renovations to Garrett Coliseum and the construction of a new multi-use show facility would pay for itself by attracting new expos, concerts and shows to Montgomery.  The construction could also add hundreds of jobs, although some of those would be temporary.

The study was released to the Garrett Coliseum Redevelopment Corporation Board Monday afternoon. 

It found that even if no additional shows come to Montgomery, the new facilities would attract more people to the existing shows, boosting revenue.  But if the renovations are not completed, shows could leave Montgomery because the facilities are inadequate. 

"It's nice to know that we've got that kind of potential out there," said John McMillan, Commissioner of Agriculture for the state of Alabama.  "We just going to have to get to work and make some important decisions and get the legislature and the governor and get everybody on board and see what we can do with it, those numbers."

"We've already seen revenue growth, but we're going to lose some of that if we don't make those renovations," said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, who sits on the Garrett Coliseum Redevelopment Corporation Board.  "And there's no reason for us to have this opportunity and not take advantage of it."

Board members also traveled to Mississippi to study similar facilities in Jackson and Tunica.  They said Garrett Coliseum does have a more central location that would be attractive to those who organize shows.

The Board took no action Monday because of a lack of a quorum, but the Board plans to appoint a committee in the coming weeks to examine the numbers and present a final plan to state and local officials.

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