All Net Arena, the long-delayed project designed to deliver an NBA basketball franchise to Las Vegas, has been granted a final extension to complete multiple agreements.
With a planned location at the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard, the project led by former NBA and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) basketball player Jackie Robinson, was first announced in December 2013, with Clark County approving it in August 2014.
The arena was scheduled to open in early 2017, but little progress has been made, aside from the site having been made ready for construction. At a zoning meeting, Clark County commissioners granted a six-month extension, but stressed that if the March 6 date is not met, the land use agreement will expire. Commissioners also ruled that construction on the project must start within two years.
“It’s time to fish or cut bait here,” said Commissioner Tick Segerblom, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper. “The north end of the Strip is really a golden opportunity; it’s really going to be hot in the future. If you can’t do this, let’s open this up so someone else can come in and take advantage of that property. I will reiterate… this is the last six months.”
The $1.3bn (£993.1m/€1.1bn) project calls for the development of a 23,000-seat arena, along with non-gaming hotels, retail and conference space. In the time it has been on the table, T-Mobile Arena opened in April 2016, bringing NHL ice hockey to the city in the shape of the Vegas Golden Knights. Allegiant Stadium hosted its first NFL game for the Las Vegas Raiders last month.
“We understand that staff’s recommendation of approval is subject to the condition that the development agreement, the performance agreement and the bond for the performance agreement are all completely finalised within the next six months,” said Chris Kemper, who spoke on behalf of the project.
“We fully understand and appreciate the fact there have been delays on occasion in regards to this project. Some of those delays have been occasioned by circumstances and events outside of our control. There are others that are of our own doing.”
Images: Cuningham Group
