x
Breaking News
More () »

Norfolk mayor announces new arena plans in State of the City Address

Mayor Kenny Alexander said Norfolk plans to move forward with a new arena rather than expand the Scope.

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander announced the city's plan to build a new arena in his State of the City address on Friday. 

Alexander said the city plans to move forward with a new arena rather than expand the Scope. 

In his speech, the Mayor said: " To continue to diversify our economy and create a true year-round tourism industry for our region, I am committing to ensuring that a New Arena is constructed, and I am directing staff to bring forward a plan that will bring a Arena to Norfolk."

Alexander told a packed crowd that big events bypass our area and go from cities like Washington D.C. to Raleigh, North Carolina. 

"Our region is missing economic opportunities by not providing artists and events with a modern, high capacity venue," Alexander said. 

Two years ago, the Mayor said he instructed staff to look into expanding the Scope Arena by lowering the floor for more seats. He said after speaking with industry leaders, the idea was nixed. 

READ MORE: One arena supported by multiple cities? The idea is floating around

Mayor Alexander also talked about a new casino coming to Norfolk.

He also announced a new San Diego non-stop flight option coming to Norfolk International Airport in the summer.

Watch his full speech here:

Get News Now Weather, Breaking News Alerts, Notifications 

This is Mayor Kenneth Alexander's third State of the City address. Last year in 2018, his speech covered a range of 2017 events, from over 7,000 new jobs, five new schools, the Main Hotel, the NATO Resilience Conference, and the 100th anniversary of Naval Station Norfolk.

Popular on 13NewsNow.com

Before You Leave, Check This Out