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.
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:
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
- Gov. Northam urges removal of Jefferson Davis arch at Fort Monroe
- NOAA post-storm analysis finds Hurricane Michael was Category 5 at Florida landfall
- ‘Peepza’ is the latest Easter fad that is tearing the Internet apart
- Joe Biden expected to announce presidential bid next week
- Girl finds ancient megalodon tooth on North Carolina beach
- Green Beret died during military parachute exercise in Suffolk