By Vice-President/General Manager Debbie Bush
During the past year and half that I've lived in Evansville I've listened closely to the debate about the stadium.
I had some of the same concerns that you have.
Is this the right time with the soft economy? What is wrong with Roberts? Why downtown? What about parking?
I've had conversations with city and county leaders, including the mayor. I've read the studies from the consultants.
SMG, the group that runs Roberts, arranged for an engineer to take me on a tour of the facility.
And I've listened and read the feedback from the citizens of the area who oppose the change.
During the next two weeks, I'm going to tell you why I think we should build the new arena downtown.
The bottom line, I think it will benefit Evansville and the Tri-State region.
I think it will help the economy by bringing in new jobs.
The mayor estimates that the arena, the EVSC renovations and the new Berry Plastics headquarters will bring in an estimated $300 million to the local economy.
Not to mention the buying of products, such as lumber and the jobs it will create.
Later this week, we'll look at what's wrong with Roberts Stadium.
Next week, we'll look at why the consultants feel the stadium should be built downtown.
We'll end next week with your feedback.
To respond to this editorial, send an e-mail or call 812-253-0107. You can send a letter to me at: Debbie Bush, WFIE-TV, and P.O. Box 1414, Evansville, IN 47701.
