Big Changes in Owensboro

Construction just began on the citys riverfront - but thats not the end. Owensboros riverfront is under a major renovation. But this is only one part of a new look for the entire city. The Chamber of Commerce is pushing to build a new 20 million dollar indoor arena with a new 20 million dollar hotel attached. "You could have concerts in this faciolity a range of sporting events and people want that so itd be huge," says Jody Wassmer with the Chamber The changes to downtown are part of a new Kentucky law that allows a city to build an entertainment type district with financial help from the state. The possible arena is something Owensboros biggest hotel and entertainment center - The Executive Inn Rivermont - is backing. "We dont see it as just a want we see it as a need for our tourism in Owensboro," says Heath Eric with The Executive Inn. The Executive Inn and The Sportscenter are the only places in the city that attract big indoor acts. The Chamber says the Sportscenter is getting up there in age while the hotel mainly attracts tourists during the summer - two reasons a new arena is needed. A third reason - the summer tourists should increase when they come to see the new look of the riverfront. The riverfront project including the construction at English Park with a new overlook and boat ramp is part of a 40 million dollar renovation paid for with federal money. The hope is to use the momentum from this project to get the arena built. Meaning visitors have places to go during the summer and winter in Owensboro. Hopefully filling up the executive inn all year long and changing the way tourists look at the city. The Chamber says they still need city and county government approval to get the arena plan rolling. Meanwhile today papers filed in court threaten foreclosure on The Executive Inn. When asked about the recent sales and bankruptcy history for the hotel officials say theyre not worried.