A New Option for a New Stadium

There may be a new spot for a New Roberts Stadium in Evansville. Right now the most viable options for the stadium advisory board are keeping Roberts in its current location or moving it downtown. But a possible east side location could be added to the mix. The Roberts Stadium Advisory Board says they plan to decide by may what to do with the half century old building. As of now a new stadium downtown was looking like the leading choice, but developers for a new east side shopping mecca want their site to be considered too. Now that the lunch crowd is gone, theres not much business left for the LICs downtown. "We have all the lunch people on foot," says Director of Advertising Kara Combs At 4:00 on a Monday afternoon its hard to find anyone in downtown Evansville. Thats why all the business there are pushing hard for a new stadium. "We would love anything downtown," says Combs. And downtown was looking like the best option until these plans came forward. "Were going to dig lakes on both sides and were going to put an entertainment zone and some high end restaurants," says Developer Steve Martin. The Promenade is going up in the open farm land near Cross Point and I-164. Martin says it could be a good spot for a new stadium. "If theres going to be one we think the conversation ought to include should it be on the east side along 164 with a lifestyle center all the things that are going to happen here. Of course no decision has been made on where the stadium should go, but as of the last advisory board meeting when the numbers were laid out when it comes to money having the stadium downtown is the best option. Thats because possible tax credits and money from a new downtown stadium make it one of the cheapest options. Martin says that same money may be available at The Promenade. For example, the stadium would be right next to a major Interstate. "It would give a lot of exposure to whomever bought those naming rights." While the specific perks of filling the field with a stadium are still unknown. Its an interesting option that may not help fill the empty seats at LICs downtown. Martin says he hopes to discuss the option of putting the stadium at The Promenade with consultant Tom Chema soon. Hopefully before the next advisory board meeting in March.