Even we're not immune to exciting things.
And, controversial as it is, we can't help but think that the special events center — assuming it happens, as we've been promised for so long — has the potential to be a very good thing for Dodge City.
True to their word, the Ford County and Dodge City commissions have put development and construction of the long-delayed events center on the fast track. Now that work has begun on the state-owned casino, city and county leaders have already approved preliminary drafts for the events center.
And it's exciting.
According to the conceptual design narrative submitted by Global Entertainment Corp. and the architectural firm Sink Combs Dethlefs, there is plenty of potential to turn Dodge City into an oasis of culture on the High Plains.
Critics of the events center have often wondered what exactly the facility would be used for —especially as the city seems to have trouble filling the Civic Center.
And that's a fair question, which the designers of the events center are looking to answer.
Here are some of the potential events which they say a state-of-the-art events center could bring to the area:
• Rodeo and agricultural events
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Ice hockey
• Tennis
• Weightlifting tournaments
• Volleyball
• Ice shows
• Motocross
• Indoor racing
• WWE
• Traveling theater productions
Think about it. The closest ice rink to Dodge City is in Wichita. And while ice hockey and figure skating aren't traditional Kansas pastimes, such activities have recently become popular in Texas — the heart of football country.
It goes without saying that professional wrestling has an audience in our area, and if such events were attracted to Dodge City, the financial boost to our city would be great.
The World of Outlaws stands as proof that if Dodge City is willing to attract professional entertainment and we're the only ones in the area, people will come and spend their money here.
And then, the whole town benefits.
Call it a quality-of-life issue. We already have a state-of-the-art professional-quality theater in the Depot Theater Company. The Carnegie Center for the Arts offers a venue for some of the area's best and brightest artists. Dodge City Raceway Park takes care of your itch for professional and amateur racing. Why not a place for local bands to open for the likes of Willie Nelson? Why not a place to take your daughter ice skating and your son to pee-wee hockey? Or vice versa?
The critics have a point. The chance for pitfalls are many and great. But if the events center is run responsibly, the chance for success is even greater.
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Even we're not immune to exciting things.
And, controversial as it is, we can't help but think that the special events center — assuming it happens, as we've been promised for so long — has the potential to be a very good thing for Dodge City.
True to their word, the Ford County and Dodge City commissions have put development and construction of the long-delayed events center on the fast track. Now that work has begun on the state-owned casino, city and county leaders have already approved preliminary drafts for the events center.
And it's exciting.
According to the conceptual design narrative submitted by Global Entertainment Corp. and the architectural firm Sink Combs Dethlefs, there is plenty of potential to turn Dodge City into an oasis of culture on the High Plains.
Critics of the events center have often wondered what exactly the facility would be used for —especially as the city seems to have trouble filling the Civic Center.
And that's a fair question, which the designers of the events center are looking to answer.
Here are some of the potential events which they say a state-of-the-art events center could bring to the area:
• Rodeo and agricultural events
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Ice hockey
• Tennis
• Weightlifting tournaments
• Volleyball
• Ice shows
• Motocross
• Indoor racing
• WWE
• Traveling theater productions
Think about it. The closest ice rink to Dodge City is in Wichita. And while ice hockey and figure skating aren't traditional Kansas pastimes, such activities have recently become popular in Texas — the heart of football country.
It goes without saying that professional wrestling has an audience in our area, and if such events were attracted to Dodge City, the financial boost to our city would be great.
The World of Outlaws stands as proof that if Dodge City is willing to attract professional entertainment and we're the only ones in the area, people will come and spend their money here.
And then, the whole town benefits.
Call it a quality-of-life issue. We already have a state-of-the-art professional-quality theater in the Depot Theater Company. The Carnegie Center for the Arts offers a venue for some of the area's best and brightest artists. Dodge City Raceway Park takes care of your itch for professional and amateur racing. Why not a place for local bands to open for the likes of Willie Nelson? Why not a place to take your daughter ice skating and your son to pee-wee hockey? Or vice versa?
The critics have a point. The chance for pitfalls are many and great. But if the events center is run responsibly, the chance for success is even greater.
