Crowds flock to get first look at The Arena

Two days before the scheduled grand opening event, thousands, including several local and state dignitaries gathered at the David L. Williams Agriculture and Expo Center to get a sneak peek at what all the buzz is about. The building, which is a $25 million, 7,000 seat facility, was officially deemed ready to occupy on Friday by state inspectors. It is a long-awaited project, 10 years in the making, that many believe will help spur the local economy in the future. “When I walked in here tonight, one word came to my mouth, ‘Wow!'” noted Gov. Steve Beshear. “You all have a gold mine here. Treat it like that.” Williams, who the complex is named after, said the facility wouldn’t have been possible without teamwork involving several different individuals. Williams said The Arena will benefit not only Corbin, but the surrounding counties and provide entertainment for people as far as 100 miles away. Beshear noted that he and Williams recently met, and agreed to secure another $125,000 to purchase drop curtains for the facility. “Those drop curtains will make it the largest facility from Cincinnati to Knoxville that can have broadway shows,” Williams noted. He added that the legislature has secured an additional $300,000 to finish construction of the road leading to the center. According to the contract between SMG and the city of Corbin, the management firm must provide at least four “major” events during the first year of operation. Mayor Willard McBurney said the group would also schedule numerous large and local events throughout the year. Already, negotiations are underway to play an NAIA basketball tournament at the venue. A feasibility study regarding the center estimates that it would attract about 149 days worth of events annually and would have operational costs of about $900,000 to $1 million. Revenue projections show about $560,000 to $800,000 being generated every year. The Kentucky General Assembly approved the first $12 million for the project in 2005. The facility is located above the Corbin Technology Center off Cumberland Falls Hwy. City leaders say the site is attractive because it is visible from I-75. Earlier this year, city leaders voted to open a $5 million line of credit with the Kentucky League of Cities to pay for completion of the expo center. Due to cost overruns, and construction changes, the center will likely have an $25 million price tag when finished.