A group studying whether to renovate the Richmond Coliseum or build a new arena is focusing on four potential sites in and near downtown.
The sites are the current coliseum property on East Leigh Street, the city’s Public Safety Building and an adjoining parking lot near Eighth and 10th streets, The Diamond property along North Boulevard and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board warehouse on Hermitage Road.
The sites were outlined today in a press briefing by city officials and the study’s lead consultant, Barrett Sports Group LLC of California.
Daniel S. Barrett, a principal with the firm, stressed that the study is incomplete but said preliminary surveys of coliseum users and others suggest there’s public support for a new or renovated coliseum. However, he acknowledged that the surveys weren’t scientific and did not ask respondents about their willingness to pay for a new or improved facility.
The $150,000 study started in June and is expected to produce a report in mid-November. The Coliseum Study Group consists of private corporations, as well as the city and surrounding counties.
"The market research thus far supports what we know about Richmond being an optimal location," Mayor Dwight C. Jones said in a statement. "Richmond is a sizable market with limited entertainment options. What we have to do now is get the right facility in the city to put us in a position to capture the events that will expand our tourism footprint where sports and entertainment are concerned."

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