Spectra Venue Management, the company that manages the Crown Complex for Cumberland County, has hired Conventions, Sports and Leisure (CSL) International to conduct a market analysis and feasibility study for a new facility to replace the Crown Theatre and Arena.
Jim Grafstrom, the Crown Complex general manager, and Trent Merritt, regional vice-president with Spectra, updated the Cumberland County Commissioners on the project during the board’s regular agenda session meeting on Dec. 12. The study is expected to be complete by May.
In September, commissioners approved having Spectra Venue Management procure a consultant for the study using funding set aside for mutually agreed upon projects in the 2017 management agreement between Spectra and the County.
In October 2018, the commissioners voted to fund a feasibility study and halted $2.6 million in improvements to the Crown Theatre. The Theatre and Arena are anticipated to close in October 2022. This study will analyze and determine whether a new facility is feasible, and if so, the type, size and location of such a facility, among other factors.
“We are excited for CSL to get started on this project. They have great experience leading these types of studies and an understanding of the impact they can have in terms of future community development. We look forward to working with CSL and a diverse constituency of community stakeholders to finalize this study,” Merritt said. CSL clients in North Carolina include: the Hickory Performing Arts Center; Keenan Stadium at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; the Charlotte Coliseum; and proposed venues in Wilmington and Mooresville.
CSL will begin its scope of work in Fayetteville by conducting initial market research Jan. 21-23. CSL will establish a date, time, and location to host future public forums for individuals or groups who wish to provide insight or feedback on the project.