Longview Council Backs Arena Improvements

LONGVIEW — A nearly $1 million demolition and replacement of the Longview Rodeo Arena received a necessary blessing Thursday from the Longview City Council, which could approve the plan in one month. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, the city closed the arena after learning of structural damage.

Public Works Director Keith Bonds said demolishing the arena and constructing new 5,060-seat grandstands with a 300-square-foot elevated announcer�s booth and arena lighting would cost $928,000, likely paid from municipal reserves and savings from past capital improvement bond packages. �I think we need to fix it and make it safe for our citizens,� District 2 Councilman Daryl Williams said. The council could make a final decision on the matter at its Dec. 8 meeting.