Proposed Downtown arena seats 12,700?

to begin the legwork on a downtown arena was announced by the city yesterday. the 180-million dollar arena is expected to attract new events to the city. but with a seating capacity almost similar to the don haskins can the arena be successful? abc-7’s jerry najera is live … rick estela before voters approved the quality of life bonds in 2012 documents by the city showed plans for an arena that could hold 15 to 18-thousand seats last year a master plan shows the arena would have far less seat so could we see an impact on the types of big concerts many expected to see. “it’s a very exitin announcement we have today” wednesday’s announcment that begins proposals on a multipurpose cultural and performing arts facility has created a buzz for the city. city manager tommy gonzalez says the project is like none we’ve seen to date. “this is very complex and unique project it’s going to be a once in a gerneration kind of project for this community the arena expected to host sporting events- concerts and other entertainment won the voters over in 2012. initial reports showed plans for the arena if you look here the seating capacity shows 15 to 18 thousand seats. 2 years later the master plan calls for about 12 thousand 700 seats. the haskins center holds the same amount so what would be the difference city officials say the haskins center was specifically built for basketball . “the city’s modern, mutli- purpose arena will be designed to accommodate a wide range of events with first class amenities such as open concourses, club level seating, and the technical infrastructure need to draw top-level entertainment. existing arenas in this market, the youngest of which was built 40 years ago, have event limitations and have reduced seating capacity when hosting some events such as a concert” city officials say a proposed size of the arena size was mentioned as early as 2011 before a comprehensive analysis made. to stormtrack weather now! stormtracker iris lopez is filling in tonight for