Panel recommends Fort Wayne build mid-sized downtown arena

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - A committee has recommended Fort Wayne pursue building a mid-sized downtown arena next to the city's Grand Wayne Center convention hall.

The panel appointed by Mayor Tom Henry unanimously recommended Monday that the city move forward on a venue that could seat 5,000 to 6,000 people. It would be used for sports, concerts and events too large for the Grand Wayne Center and the 2,500-seat Embassy Theatre and too small for the 13,000-seat Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

Committee chairman Chuck Surack says an architectural and engineering firm should be hired soon for a more thorough evaluation of the project. Funding options still need to be explored. Costs are projected at between $48 million and $68 million.

Surack says the new area would be a catalyst for downtown development.