Supporters rally to keep Evansville arena standing

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — A group of people want to keep an old Evansville arena standing.

When a new arena opens in November, 55-year-old Roberts Stadium no longer will be used for city-run sports and entertainment events.

But about 30 residents who rallied Sunday to keep Roberts standing want to find a new use for it.

Bill Denton, the campaign chairman for Democratic mayoral candidate Rick Davis, says the group doesn't want to see the city spend $2 million demolishing the arena.

Sherman Stevens says it could have a number of uses including serving as a disaster shelter for Evansville's east side.

Organizer Mary Hukill tells the Evansville Courier & Press that Sunday's rally was the first of several planned in support of Roberts Stadium.