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Timeline

1956

  • Roberts Stadium, named for former Mayor O.H. Roberts, opens (Built for $1.9 million)

1991

  • Roberts Stadium renovated at a cost of $19 million

2005

  • City begins civic forums on future of Roberts Stadium

2006

  • Tourism study cites city’s need for better sports facilities

2007

  • January
    • Mayor Weinzapfel engages Gateway Consulting to evaluate steps to rebuild or replace Roberts Stadium
  • July
    • Roberts Stadium Advisory Board begins meetings on future of Roberts Stadium

2008

  • December
    • December 9: Consultants recommend a new Arena be built Downtown using Tax Increment Financing District funds, gaming revenues and food and beverage taxes
    • December 22: Evansville City Council endorses recommendation for new Arena

2009

  • January
    • January 21: City hires John J. Kish as Project Director
  • February
    • February 6: Vanderburgh County Council endorses financing plan for new Arena
  • May
    • May 11: Mayor Weinzapfel forms the Evansville
      Arena Project Committee, chaired by Kathy Kleindorfer, granddaughter of former Mayor O.H. Roberts  
  • October
    • October 20: Demolition to clear site for new Arena project begins

2010

  • February
    • February 8:  First concrete is poured 
  • May
    • May 13: First piece of structural steel framework is placed
  • November
    • November 18:  Arena topping out

2011

  • February
    • February 15:  VenuWorks selected to manage new arena
  • August
    • August 17:  Arena gets new name:  Ford Center
    • September 27:  Certificate of Occupancy granted

         November 11, 2011: Official ribbon cutting ceremony held

 

 

 

 

 

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