Your Lane Events Center is changing.
Under consideration by the Lane County Board of Commissioners is the development of a publicly-owned multi-use facility at Lane Events Center. With the Eugene Emeralds as an anchor tenant, a new facility would be available to host other sports competitions and events and serve as a place that supports emergency response and recovery for our community. Since December 2021, Lane County staff has research underway including potential facility size, cost, financing options, operating models, and analysis of traffic, lighting, sound impacts, etc. The Board of Commissioners is expected to make a decision about whether to build a multi-use facility this winter.
Current status.
Analysis of the feasibility of siting a multi-use facility at the Events Center continues as the Design/Build team studies site options and refines cost estimates. This information will inform the Board of Commissioners’ decision and the development of the Lane Events Center Master Plan future land use scenarios including high-level potential concepts for existing property structures.
Key Board of County Commissioners decisions.
The Board of County Commissioners voted on September 27 to increase the amount of tourism-related taxes (called Transient Lodging Tax and Car Rental Tax) by 2 percent. The increased funding can be used to help fund tourism-related facilities, including a possible multi-use facility. Although the Board approved this increase, it does not mean the multi-use facility has been approved; that decision has yet to be made.
The Board of County Commissioners voted on November 8 to award contracts for design, land use planning and other consultant services. This does not mean the Board has voted to build a multi-use facility. In order to understand the true cost and design needs, Lane County must begin the preliminary design phase. Work will not proceed past the preliminary point unless the Board of County Commissioners votes in public to green-light the project. You can read the board packet online.
Upcoming Board of County Commissioners discussion.
None scheduled at this time.
The Board of County Commissioners meeting can be watched live online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/webcasts. It is also broadcast on Comcast Channel 21 in the Eugene-Springfield area. People can attend in-person at Harris Hall (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene).
Opportunity for public comment is provided at the start of each weekly Board of County Commissioners meeting. For instructions regarding participating (virtually or in-person) visit this webpage.
Bookmark this webpage for updates on the decision-making process, background material, new information as we learn, and opportunities for your input.
To contact project staff, please email [email protected] or call 541-682-1220.