Following an open survey of our members in which 85% were supportive of the 2012 bonding proposal, the Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. (GMG) Board of Directors unanimously approved publicly lending its organizational support for securing bonding dollars during the 2012 Legislative Session. The City of Mankato, Minnesota State University, Mankato and various community organizations are seeking state bonding of $14.5 million for improvements and expansion of our regional event center, the Verizon Wireless Center. This $14.5 million, together with $16.5 million in existing local sales tax dollars (already in place until 2022), would be utilized for improvements and expansions to the event center.

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2012 Bonding Proposal Project Details

The bonding being proposed by the City of Mankato, Minnesota State University and various community organizations (which differs from the 2010 proposal that was vetoed) would be utilized for the following improvements and expansions to the Verizon Wireless Center:

“Minnesota State University, Mankato Arena Improvements: The event center will be remodeled to incorporate both men’s and women’s hockey training facilities. The Verizon Wireless Center arena will be remodeled, including new seating, concourse improvements, ice system/dasher board upgrades and Blue Line Club room facilities. Minnesota State University, Mankato‘s lease will be revised to allow year-round utilization of both men’s and women’s hockey games and practices.

Event Center auditorium/convention expansion: Expansion of the event center will accommodate lost convention and trade show business, as well as events displaced by Minnesota State University, Mankato hockey year-round utilization of the arena. The multi-use auditorium and additional meeting rooms are designed to increase trade shows, conventions, small concerts and performing arts activities.” 

To date, the Verizon Wireless Center and Minnesota State University, Mankato are the only regional event center and state university not to receive bonding dollars from the state. The City of Mankato and Minnesota State University, Mankato have compiled more details on the 2012 Bonding Proposal.

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