PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA -- The Pima County Board of Supervisors at its July 6 meeting voted 3-2 to approve the business plan and development agreement with Knott Development for new sports and entertainment venues and other commercial elements planned for the Kino Sports and Entertainment Complex.
The business plan outlines the project’s privately-funded financing structure and potential income from the amenities, which include an ice sports complex, field house with indoor multi-use courts, other indoor and outdoor sports and entertainment venues, parking garage, hotels, retail and dining space, a medical office building, multi-family housing, three distinct outdoor event and community plaza areas, and new connections to the Chuck Huckelberry Loop. The public-private partnership will generate revenue for the County, reduce the County’s financial risks associated with development and operation, and provide substantial regional economic development benefits.
Over the next 10 months the development, financial and operational aspects of the project will be further refined by Knott Development during a predevelopment work phase. The expansion will make Kino one of the Southwest’s premier venues for youth, amateur and professional sport, and cultural events. In addition, the project will generate jobs through construction of the Complex and operation of new hospitality, sport, and event facilities.
“Our team is long on skill and experience, including significant familiarity with the South portion of the Kino Sports and Entertainment Complex and its recently completed Phase I expansion (the “Kino South Complex”)” said Frank Knott, president of Knott Development.
Combining design expertise, multifaceted construction experience, financial structuring acumen, local project experience, athletic facilities management, local and travel youth sports programming and a comprehensive understanding of sports and entertainment-related facilities development, Knott Development’s plan to complete development of the Kino South Complex provides an opportunity to exceed Pima County’s community engagement and economic development aspirations.
To learn more, see the 170 page Kino District Business Plan.