Mayor: Poarch Creek Indians Want City Land For New 5-10K Seat Arena

February 12, 2019

Atmore could be home to a 5,000 to 10,000 seat arena.

During a workshop meeting Monday afternoon, Mayor Jim Staff said the Poarch Creek Indians want to acquire city owned acreage to construct a performance arena just north of the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel. The property is located west of Highway 21 behind the Creek Smoke Shop.

Staff said the arena could be used for multiple purposes, including a music venue. He said the development would likely lead to more hotels and restaurants that would translate to jobs and boost sales tax revenue. Because it would not be located on exempt PCI reservation property, the city and county would also realize property tax revenue.

He said the current outdoor amphitheater at Wind Creek seats 2,500 people.

“That 25 hundred fills up everything we’ve got,” Staff said of local hotels.

The council took no action on the land. The deal must first be negotiated and contracts created.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Comments

9 Responses to “Mayor: Poarch Creek Indians Want City Land For New 5-10K Seat Arena”

  1. Randy Lucas on February 15th, 2019 5:38 pm

    All the things that the tribe does for this City, County and State.They should get a Special deal on the land.Look at all the jobs that have been created in our area.

  2. Elizabeth Stanga on February 13th, 2019 4:32 pm

    Is it an outdoor arena or an indoor arena?

  3. Well on February 12th, 2019 9:40 pm

    I bet whatever happens people will complain about it.

  4. just listening on February 12th, 2019 5:44 pm

    “retired” That’s reason for leasing.

  5. fisherman on February 12th, 2019 5:23 pm

    After they buy the property it actually does becomes the property of PCI.There are laws that cover this kind of purchase as to if it can become reservation property. They own property at several other locations that is not considered reservation property. I think the purchase is a good idea for the Atmore community.

  6. retired on February 12th, 2019 2:35 pm

    after they buy it they will want to include it as PCI reservation property

  7. Poarch Creek on February 12th, 2019 10:18 am

    If they don’t sell don’t lease it because we can build on other land …….

  8. Concerned Observer on February 12th, 2019 10:04 am

    just listening – I’m not so sure. If you think about the long game, it could be beneficial either way. An arena of that size would likely attract more businesses in that area. If the city plays this right, there could be a decent payoff long term.

  9. just listening on February 12th, 2019 8:11 am

    Don’t sell. Just give a long term lease.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News