Council briefed on bids to upgrade Marshall Health Network Arena catwalk and rigging; low bid value‑engineered

The Huntington Building Commission previously authorized bond financing (series 2024) for renovations to the Marshall Health Network Arena, including roof, HVAC and catwalk/rigging work. Comptroller Rick Montgomery said bids were received for the catwalk and structural rigging upgrade and the purchasing division recommended a contract with NeighborGolf Construction of Huntington; NeighborGolf’s original low bid was $3,390,007.20 and Maynard C. Smith Construction of Charleston bid $4,015,000. Montgomery said NeighborGolf subsequently value‑engineered its bid down to $2,000,000.

Montgomery recommended entering into a contract with NeighborGolf with funding coming from the Series 2024 bond. He introduced the architect on the project, Phoebe Patton Randolph, who confirmed the project expands coverage area, adds new steel and alters rigging approaches to address safety and increase capacity.

Why it matters: The project is part of broader arena renovations funded by the Building Commission bond; the work aims to improve rigging safety and capacity. Council was told the item comes without a commission recommendation earlier that day due to lack of a quorum and that the resolution will be sponsored by Council member Arthur when it returns for action.