Aurora delays RiverEdge Park jumbotron purchase after questions over cost, timing

AURORA, Ill. — The City of Aurora’s Committee of the Whole held an extended discussion on RiverEdge Park improvements on Oct. 7, with public works and venue managers defending plans for two new jumbotrons while some aldermen and residents urged caution about costs and timing. Council set the agenda item authorizing contracts and change orders for the jumbotrons and paver replacements (agenda item 25-0740) to “unfinished business” for further review.

City public works project manager Jason Bauer and Jim Jarvis, chief marketing and programming officer for the Aurora Civic Center Authority and general manager for RiverEdge Park, described the additions as part of a broader renovation meant to increase the venue’s marketability to touring acts, improve patron experience and raise revenue. “We’re trying to increase the marketability of the venue in terms of getting new acts,” Jarvis said, describing backstage dressing rooms, showers and food service facilities built to industry expectations.

The discussion centered on whether the city should proceed immediately with the jumbotron purchase and installation or delay buying screens after completing site work. Supporters said the screens are essential to activate a newly usable lawn area and to attract larger acts. Jarvis called jumbotrons “just a part of…