Chamber urges county to explore convention center at Old Spanish Trail Arena; advisory board backs feasibility study and funding review

The Grand County Economic Opportunity Advisory Board discussed a Chamber request that the county formally explore developing a convention and large-event facility at the Old Spanish Trail Arena and agreed to pursue early planning work and funding options.

The Chamber representative read a letter asking the Grand County Commission to "explore the development of convention and large event facilities," saying the county lacks sufficient high-capacity meeting space, breakout rooms and modern event amenities to attract regional conventions and extend visitor stays. The request asked the commission to "formally explore what a convention facility at Old Spanish Trail Arena could entail, the cost and the funding options." (Chamber representative)

Board members and staff focused the discussion on practical next steps: a feasibility study, site plan and business model rather than immediate construction. "What we would love to see is a feasibility study to get those plans going," said a member of the board, and staff recommended using smaller local RCG funds for targeted studies while preparing a competitive RCOG application for larger planning work.

Angie Cook, director of OFSAA, described current constraints at the…