[cuppett777]

Many big arenas are designed to serve the community, not necessarily to make a profit.

The challenge is to not lose too much money, as well as to stay open.
In Pikeville, a struggling expo center is getting a new lease on life.

Built in 2005, for about $30 million, many believe the state-owned Eastern Kentucky Expo Center is both the economic engine that drives Pikeville and the coalfield region's gathering Mecca.

“The Chamber of Commerce had its annual meeting, the hospital had its black tie New Year’s Eve affair. Everyone in the community gets touched by this facility," City Manager Donovan Blackburn says.

But, Blackburn says to stay open a $600,000 expo deficit must be at least cut in half. So, this week, the state will turn expo ownership over to the city of Pikeville, a move local leaders say they have been planning for all along.

The city says it will start with offering naming rights, so you might soon see "your business name" on the arena floor -- most likely on the building.

Blackburn says adding a new 100-plus room Hilton Garden Inn hotel downtown will bring more conferences to the center. And, a city-owned expo will not have to pay sales tax.

Expo General Manager Steve St. John says sporting events and conventions continue to do well there, but a rebounding economy should mean more concert and big event goers.

All involved say a city-owned expo center will bring that key to success -- sustainability.

Blackburn says an expected early release of coal severance tax funds will pay off $200,000 of expo center debt.

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