And now, here is an actual newspaper article from Columbus boasting about how the city’s new hockey arena prompted the opening of a 1300-square-foot convenience store:
“That’s the ideal tenant for that space,” said retail analyst Chris Boring, principal at Boulevard Strategies. “They’re not just filling space.”
With so many visitors, office workers and residents within a block or two of Nationwide Arena and the nearby Greater Columbus Convention Center, “it’s a no-brainer,” Boring said. “There are all kinds of places to eat and drink in the Arena District, but what if you just want a candy bar or a bottle of water? There’s really no place right now for that.”
In related news, the Chicago suburb of Bridgeview just sold another $16 million worth of bonds to help pay off its money-losing Chicago Fire MLS stadium, but this year a new gas station opened nearby.
Neil, this made me laugh out loud! However, I agree with aptly-named Mr, Boring. A convenience store is useful retail that will serve the whole population, not just fans. It’s better than what the Milwaukee Bucks are proposing next to a new arena they’re trying to get built–a gltizy “entertainment mall” with nearly seven acres of bars, restaurants and fun-time retail–right next to two thriving districts with at least 40 bars and restaurants. (But the Bucks mall will have tons of national chains and an outdoor sports bar–way cooler!!)
The article about the convenience store also notes that development of restaurants and retail in the district has been gradual, to allow for increases in demand. That’s not the plan Bucks owner Wes Edens, who also just bought of the Columbus Dispatch, is pushing. No, he wants to go bold with his Bucks mall and make it the biggest entertainment destination anyone has every imagined (perhaps he’s not had a chance to visit any of Milwaukee’s many other entertainment destinations since buying the team last year–including nationally renowned Water Street–just two blocks from his arena…
Entertainment districts (ala “L.A. Live” ) are the new rage in new NBA arenas. Looks like that’s the case with the NHL too. In theory, these entertainment districts are supposed to generate additional revenue for NBA owners (as if television revenues aren’t enough).
You just can’t put a price on giving people easy access to twizzlers and Baby Ruth bars. I mean, come on…
Do we know what arduous trek the locals had to make to satisfy their junk food cravings before this? Like, maybe a mile or so to the nearest wal mart?
Haha!
Great write up. It made me chuckle.