Downtown arena deal approved

Before a packed council chambers, Mayor Kevin Johnson and the City Council approved plans to build and finance a new Entertainment and Sports Center (ESC) at the Downtown Plaza Mall. Tuesday’s vote is the culmination of a 15 year community effort to build and finance a new Entertainment and Sports Center.

The main City Hall lobby, just before meeting goers were allowed into the Council chambers.

Asst. City Manager John Dangberg speeds by.

Meeting goers line up outside the Council chambers, entry tickets in hand.

City Clerk staff passing out entry tickets for the historic Council meeting.

A packed City Council chambers with spectators viewing from the courtyard beyond the windows.

The Sacramento City Council Chambers was filled to capacity with 200 people inside. More gathered outside of City Hall to watch the Council Meeting on a giant LED Screen. The project, which will break ground this fall, will be online by October 2016.

Project Manager Desmond Parrington and City Treasurer Russ Fehr shake hands as John Dangerberg smiles in background just after City Council approved staff recommendations to move forward on the Entertainment & Sports Center Project.

Assistant City Manager John Dangberg discusses project details to Council.

Councilmember Jay Schenirer speaks in sidebar to Councilmember Kevin McCarty.

Councilmember Darrell Fong speaks to meeting goers during project deliberation.

A citizen passionately explains his reasons for opposing the arena.

Developer Mark Friedman testifies to Council.

More information can be found on the project website at the City’s Entertainment & Sports Center Project. A full set of photos can also be seen on Flickr. Don’t forget to follow the Sacramento ESC Project progress on Facebook and Twitter.

Vivek Ranadivé, owner of the Sacramento Kings makes the promise, “This is your City, this is your Team!” to City Council.

Councilmembers Steve Hansen and Steve Cohn during deliberation on the project.

Citizens show support for the arena by using a method coined by Councilmember Bonnie Pannell; A way to show excitement while still maintaining decorum in the chambers.

Project Manager Desmond Parrington speaks on the minutia of the project.

City Treasurer Russ Fehr pours over details regarding financing the project.

A citizen opposing the arena project speaks to Council

Sacramento Kings President Chris Granger, with media and meeting goers behind him.