The Nisqually Tribe of Washington state is considering opening a convention center, concert arena and possibly a second casino to Lacey, in Thurston County, possibly in partnership with the city of Lacey.
The mayor, Andy Ryder, told the Olympian that he has been talking to tribal officials about an “entertainment complex,” on a 200-acre site that includes the outdoors store Cabela’s, to be built by developer Mon Wig, who owns the property. The project might include a convention center, said Ryder.
We see the benefit of bringing thousands of people to the area,” the mayor told the Olympian.
The proposal might conflict with a similar proposal for a convention center that Thurston County is considering putting on the November ballot.
Some members of the city council question why the County would be proposing a convention center that would compete with a privately developed facility.
City councilmember Lenny Greenstein told the Olympian: “The vast majority of convention centers don’t even break even, let alone turn a profit. The burden is on the taxpayer. What makes you think this is the time and location for a convention center that can pay for itself?”
A representative of the county told the council: “We don’t do it lightly. but we don’t do it halfheartedly either. It’s the best opportunity, the best time, the conditions are right for a convention center. Are there risks? Yes. But there’s also a risk of doing nothing.”
