As plans for a multi-purpose arena move forward, the Alva Arena Authority is setting their sights on groundbreaking by early summer.

Board members present for the Tuesday, Feb. 7, meeting were Gregg Glass, Mike Hood, Daren Slater, Dr. Charles Tucker, Todd Holder and Dr. Janet Cunningham. Vice-Chair Glass presided in the absence of Jim Holder.

Treasurer Todd Holder said the bank account has the same balance as last month at $8,950.56.

Last month four committees were designated to work on different aspects of the arena planning. Only the Design Committee had progress to report.

Slater said he met with Hood and Cunningham to discuss the events likely to be scheduled and what would be needed. They discussed a livestock area, a convention area, a banquet hall and office space. The idea is to accommodate all events held in the current facility in updated design.

Then a call was placed to Priefert Complex Designs. Architects are now working on three different concepts with the specified requirements in mind. Slater said in about ten days, they hoped to have these three concepts to share with board members.

As a way to save money, Slater said they discussed not building a permanent stall facility. Instead, the design will include space for 100 moveable stalls that can be set up and torn down as needed for horse events. He said, “We don’t see that it would make the facility more marketable or more usable.” Hood said this would save $2.4 million. The arena cost is expected to be around $8 million with this change.

Cunningham said she discussed their ideas with NWOSU Rodeo Coach Stockton Graves who had a favorable reaction. His only concern was that support beams not interfere with the line of sight from audience seating like he has seen in a lot of facilities.

Slater said the architect asked if the board wants a rendering of the outside view, which would cost about $3,000. This would be an exterior image only without interior details and could be done quickly. No action was taken, but after the meeting there were some comments that a visual image could help in explaining the project when seeking funding.

Slater said the architect asked about a timeline for the project, especially a groundbreaking target date. Glass suggested summertime saying the land deal will surely be finalized. Holder said, “I agree.” Other board members expressed agreement so Glass said they will “shoot for June.”

Holder mentioned the actual groundbreaking and start of construction will depend on the design chosen and how quickly materials can be delivered.

Cunningham suggested the board might want to schedule a special meeting as soon as the architect has designs for them to see.

When asked how long the construction would take, Slater said Priefert is estimating 14 to 16 months for the project.