New results point to potential Civic Center

Study shows Lynchburg and Liberty University could have a new place to hold events

After years of speculation about a civic center in Lynchburg, a new study proves that the venture may be possible.

The study conducted by Region 2000, an economic development organization in Lynchburg, showed that the city could potentially have a civic center — but only with the help of Liberty University.

To keep the civic center profitable, the facility needs to have a dedicated customer. According to Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr., Liberty would use the civic center for athletic events and concerts but convocation would remain in the Vines Center.

“It is very expensive for Liberty to set up and take down the stage, sound and chairs for convo in the Vines Center three times a week and for other events like concerts,” Falwell said. “The amount that we would pay in rent for the new Civic Center would be a comparable amount, and it would give Liberty a second venue for all our events.”

According to Region 2000, the center would have about 10,000 seats and would be more technologically advanced than other civic centers in the area.

“I believe that any of the events the Roanoke civic center and the John Paul Jones arena could hold, the Lynchburg civic center would hold too,” Councilman Hunsdon Cary said.

“The new 10,000-seat civic center would be our home court for athletic events and would provide us with plenty of room to expand the program,” Falwell said. “It would be an ideal solution because parking is limited for local folks to attend athletic events at the Vines Center. The new civic center would have ample parking.”

Even though it seems like a civic center would be an excellent addition to Lynchburg, some concerns remain. Perrow is concerned about the huge price tag attached to the project.

“There are tons of great things a civic center can bring to Lynchburg, but the only thing I am worried about is the cost,” Councilman Turner Perrow said.

The civic center could end up costing up to $70 million, according to Region 2000. It is a price that Perrow fears a small city cannot pay, he said.

According to Perrow, the next step in the study is to do a feasibility study to see if the Lynchburg market could financially support a civic center. Cary hopes the numbers prove to be in favor of a civic center.

“The city and Liberty University came together for a pedestrian bridge on Wards Road,” Cary said. “Let’s see what they can do for a civic center.”