Why Vote No on the 2E Arena Bond

The City of Denver previously issued a $800 million bond package in 2015 for improvements at National Western, promising no further taxes for these projects

The City convinced voters of the 2015 bond by promising no new taxes yet now they are trying to pass another tax increase.

The feasibility study commissioned by the City highlights how the Market and Arena are not profitable due to competing venues and low population density in the area.

The bond does not include funds to demolish or renovate the Coliseum at the National Western Complex, so future funds would still be required.

There's no reason to issue a bond now - the City has until 2027 to find funding for National Western and can utilize tourism taxes or private investment.

The City previously considered other bonds but decided to cancel the bonds, citing that the economic stability of the pandemic would inhibit the ability to repay the bond loans.

Within the broader Denver area, more than a dozen similar venues exist that offer the same capacity and the same venue services as the proposed Arena.

The proposed Arena only offers 1000 additional seats compared to the Coliseum that is located immediately next to the Arena location.

There's no reason to issue a bond now - the City has until 2027 to find funding for National Western and can utilize tourism taxes or private investment.

Community members from the Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea neighborhoods surrounding the National Western Complex vehemently oppose the new developments, citing an exclusive process and lack of benefits for the local residents.

The development of the Arena and Market will continue a legacy of dispossessing the local community of their houses and land, such as the seizure of homes for the I-70 expansion.

The GES Coalition has identified its own vision for community-led development that will ensure equitable and just development for local residents.