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Storyline · 26 events · Nov 2016 – Sep 24, 2026

Financing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)

In November 2016 Amarillo voters rejected a Civic Center expansion bond proposition while approving street and public-safety bonds. A $319 million Civic Center plan followed in 2019-2020; the council called a $275 million general obligation bond election, and voters rejected that Proposition A on November 3, 2020. On May 24, 2022 the council approved $260 million in tax anticipation notes for the project. A local businessman sued; on October 25, 2022 the trial court voided the approval and awarded him attorney fees. The Seventh Court of Appeals affirmed on August 16, 2023, and the City's petition to the Supreme Court of Texas was dismissed on its own motion on December 8, 2023. In 2025-2026 the council approved Civic Center repair and improvement contracts, including a $1.85 million Coliseum restroom renovation and a $422,770 boiler replacement funded by the Amarillo-Potter Events Venue District, and a $166,746 basketball court; the proposed FY2026-27 budget sets the General Fund transfer to the Civic Center Improvement Fund at $3,692,099.

A storyline groups dated events in order. It is a chronology, not an argument; it does not say why anything happened. All storylines

  1. · Origin

    Voters reject a Civic Center expansion bond in a seven-proposition package; streets and public safety pass

    Amarillo voters approved two of seven City capital-improvement bond propositions: street improvements ($89.5 million) and public safety ($20.1 million). Five propositions totaling $230 million failed, including one for the Amarillo Civic Center. Texas Scorecard reported the Civic Center proposition at $83.4 million.[1][2]

    • ✓ Verified

      In November 2016 Amarillo voters approved two of seven City bond propositions (streets and public safety); five propositions totaling $230 million failed, including one for the Amarillo Civic Center.[1][2]

      Propositions total
      7
      Passed
      2
      Failed
      5
      Failed total
      $230,000,000
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Reported amounts of the two approved 2016 propositions differ slightly by source.

      Reported value 1[1]

      Streets
      $89,500,000
      Public safety
      $20,100,000

      HPPR's figures, citing the City's November 9, 2016 press release.

      Reported value 2[2]

      Streets
      $89,000,000
      Public safety
      $20,000,000

      Texas Scorecard's rounded figures.

    • Unverified

      Texas Scorecard: Texas Scorecard reported the failed 2016 Civic Center proposition as $83.4 million for expansion of the Amarillo Civic Center; a 2019 Texas Scorecard article described it as an $83 million civic center bond.[2][3]

      Reported value 1[2]

      Amount
      $83,400,000

      Election-week results article.

      Reported value 2[3]

      Amount
      $83,000,000

      Rounded figure in 2019 coverage of the $319M plan.

    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo press release (Nov. 9, 2016), as reported by HPPR: The City said the two approved 2016 propositions would be funded through tax-supported debt repaid over five years.[1]

  2. · Context

    City schedules a $6 million-plus Civic Center roof replacement, mostly insurance-funded

    The City announced replacement of the hail-damaged Civic Center roof and drainage system, a project of more than $6 million with about 95% covered by an insurance settlement and the rest by the City. The report noted a committee was assessing the complex's future, including a new facility with a larger arena.[4]

    • ✓ Verified

      The Civic Center roof replacement was reported at more than $6 million, with an insurance settlement covering about 95% and the City covering the rest; the roof was damaged in a 2017 hailstorm.[4]

      Total usd min
      $6,000,000
      Insurance share
      95%

  3. · Context

    City unveils a $319 million Civic Center redevelopment proposal

    The City presented a $319 million proposal including Civic Center renovations, a new arena, relocation of City Hall, a central park, Santa Fe Depot renovation and a parking structure, with public forums scheduled for September 2019 and a bond election anticipated for May 2020.[3]

    • Unverified

      Texas Scorecard: Texas Scorecard reported that the City's $319 million proposal called for $279 million in new taxpayer-supported debt, a roughly $155 million 10,000-seat arena, and an estimated tax increase of $150 per year on a $100,000 home.[3]

      Project
      $319,000,000
      Proposed debt
      $279,000,000
      Arena
      $155,000,000

  4. · Precursor

    Citizen committee recommends the $319 million Civic Center project to the council

    At a council work session, a citizen executive committee recommended a $319 million project (exhibit space, a 10,100-seat arena, a new ballroom, Santa Fe Depot renovation and an expanded central plaza) to be funded by voter-approved debt.[5]

    • ✓ Verified

      On January 21, 2020 a citizen executive committee recommended to a council work session a $319 million Civic Center project to be funded by voter-approved debt, with a council vote set for February 11.[5]

      Project
      $319,000,000
      Arena seats
      10,100

  5. · Precursor

    Council votes 5-0 to call a $275 million Civic Center bond election

    The council voted 5-0 to call a May 2, 2020 election on $275 million in general obligation bonds toward the $319 million project, with $21 million in certificates of obligation (not requiring voter approval) and a projected 15-cent property tax rate increase.[6][7]

    Michelle Bonner

    • ✓ Verified

      The council voted 5-0 on a resolution calling a May 2, 2020 bond election on $275 million in general obligation bonds for the $319 million Civic Center project.[6][7]

      Vote for
      5
      Vote against
      0
      Go bonds
      $275,000,000
      Project
      $319,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The 2020 financing plan paired the $275 million in voter-approved bonds with $21 million in certificates of obligation (which do not require voter approval), $8 million from utilities and $15 million from value engineering; the tax impact was put at 15 cents on the rate, or $150.85 a year on a $100,000 home.[6]

      Project
      $319,000,000
      Go bonds
      $275,000,000
      Certificates of obligation
      $21,000,000
      Utilities
      $8,000,000
      Value engineering
      $15,000,000
      Tax rate increase cents
      15
    • ✓ Verified

      Michelle Bonner, Deputy City Manager and CFO: Deputy City Manager and CFO Michelle Bonner said, "The general obligation bonds will go to the voters and there will be one proposition."[6]

  6. · Related development

    Voters reject Proposition A, the $275 million Civic Center bond

    Proposition A, a $275 million bond for the Civic Center and related downtown projects, was defeated in the November 3, 2020 election. Mayor Ginger Nelson said, "I heard the voters say not now, not in this package, and I respect that result."[8][9][10]

    Ginger Nelson

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Proposition A ($275 million) was defeated; reported margins differ slightly.[8][10]

      Reported value 1[8]

      Against
      62%
      For
      38%

      Election-night report: 62%-38% in both Potter and Randall counties.

      Reported value 2[10]

      Against
      61%

      December 2020 report: 61 percent of voters opposed.

    • ✓ Verified

      The bond election called in February 2020 for May 2, 2020 was held on November 3, 2020.[6][8]

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Ginger Nelson: Mayor Ginger Nelson said: "I am disappointed that our civic center proposal didn't pass" and "I heard the voters say not now, not in this package, and I respect that result."[9]

    • ✓ Verified

      By December 2020 Mayor Nelson had created a committee to look for ways to fund renovations without property tax increases, and a private group (Inspire Amarillo) proposed an alternative 'Amarillo Plan' it said would require a 15.9 percent city property tax increase.[10]

  7. · Starting point

    Council votes 4-1 to approve $260 million in tax anticipation notes for the Civic Center

    The council approved $260 million in tax anticipation notes for a plan to add an arena, rehabilitate the Civic Center and restore the Santa Fe Depot. The City said the notes would raise the property tax rate from 44 cents to 57 cents per $100 of valuation.[11][12][13][14][15]

    Ginger NelsonCole Stanley

    • ✓ Verified

      On May 24, 2022 the council voted 4-1 to approve $260 million in tax anticipation notes for the expansion and renovation of the Civic Center.[12][11][14]

      Vote for
      4
      Vote against
      1
      Amount
      $260,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo, as reported by NewsChannel10: The City said the notes would raise the property tax rate from 44 cents to 57 cents, about $9 more per month on a home appraised at $100,000.[11]

      Rate before cents
      44
      Rate after cents
      57
      Monthly cost per 100k home
      $9
    • ✓ Verified

      ABC7 Amarillo: ABC7 reported that Cole Stanley, mayor at the time of the 2023 appeals ruling, was on the council when the plan was approved over his objections.[15]

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Ginger Nelson: Mayor Ginger Nelson said the project would reduce the Civic Center operating subsidy and that acting quickly to lock in the current interest rate would save money: "The longer we wait, this problem just continues to grow in cost."[12]

    • ✓ Verified

      The sources reviewed for this thread do not report an official City statement explaining why tax anticipation notes were chosen instead of a new bond election; the reported official statements address the project's cost, timing and benefits.[11][12][13]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Accounts differ on whether the notes were sold.[16][17]

      Reported value 1[16][13]

      Status
      approved, then voided before issuance

      Coverage describes council approval of the notes and a court voiding that approval; a lawsuit sought to enjoin issuance.

      Reported value 2[17]

      Status
      sold

      A June 2023 Bond Buyer article states that in 2022 Amarillo 'sold $260 million in TANs.'

    • ✓ Verified

      NewsChannel10 (KFDA): NewsChannel10 reported that council members who supported the plan hoped private partners would help pay costs, for example through naming rights.[13]

  8. · Trigger

    A local businessman sues to block the tax anticipation notes

    A local businessman and property owner sued the City, alleging the council approved the notes without notice to taxpayers of the debt terms and the taxes pledged to repay it, and sought a temporary injunction against issuing the debt.[16][13]

    • ✓ Verified

      The plaintiff, an Amarillo businessman and property owner suing in a private capacity, alleged the council approved the notes without prior notice to residents of the debt terms and the taxes pledged to pay it, and sought a temporary injunction against issuing the debt.[16][13]

    • ✓ Verified

      The suit was filed May 27, 2022 and announced publicly in a statement on June 1, 2022.[16][13]

  9. · Peak

    Trial court voids the note approval and orders the City to pay the plaintiff's legal fees

    In the 320th District Court (Potter County), visiting Judge William Sowder voided the May 24, 2022 approval, finding insufficient notice of the meeting's subject and that new Civic Center construction was not a "public work" eligible for tax anticipation notes. The City was ordered to pay the plaintiff's attorney fees.[18][16][19][20]

    • ✓ Verified

      Judge William Sowder voided the council's May 24, 2022 approval of the notes, finding insufficient notice of the meeting's subject, and held that using the proceeds was not authorized under the Texas Government Code because new construction of the Civic Center complex "is not a public work."[16][14]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Sources differ by one day on the date of the trial-court judgment.[18][20]

      Reported value 1[18][19][14]

      Date
      2022-10-25

      Court docket: judgment signed 10/25/2022; same-day news report and Bond Buyer agree.

      Reported value 2[20]

      Date
      2022-10-26

      TPPF press release dated October 26, 2022 says the decision was issued 'today'.

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      The City was ordered to pay the plaintiff's attorney fees; reported amounts differ.[19][21][16]

      Reported value 1[19]

      Amount usd min
      $375,000
      Conditional additional
      $30,000

      October 2022 report of the trial judgment: more than $375,000, plus a possible $30,000 more if the case went to the Court of Appeals and he prevailed.

      Reported value 2[21]

      Amount usd min
      $300,000

      August 2023 report of the appeals ruling: 'more than $300,000' in attorney fees.

    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo: The City said it "respectfully disagrees with the judgment" and was reviewing the decision with legal counsel.[16]

    • ✓ Verified

      Robert Henneke, Texas Public Policy Foundation: Texas Public Policy Foundation general counsel Robert Henneke said, "Cities cannot be allowed to circumvent the democratic process with creative public financing tools when they get a result they don't like."[20][16]

  10. · Related development

    City files notice of appeal to the Seventh Court of Appeals

    The City appealed; the plaintiff also cross-appealed. Mayor Ginger Nelson said the City was "seeking clarification on existing state law" and that the lawsuit's delay had made the project infeasible given higher construction costs and interest rates.[18][14][15]

    Ginger Nelson

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Sources describe the timing of the City's appeal differently.[18][15]

      Reported value 1[18][14]

      Date
      2022-11-10
      Milestone
      notice of appeal filed

      Court docket and Bond Buyer: notice of appeal filed November 10, 2022 (after a November 4 motion to correct the judgment).

      Reported value 2[15]

      Month
      2023-02
      Milestone
      'the city appealed in February'

      ABC7 (Aug 2023) says the City appealed in February; the docket shows appellant's brief filed February 1, 2023.

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Ginger Nelson: Mayor Ginger Nelson said, "We are seeking clarification on existing state law," and said the lawsuit "created a delay to the point where the project isn't feasible."[14]

    • ✓ Verified

      Both sides appealed the trial judgment; the court docket lists a cross-appeal.[21][18]

  11. · Context

    Governor vetoes a bill limiting non-voter-approved debt after failed bond elections

    SB 2035, filed after the Amarillo lawsuit, would have barred tax anticipation notes and certificates of obligation for five years in place of bonds voters had rejected for the same purpose. Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed it, saying it had "too many loopholes."[17]

    • ✓ Verified

      SB 2035 by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, which followed the Amarillo lawsuit, passed the Senate 25-6 and the House 102-42 and would have barred tax anticipation notes and certificates of obligation for five years in place of bonds rejected by voters for the same purpose; Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed it on June 13, 2023, saying it "has too many loopholes."[17]

      Senate vote
      25-6
      House vote
      102-42
      Ban years
      5
    • ✓ Verified

      Texas Attorney General; City of Amarillo: A brief by Attorney General Ken Paxton in the appeal said Amarillo "thwarted the will of the voters"; the City argued Texas law does not require voter approval for tax anticipation notes or refunding bonds.[17]

  12. · Resolution

    Seventh Court of Appeals affirms the judgment against the City

    The Seventh Court of Appeals (No. 07-22-00341-CV, opinion by Justice Lawrence M. Doss) affirmed the trial court. Mayor Cole Stanley said he could not speak directly about the case while it remained in litigation.[18][15][21]

    Cole Stanley

    • ✓ Verified

      The Seventh Court of Appeals (No. 07-22-00341-CV) affirmed the trial court in a memorandum opinion by Justice Lawrence M. Doss.[18][22][15]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Sources differ on the day of the appeals ruling.[18][21]

      Reported value 1[18][22]

      Date
      2023-08-16

      Court docket: memorandum opinion and judgment issued 08/16/2023 (a Wednesday).

      Reported value 2[21]

      Date
      2023-08-15

      NewsChannel10 (Aug 17, 2023) says the ruling came 'on Tuesday'.

    • ✓ Verified

      NewsChannel10 (KFDA): NewsChannel10 reported the appeals court found the City violated Open Meetings Act rules in passing the plan.[21]

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Cole Stanley: Mayor Cole Stanley said he could not speak directly about the case because it was still in litigation, and that the council was discussing how to upgrade or repair the Civic Center.[15]

  13. · Resolution

    Supreme Court of Texas dismisses the City's petition on the City's own motion

    The City filed a petition for review (No. 23-0797) on November 1, 2023, then filed an unopposed motion to dismiss on December 1, 2023. The Court granted the motion and dismissed the petition on December 8, 2023; the appeals court issued its mandate December 28, 2023.[22][18]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City filed a petition for review (No. 23-0797) on November 1, 2023 and an unopposed motion to dismiss on December 1, 2023; the Supreme Court of Texas granted the motion and dismissed the petition on December 8, 2023. The Court issued no opinion.[22]

    • ✓ Verified

      The Seventh Court of Appeals issued its mandate on December 28, 2023.[18]

    • ✓ Verified

      No fetched source reports a City statement explaining why it moved to dismiss its own petition.[22]

  14. · Context

    Council approves a $94,202.63 emergency repair of the Civic Center ice plant

    On January 14, 2025 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, an emergency purchase of services and parts from Arena Products & Services LLC for $94,202.63 to repair the Civic Center's ice plant, funded from general fund revenues.[23]

    Jerry DanforthArena Products & Services LLC

    • ✓ Verified

      On January 14, 2025 the council's consent agenda, approved 5-0, included an emergency purchase of services and parts for an emergency repair of the Civic Center's ice plant, awarded to Arena Products & Services LLC for $94,202.63 and funded from general fund revenues. [23]

      Amount
      $94,203

  15. · Context

    Council awards $1,846,147 Coliseum restroom renovation from Venue District funds

    On June 10, 2025 the City Council voted 5-0 to award the renovation of the Civic Center Coliseum restrooms to Tri-State General Contracting Group, Inc. through a Sourcewell cooperative contract for $1,846,147, funded from Amarillo-Potter Events Venue District funds. A $97,281.07 change order on March 10, 2026 brought the total award to $1,943,428.07.[24][25]

    Jerry DanforthTri-State General Contracting Group, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On June 10, 2025 the council voted 5-0 to award the Civic Center Coliseum restroom renovation to Tri-State General Contracting Group, Inc. (Sourcewell contract TX-R4-GC-052124-JRT) for $1,846,147, funded from Amarillo-Potter Events Venue District funds. The item was set aside so a councilmember could review the contract during a recess, then approved later in the meeting. [24]

      Amount
      $1,846,147
    • ✓ Verified

      On March 10, 2026 the council approved Change Order No. 1 to the restroom renovation, $97,281.07 for additional structural support to remove and replace part of the concrete slab in the Coliseum's West Concourse, bringing the total award to $1,943,428.07 (Venue District fund revenues, CIP PRJ-440686). [25]

      Change order
      $97,281
      Total award
      $1,943,428
    • ✓ Verified

      The FY2026-27 proposed budget book states that renovation of the eight Coliseum restrooms, originally built in 1968, "is nearly complete." [26]

  16. · Context

    Council approves Civic Center temporary staffing contract funded by event revenue and hotel tax

    On July 8, 2025 the City Council voted 3-0 to approve a temporary staffing services contract for the Civic Center with HireQuest, not to exceed $250,000 per year (up to $1,250,000 over five years), with event revenues and hotel occupancy taxes listed as the funding source.[27]

    Cole StanleyDavid PrescottLes Simpson

    • ✓ Verified

      On July 8, 2025 the council voted 3-0 (Cole Stanley, David Prescott, Les Simpson) to approve a temporary staffing services contract for the Civic Center with HireQuest for an initial three years with two one-year renewals, not to exceed $250,000 per year or $1,250,000 over five years. The listed funding source was "Civic Center event revenues and Hotel Occupancy Taxes." The same item had been removed from the June 24, 2025 consent agenda with no action taken. [27][28]

      Annual cap
      $250,000
      Five year cap
      $1,250,000

  17. · Context

    Council approves a $79,174 Civic Center Entrance 4 soffit and lighting replacement

    The City's planner listed for the August 12, 2025 meeting a $79,174 construction award to replace the soffit and lighting at Civic Center Entrance 4, funded from Civic Center building improvement funds. The council approved it on its August 12, 2025 consent agenda, 5-0.[29][30]

    Wiley Hicks, Jr., Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's agenda planner listed for August 12, 2025 a $79,174 award to Wiley Hicks, Jr., Inc. (Tex-Buy 023-086) to replace the soffit and lighting at Civic Center Entrance 4, funded from Civic Center Building improvement funds and marked as budgeted.[29]

      Amount
      $79,174
    • ✓ Verified

      The council approved the $79,174 Entrance 4 soffit and lighting replacement award to Wiley Hicks, Jr., Inc. (Tex-Buy 023-086), funded from Civic Center building improvement fund revenues, as item 7.T of its August 12, 2025 consent agenda, which passed 5-0. [30]

      Amount
      $79,174

  18. · Context

    Council agenda planner lists a discussion of Civic Center improvements and a concession agreement

    The City's planner listed for the September 9, 2025 meeting a discussion of improvements to the Civic Center Complex and a concession agreement guaranteeing the City a minimum of $500,000 per year. The planner does not record outcomes. On September 23, 2025 the council voted 5-0 to approve the concession agreement with Corkscrew Foods.[31][32]

    Corkscrew Foods

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's agenda planner listed for September 9, 2025 a discussion of improvements to the Civic Center Complex and a revenue-only concession agreement with Corkscrew Foods guaranteeing a minimum of $500,000 per year ($2,000,000 over an initial four years, with two 2-year extensions for an additional $2,000,000).[31]

      Annual minimum
      $500,000
      Initial term years
      4
      Initial minimum
      $2,000,000
      Extension minimum
      $2,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      On September 23, 2025 the council voted 5-0 to approve a concession revenue agreement with Corkscrew Foods for concession sales throughout the Civic Center Complex: an initial four-year term with two two-year options, with a guaranteed minimum of $500,000 per year ($2,000,000 over the initial term plus an additional $2,000,000 over the extensions). The item had been competitively bid. [32]

      Annual minimum
      $500,000
      Initial term minimum
      $2,000,000

  19. · Context

    Council approves $166,746 purchase of a new Civic Center basketball court

    On October 28, 2025 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, the purchase of a new modular basketball court for the Civic Center Complex from RFS Sports through a TIPS cooperative contract for $166,746, funded from Amarillo-Potter Event Venue District fund revenues.[33]

    Bo FowlkesRFS Sports

    • ✓ Verified

      On October 28, 2025 the council's consent agenda, approved 5-0 (items 8.G and 8.O were pulled; this item, 8.K, was not), included the purchase of a new modular basketball court for the Civic Center Complex from RFS Sports (TIPS contract 24090701) for $166,746, funded from Amarillo-Potter Event Venue District fund revenues. [33]

      Amount
      $166,746

  20. · Context

    Council awards $422,770 Civic Center boiler replacement from Venue District funds

    On November 18, 2025 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, a $422,770 award to Tri-State General Contracting Group, Inc. to remove and replace seven boilers, an expansion tank, a variable frequency drive and a hot water loop pump at the Civic Center, funded from Amarillo-Potter Events Venue District funds.[34]

    Jerry DanforthTri-State General Contracting Group, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On November 18, 2025 the council's consent agenda, approved 5-0, included a $422,770 award to Tri-State General Contracting Group, Inc. (Sourcewell TX-R4-GC-052124-JRT) for removal and replacement of seven boilers, an expansion tank, a variable frequency drive and a base-mounted hot water loop pump at the Civic Center, funded from Amarillo-Potter Events Venue District funds. [34]

      Amount
      $422,770

  21. · Context

    Council awards $63,871.31 Civic Center fire alarm replacement

    On January 27, 2026 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, a $63,871.31 award to AV Corp. Fire & Security to replace the fire alarm system in the north end of the Civic Center, funded from Civic Center improvement fund revenues (CIP PRJ-0000128).[35]

    Jerry Danforth

    • ✓ Verified

      On January 27, 2026 the council's consent agenda, approved 5-0, included a $63,871.31 award to AV Corp. Fire & Security (TexBuy 025-010) to replace the fire alarm system in the north end of the Civic Center, funded from Civic Center improvement fund revenues (CIP PRJ-0000128). [35]

      Amount
      $63,871

  22. · Context

    City Manager memo describes the Civic Center as supported mainly by its own revenue and hotel tax

    In a February 12, 2026 memorandum to the City Council framing a pre-budget workshop, City Manager Grayson Path wrote that the Civic Center Complex is not a General Fund department and is supported primarily through its own operating revenues and allocations of hotel occupancy tax, and recommended a separate, dedicated council discussion of the Civic Center rather than reopening the full debate at the workshop.[36]

    Grayson Path

    • ✓ Verified

      Grayson Path, City Manager (memorandum dated February 12, 2026): City Manager Grayson Path wrote that the Civic Center Complex "is not a General Fund department and is instead supported primarily through its own operating revenues and allocations of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)," and suggested that if the council wished, it schedule a dedicated discussion at which staff could present "options for reducing the HOT subsidy through operational and fee strategies, along with capital and facility-planning scenarios." [36]

  23. · Context

    Council awards $204,503 Civic Center staging replacement and a restroom change order

    On March 10, 2026 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, a $204,503 award to MityLite, Inc. for replacement staging components for the Civic Center (Civic Center Improvement Fund revenues) and a $97,281.07 change order to the Coliseum restroom renovation for structural work on a concrete slab in the West Concourse (Venue District fund revenues).[25]

    Bo FowlkesMityLite, Inc.Tri-State General Contracting Group, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On March 10, 2026 the council's consent agenda, approved 5-0 (item 5.6 was pulled; items 5.11 and 5.13 were not), included a $204,503 award to MityLite, Inc. (BuyBoard 789-25) for replacement staging components for the Civic Center, funded from Civic Center Improvement Fund revenues (CIP 440603), and Change Order No. 1 to the Coliseum restroom renovation. [25]

      Amount
      $204,503

  24. · Context

    Civic Center unveils a $166,746 basketball court

    The Civic Center unveiled a new basketball court; ABC 7 reported its cost as $167,000 and its funding as the hotel occupancy tax, and the City put the cost at $166,746. General manager Christopher Post said the old court was "no longer really being able to be used" and the goal was "to maintain current operations."[37][38][33]

    Christopher Post

    • ✓ Verified

      Nearly 60 years after the Civic Center opened, it installed a new $167,000 basketball court; ABC7 reported the project was funded by the hotel occupancy tax, which is collected from visitors to the city.[37][38]

      Amount
      $167,000
      Funding source
      hotel occupancy tax
    • ✓ Verified

      Christopher Post, Civic Center general manager: Civic Center general manager Christopher Post said the main objective was "the need for the old court no longer really being able to be used" and "to maintain current operations because we don't want to lose current business"; asked about revenue, he said he did not have numbers in front of him.[37]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's June 5, 2026 release said the new court cost $166,746 and that the original court, in use since the facility opened in 1968, was sold at online auction for $20,000, with the proceeds going to the Civic Center as revenue to help offset operating costs. [38]

      Court cost
      $166,746
      Old court auction
      $20,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Sources describe the court's funding in different terms: ABC7 reported it was funded by the hotel occupancy tax; the October 28, 2025 council minutes list "Amarillo-Potter Event Venue District fund revenues"; and the City's hotel tax page says a 2% hotel tax is imposed for the Amarillo-Potter Events Venue District. The City's June 2026 release does not state a funding source. [37][33][39][38]

  25. · Context

    Council approves Civic Center capital budget transfers for emergency repairs, IT and the basketball floor

    The City's planner listed for the July 28, 2026 meeting a transfer of budget funds from Capital Projects PRJ-127 and PRJ-128 for a South Exhibit Hall loading-dock door and two grease traps. No amount is listed. The council approved it 5-0 on July 28, 2026, along with a second transfer from the boiler project to Civic Center IT access points/fiber and the new basketball floor (also 5-0).[40][41]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's agenda planner listed for July 28, 2026 a Civic Center capital project budget transfer from PRJ-127 and PRJ-128 for emergency replacement of a South Exhibit Hall loading-dock door and two grease traps.[40]

    • ✓ Verified

      On July 28, 2026 the council voted 5-0 to approve the Civic Center capital project budget transfer from PRJ-127 and PRJ-128 for the South Exhibit Hall loading-dock door and two grease traps, presented by Interim General Manager Christopher Post. It also voted 5-0 to transfer budget from PRJ-440755 (Boiler & Expansion Tank Replacement) to PRJ-130 (Civic Center I.T. access points and fiber upgrades) and PRJ-440299 (Civic Center new basketball floor). The minutes give no dollar amounts for either transfer. [41]

  26. · Context

    Proposed FY2026-27 budget sets the General Fund transfer to the Civic Center Improvement Fund at $3,692,099

    The City's FY2026-27 proposed budget book (after council review, September 24, 2026) lists the General Fund transfer to the Civic Center Improvement Fund at $4,490,541 (FY2022-23 actual), $2,892,992 (FY2023-24 actual), $3,420,630 (FY2024-25 actual), $3,028,387 (FY2025-26 budget and revised estimate) and $3,692,099 (FY2026-27 proposed). The book describes the inter-fund transfer program as including the transfer of excess hotel/motel tax to the Civic Center Improvement Fund.[26]

    • ✓ Verified

      The FY2026-27 proposed budget book lists the General Fund operating transfer to the Civic Center Improvement Fund (account SC92060) as $4,490,541 in FY2022-23, $2,892,992 in FY2023-24 and $3,420,630 in FY2024-25 (actuals), $3,028,387 budgeted and estimated for FY2025-26, and $3,692,099 proposed for FY2026-27, a 17.98% increase. The book describes the General Fund inter-fund transfer program as including "the transfer of excess hotel/motel tax to the Civic Center Improvement Fund"; it does not break the Civic Center line into hotel tax and other money. [26]

      Fy2022 23 actual
      $4,490,541
      Fy2023 24 actual
      $2,892,992
      Fy2024 25 actual
      $3,420,630
      Fy2025 26 budget
      $3,028,387
      Fy2026 27 proposed
      $3,692,099
    • ✓ Verified

      The budget book's Civic Center narrative lists planned work including completing the change from incandescent to LED lighting in the Heritage Ballroom, Regency Room and three north hallways, upgrading professional audio systems in the Civic Auditorium and Globe-News Center, replacing network fiber, switches and wireless access points, and installing a storefront-style wall along the east-west hallway between entrances 1 and 5. These are planned items, not completed work. [26]

Related storylines: Moving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)Amarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)Downtown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)Downtown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)