ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO – Family Arena in St. Charles County could soon be changing hands.
The county recently put out a request for proposal to buy the arena, which opens up a competitive bidding process for any interested buyers.
There was an unsolicited offer to buy the arena submitted about a month ago, and according to the county charter, if there is an offer to purchase arena, the county must issue an RFP and allow a bidding process.
Family Arena, located at 2002 Arena Parkway in St. Charles, was built in 1999 and has hosted hockey, football, basketball, and concerts, among other events. The building can hold up to 11,522 for large concerts, and seats around 9,000-10,000 for athletic events. It’s the former home of the St. Louis Swarm basketball team and the current home of the St. Louis Ambush.
The arena cost $27 million to build in 1999 and after nearly 20 years, St. Louis County Finance Director Bob Schnur says the county has a responsibility to the taxpayers to consider the offer.
“It’s a feasible offer,” Schnur said. “We’ve had parties come to us in the past that weren’t realistic. It’s got to be a good deal for taxpayers of St Charles County. We’re going to keep the interest of the taxpayers at the forefront.”
The cost to the county to operate Family Arena varies from year to year depending on the size and number of events in the space.
While the county has owned the arena since it was built, they’re still carefully vetting offers for the building.
“We’re not having a fire sale,” Schnur said. “We don’t have to sell it if the deal doesn’t work or go through.”
All bids must be submitted to the county by 3 p.m. on July 20.
