Firm Studying Feasibility Of New Monroe Arena

MONROE, La. (AP) — A Jackson, Miss., consulting firm will conduct a study to determine the feasibility for the city of Monroe to construct a new arena with the possibility of a four-star hotel near it.

The News-Star reports (http://tnsne.ws/SgSuN0 ) the city council approved the $95,000 contract with M3A Architecture on Tuesday to allow the consulting firm to begin work on the feasibility study.

M3A Architecture also designed the Walter Payton Health and Wellness Center at the Jackson State University's Walter Payton Athletics Complex.

After the $35 million Monroe Regional Airport terminal project was completed, Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo said the new arena became one of the top priorities for the city.

City officials have said repeatedly for Monroe to attract top-level entertainment, the city needed an arena that seats 10,000 to 14,000 people.