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All Net Resort & Arena

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All Net Resort & Arena was a planned entertainment complex in Las Vegas. A project of businessman and former basketball player Jackie Robinson, the complex would have included a resort hotel, retail and restaurant space, and a multi-purpose arena with a retractable roof. Its location was set on the Las Vegas Strip at the former site of a Wet 'n Wild waterpark, next to the Sahara Las Vegas in Winchester, Nevada.

All Net Resort & Arena
Map
LocationWinchester, Nevada
Coordinates36°08′27″N 115°09′30″W / 36.140898°N 115.158320°W / 36.140898; -115.158320
OwnerJackie Robinson
OperatorComcast Spectacor
Capacity23,000
Construction
Broke groundOctober 29, 2014 (2014-10-29)
Construction cost$4.9 billion
ArchitectCuningham Group
Website
Official website

Robinson announced the project in December 2013. Designed by the Cuningham Group, it was initially planned to open in December 2016, at a cost of $1.3 billion. However, the project cost increased several times, and the start of construction was delayed repeatedly because of difficulty acquiring construction funds.

Over the years, All Net received numerous extensions from the Clark County Commission, which voted against another extension in November 2023, putting an end to the project.

History

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Background

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All Net Resort & Arena was proposed for 27 acres (11 ha) on the north Las Vegas Strip, located between the Sahara resort to the north and the Fontainebleau resort to the south.[1][2] The property had previously been the site of the Wet 'n Wild water park, which closed in 2004 for redevelopment.[3] Several projects were proposed for the site over a number of years.[4] Paul Lowden, the owner of the property, had wanted to open a resort known as Palace of the Sea.[5] The project was never built, and Lowden's company, Archon Corporation, agreed to sell the land to Texas developer Christopher Milam in 2006.[6] Milam planned to construct a skyscraper resort on the site known as Crown Las Vegas,[7] but this project was also canceled.

In early 2010, Milam proposed building the Silver State Arena on the former Wet 'n Wild land, which was still owned by Paul and Sue Lowden. The arena would include seating for up to 22,000 people, and Milam sought public funding from Clark County to help finance the project, with a potential opening in 2012. The project would be built by Milam's International Development Management, and would be 85-percent privately financed.[8][9][10] It was one of several arenas proposed for the Las Vegas Valley.[11]

Silver State Arena faced opposition from the Clark County Commission, which was hesitant to help fund the project amid financial struggles.[12][13][14] To win the support of the commission, Milam sought to attract NBA and NHL teams to the arena.[15][16] Some nearby residents opposed the project, over concerns about noise, pollution, and increased traffic.[17] MGM Mirage also opposed the project.[10] Milam later proposed an arena for other locations in the Las Vegas Valley,[18][19][20] but the project remains unbuilt.[21]

All Net Resort & Arena

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On December 23, 2013, businessman Jackie Robinson, a former UNLV student and NBA player, announced plans to build his own sports arena on the former Wet 'n Wild property. The project was tentatively known as All Net Arena & Resort, and he planned to pursue a naming rights deal eventually.[22][23] The four-level arena would measure 863,000 sq ft (80,200 m2),[24] and include seating for 22,800 people. The project would also include a 300,000 sq ft (28,000 m2) promenade known as Victory Plaza. Other features would include a 500-suite non-gaming boutique hotel, a restaurant, a nightclub, retail space, a spa, and a wedding chapel. The arena would include a retractable roof, which would allow for a range of indoor and outdoor events.[22][23][25] The roof was intended as a main feature for the project.[26] Robinson hoped to attract an NBA team to play at the arena.[22][27]

The project received a number of skeptics who believed that it would never materialize.[27][28][29][30] Robinson had an option to purchase the property from the Lowdens, or lease it over a 50-year period.[31] He expected to break ground by mid-2014, with the opening scheduled for December 2016. The resort would cost $1.3 billion, including $690 million for the arena. Robinson had funding from a variety of sources, including several banks and the EB-5 program. He had begun planning the project four or five years earlier, but the Great Recession halted his plans. Cuningham Group Architecture was hired to design the project, with the company's Brett Ewing as architect.[22][23][32] Comcast Spectacor was chosen to operate the arena.[32]

In August 2014, the Clark County Commission unanimously approved a zoning change that would allow the All Net Resort & Arena to be built, despite opposition from residents of the adjacent Turnberry Place complex. The project was approved to include a 44-story hotel with 500 rooms, and a 16-screen movie theater was added to the plans. At the time, Robinson was working with the Minority Business Development Agency to recruit investors.[28] He hoped to raise $300 million through the EB-5 program.[27]

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the $1.4 billion project on October 29, 2014. Five months later, Robinson had yet to reach a development agreement with Clark County, which was needed for his lenders to provide financing for the start of construction. He had already received a permit to remove asphalt from the site, and he planned to eventually excavate 50 feet into the ground for parking spaces. He hoped to begin construction later in 2015, with an opening by late 2017.[27][31][33] Demolition began on the property shortly thereafter, and Robinson hoped to get the arena finished by 2019.[34]

Legal problems involving a financial partner further delayed the start of construction. SL Hare Capital sued Robinson in 2015, alleging that his group made false statements to gain financing. This led to a countersuit by Robinson's group, alleging that SL Hare had falsely claimed to have secured $300 million for the project. The case was eventually dismissed in January 2017. Two months later, earth moving equipment and dirt haulers were working the site, preparing it for underground parking and utilities. Robinson expected to open the project in December 2019.[4][35]

In mid-2017, Robinson had a second, 63-story hotel tower added to the plans. It would include 2,000 rooms. The expansion would help ensure the project's success upon opening.[36][37] He announced shortly thereafter that the project had gained full independent financing.[38] The county approved Robinson's expanded plans in October 2017. The project cost had increased to $2.7 billion, with Credit Suisse as the primary lender. Turnberry Place residents were satisfied with the revised project and the retail space that it would bring. Robinson now expected to begin work on the site by the end of 2017, with completion by mid-2020. The excavation process was expected to take up to eight months.[37][39] The site consisted of an excavated hole for the next several years while the start of construction faced numerous delays.[40]

In June 2019, Robinson said the project was fully financed and that building designs would take approximately 45 days to receive county approval, while construction would take about three years.[41] In August 2019, Robinson said he was in the final stages of getting his loan for the project, which was expected to cost nearly $3 billion. The project would be financed with money from Qatar, Zürich, and central banks in Europe. Moving the money into the U.S. was a lengthy process. Robinson's group had also invested more than $37 million into the project.[42]

In October 2020, the Clark County Commission granted a final six-month extension for the project to finalize agreements with the county.[1] These included a decommissioning plan in the event that construction stops, and a development agreement, both of which were approved in April 2021.[43][44] Robinson planned to purchase the property from the Lowdens for $400 million.[45] Construction was scheduled to begin in October 2021, with the project now expected to cost $4 billion.[46] However, these plans would be delayed as well, due to a dispute with Robinson's financiers. A new $4.7 billion funding package, financed by Active Capital Holdings, was announced in February 2022.[2][47] However, Robinson said the announcement was premature. A new investor and funding package was unveiled in October 2022, a few weeks after some work resumed on the site. The project is expected to cost $4.9 billion,[40] and construction was expected to begin by September 2023.[48][49][50]

Research was conducted at the site to prepare for future work related to underground parking. The project applied for a grading permit in mid-2023.[51][52] Robinson hopes to have the project completed by the end of 2026, although this is contingent on the county's approval of the grading permit, which had yet to occur as of October 2023. Robinson said the arena would be beneficial to new resorts along the northern Strip, including Resorts World and Fontainebleau.[51][52]

The project's land use applications had expired and been extended several times. On November 21, 2023, commissioners denied a fourth extension request, putting an end to the project.[53][54]

All Net Resort & Arena was expected to include a 44-story and 63-story hotel, a movie theater, a bowling alley, restaurants, and conference space, among other features.[42]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Akers, Mick (October 21, 2020). "All Net Arena given 6-month extension to finalize agreements". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Segall, Eli (February 25, 2022). "Long-planned arena, hotel project on Strip lands new funding package". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  3. ^ Rawlyk, Heather (September 27, 2004). "LV Strip water park makes its final splash". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Segall, Eli (March 7, 2017). "Dormant project to build 22,000-seat arena with retractable roof on Las Vegas Strip comes to life". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
  5. ^ Simpson, Jeff (January 22, 2004). "Water attractions to remain Strip staple, developers say". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 19, 2004.
  6. ^ "Texas developer has big plans for Wet 'n Wild, $4 billion resort will be built on record acreage". Las Vegas Business Press. July 10, 2006. Retrieved May 21, 2021 – via NewsLibrary.
  7. ^ "Australian magnate to invest in LV casino". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 1, 2007. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  8. ^ Schoenmann, Joe (March 4, 2010). "New arena plans promise jobs but seek public money". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  9. ^ Clarke, Norm (May 15, 2010). "Developer touts 20,000-seat arena". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  10. ^ a b "Not building arena could be costly". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 3, 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  11. ^ "Battle of Las Vegas arena projects proceeds". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 4, 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  12. ^ Schoenmann, Joe (June 10, 2010). "Strip sports arena has very little support". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  13. ^ "Company dangles pro lure". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 14, 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  14. ^ Friess, Steve (August 11, 2010). "Where's Vegas' sports arena?". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  15. ^ "Silver State Arena plan stays active". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 13, 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  16. ^ Schoenmann, Joe (July 14, 2010). "NBA team 'under contract' if Las Vegas builds an arena". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  17. ^ Scott, Dylan (July 26, 2010). "Emotions run high at public meeting over sports arena". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  18. ^ Ralston, Jon (September 16, 2010). "Arena developer says "more welcoming and supportive political and business environment" in city, will move project". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  19. ^ Ralston, Jon (May 6, 2011). "Texan closer to bringing arena complex to Las Vegas, signs contract for 51s". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
  20. ^ Green, Steve (February 10, 2012). "Chinese company agrees to finance proposed Henderson arena". VegasInc. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  21. ^ Segall, Eli (February 13, 2020). "Former Las Vegas developer's big project ideas still going nowhere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  22. ^ a b c d Snel, Alan (December 24, 2013). "Ex-UNLV star proposes Strip arena". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  23. ^ a b c Velotta, Richard N. (December 23, 2013). "Another arena proposed for the Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  24. ^ Dreier, Hannah (January 8, 2014). "Former NBA player proposes arena on Strip". The Spectrum. Associated Press. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  25. ^ "Local Businessman and Former UNLV, NBA Player, Jackie Robinson, Announces Plans for Strip Arena and Resort". BusinessWire. December 23, 2013. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  26. ^ Snel, Alan (November 23, 2014). "Planned Strip arena would have unique feature — a retractable roof". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  27. ^ a b c d Snel, Alan (October 29, 2014). "Arena builder takes shot at landing NBA for Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  28. ^ a b Snel, Alan (August 7, 2014). "County officials OK resort plans for old Wet 'n Wild site". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  29. ^ "Whatever happened to these Southern Nevada newsmakers in 2015?". Las Vegas Review-Journal. December 26, 2015. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  30. ^ "Question of the Day". Las Vegas Advisor. July 13, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  31. ^ a b Snel, Alan (March 20, 2015). "Developer Robinson still pursuing arena development issues". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  32. ^ a b Alan Snel. "Ground breaking near for $1.4 billion Strip arena complex". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2015-05-22. Retrieved 2015-05-29.
  33. ^ Snel, Alan (August 24, 2015). "Taking a look at proposed stadium venues in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  34. ^ Karp, Hannah (2016-04-04). "Las Vegas Betting New Venue Hits Jackpot". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
  35. ^ Gillan, Jeff (March 14, 2017). "Something's happening: It's getting busy at the All-Net Arena site". KSNV. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  36. ^ Langeler, John (September 15, 2017). "All Net Arena revisits plans to expand for basketball arena, hotel". KLAS. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  37. ^ a b Segall, Eli (October 18, 2017). "County OKs expanded plans for arena on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  38. ^ Langeler, John (September 29, 2017). "All Net Arena construction financed, could start in November". KLAS. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  39. ^ "Commissioners green light new All Net Arena plans". KLAS. October 18, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  40. ^ a b Segall, Eli (October 19, 2022). "Jackie Robinson unveils new funding for Strip arena, hotel project". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  41. ^ Gillan, Jeff (June 7, 2019). "Robinson says massive All Net Resort and Arena on Las Vegas Strip 'still on'". KSNV. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  42. ^ a b Segall, Eli (August 2, 2019). "Jackie Robinson '1,000%' committed to Las Vegas Strip arena, hotel project". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  43. ^ Seeman, Matthew (April 21, 2021). "All Net Arena project gets development & bond agreement approval". KSNV. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  44. ^ Segall, Eli (April 21, 2021). "Ex-NBA player's plans to build arena, hotel project survive latest test". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  45. ^ Segall, Eli (April 5, 2021). "Ex-NBA player takes step to keep long-stalled Strip project alive". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  46. ^ Langeler, John; Wright, Lucas (July 17, 2021). "New renderings released for 'All Net Resort and Arena'; owner plans to break ground on project later this year". KLAS. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  47. ^ Langeler, John (February 22, 2022). "All Net Resort down to last deadline to break ground, again". KLAS. Retrieved September 1, 2022.
  48. ^ Schultz, Jaclyn (November 30, 2022). "Deadline for start of construction on All Net Arena project in Las Vegas extended". KVVU. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  49. ^ "All Net Arena project still moving toward funding goals, founder says". KSNV. April 6, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  50. ^ Forrest, Brett (August 23, 2023). "As All Net Arena deadline looms in 2 weeks, County appears ready to move on from project". KSNV. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  51. ^ a b Akers, Mick (September 3, 2023). "All Net Arena CEO says project still planned as county deadline looms". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  52. ^ a b Schultz, Jaclyn (September 8, 2023). "Developers of proposed Las Vegas Strip basketball arena miss key deadline". KVVU. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  53. ^ Forrest, Brett (November 21, 2023). "Nearly a decade in the works, Clark County finally puts an end to All Net Arena on the Strip". KSNV. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  54. ^ "Game over for All Net Arena project after commissioners' unanimous rejection". KTNV. November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
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