Was reported tonight that 5A & 6A State Tournaments will be held in the new Wichita downtown arena in 2010. This has been in the works for some time as many know or suspected; specially concerned with parking. However, sounds as things have been worked out, or at least willing to see how things go at the new venue and the host site is now official.

People complained about the coliseum and I dont know why, but now we will have to walk who knows how far in the great kansas winter weather. The arena is a joke, just drive around downtown and look for a place to park when there isnt a big event going on, cant wait to see this cluster.

Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page linked by ksdave and read some of the comments by readers. Some very interesting reading and views!

Another article on the new venue and event....
http://wichita.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2009/06/15/daily13.html

I have a cousin that owns a parking lot. give me your money and i will get you within 2 blocks. lets say 5 bucks. call me

I have the pleasure of working at the arena right now doing insulation for my summer vacation. There is barely anywhere to park right now for the people building it.

Well with all of the complaining, maybe we should just tear it down and give all of the money back. On the other hand, clearing space to develop parking isn't that big of a deal. I am working 2 blocks from the arena 2 days a week. Give it time, give it a chance. I also hope they can eventually bring all classifications into a single location. I have been to numerous venues where it was thought parking was an issue, for some it was, but for most, things worked out. I for one am looking forward to the new venue.

Mike, I would also like to see all classifications together in a single location, it would be great for Kansas wrestling fans and college coaches, but I dont see 1-3a doing that because of their tradition out west. The parking for this venue downtown will be a mess. I have also heard (but not checked on) there is something going on at Centery 2 that same weekend, which will make parking only worse. If this is true fans will have to endure the great Kansas winter weather while walking who knows how far to enjoy some great wrestling. Most will do this without hesitation, but I know some grandparents,aunts uncles and other relatives will not go because of this. Time will tell. As far as tearing it down and giving the money back, the city and county could have spent money on something better for the average person in the comunity. In my opinion the coliseum was fine. Clearing space to develop parking isnt that big a deal, please it is a big deal to the people who have to move their business because of this, it takes alot of time and money to move. I know as a small business owner this would be a huge problem.