Yes vote means major change to Ford Center

Alex Cameron, NEWS 9

A 'yes' vote on March 4 means an NBA team could move into the Ford Center. But NBA or no NBA, a ‘yes' vote will mean major changes to the Ford Center.

Tim Linville is the Ford Center Marketing Director. He said a high priority for those wanting to revamp the Ford Center will be giving the entire facility a higher level of finish.

"On the walls right now we have cinder block for a lot if it and we'd be upgrading that," Linville said.

There would be superficial changes, but also structural changes, Linville said.

There would be some changes inside the arena bowl, removing some suites.

"And actually putting in a club where you could actually eat and have a drink with your friends," Linville said.

Linville said perhaps the biggest change is moving the main entrance.

By moving the Interstate 40 off-ramp, officials said they'll be able to add about 200,000 square feet, which will allow them to expand the concourses, turn rooftops into rooftop terraces, and just make the experience more enjoyable, whatever the event.

"It could be a Blazer game, it could be a concert, could be a family show, could be an NBA game," Linville said.

The lure of the NBA is the reason for the improvements. But even if the NBA doesn't come, officials said there's still good reason to make the improvements just five and a half years after it opened.

"People's expectations change, the standards change, our standards have changed, competition for events has changed," Linville said. "The big twelve's expectation, from a facilities standpoint, this year, is not the same as what it was six years ago."

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 4.

For more information on the March 4 vote, visit News9.com's coverage page.