Texas Tech University System Chancellor Robert Duncan sent a message to “system colleagues” on Friday about the May 5 city election.
An item on the ballot for City of Lubbock voters is the fate of the Municipal Auditorium and Coliseum. If voters approve, the city plans to abandon the facility which is on the campus of Texas Tech University.
“We have been in contact with city leadership and have agreed to shoulder demolition costs,” Duncan wrote, “and be as flexible as possible in hosting events until a final decision is made regarding the use of the property.”
“While the Coliseum and Auditorium have been a significant part of our history, the cost of improving and maintaining the facility has become unmanageable for the City of Lubbock. The land it occupies is in a key area of the Texas Tech campus and could be better utilized for our future growth.”
The city cannot demolish the auditorium and coliseum without voter approval.
The city charter says, “The City of Lubbock shall not permanently abandon the land, or buildings used and known as the Lubbock Municipal Auditorium-Coliseum, unless such abandonment is authorized by a majority vote of the qualified tax-paying voters at a general or special election held in accordance with law…”
The coliseum opened in 1956. The Texas Tech Red Raiders and Lady Raiders basketball teams played in the coliseum until the United Supermarkets Arena opened.
While many events have moved from the coliseum to the USA, it still hosts the ABC Pro Rodeo and some other dirt events.
Supporters of Proposition A have said the facility is too expensive to maintain or renovate. Opponents have said the city failed to come up with a plan to replace the coliseum for events that are not well suited to the USA.
The following is Duncan’s message:
April 27, 2018
TTU System Colleagues:
As many of you are aware, Proposition A, an important issue related to Texas Tech University, is being voted on in the upcoming May 5 city election. The proposition presents the opportunity to enhance our flagship campus while supporting the City of Lubbock in the process.
When the Lubbock Municipal Auditorium and Coliseum was constructed, the land and parking lot for the facility were given to the city at no cost, but remained subject to reversion to Texas Tech University if the city abandons the facility. The city cannot sell the property to a third party.
If approved, Proposition A would authorize the city to relinquish the Lubbock Municipal Auditorium and Coliseum to Texas Tech University. Gaining back this valuable property would support an important piece of the university’s master plan as the campus grows to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and the community. The current facility is outdated, is cost prohibitive to maintain or refurbish with unknown levels of asbestos and compliance issues, and other options in the city have become preferred venues for events.
We have been in contact with city leadership and have agreed to shoulder demolition costs and be as flexible as possible in hosting events until a final decision is made regarding the use of the property.
While the Coliseum and Auditorium have been a significant part of our history, the cost of improving and maintaining the facility has become unmanageable for the City of Lubbock. The land it occupies is in a key area of the Texas Tech campus and could be better utilized for our future growth.
Below is a link to information from the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce encouraging Lubbock citizens to support Proposition A.
Election Day is Saturday, May 5. Early voting continues through Tuesday, May 1. For early voting and Election Day voting locations, visit the following links:
Early Voting Locations – votelubbock.org
Election Day Voting Locations – votelubbock.org
Thank you for your support, as always.
Yours very truly,
Robert Duncan
Chancellor
