The Winston-Salem Foundation’s Board of Directors has expressed concern about the city’s proposed sale of Lawrence Joel Memorial Coliseum to Wake Forest University, in effect sending the parties back to the table:
The Winston-Salem Foundation is “concerned about potential limitations in the restrictive covenant between the city and Wake Forest regarding public access,” spokeswoman Cici Fulton said Monday. “The land was originally acquired with private donations to benefit the public, and the foundation’s concern is that the public continues to have access to the facility.”
University officials say they are open to negotiations.
“Wake Forest is engaged in discussions regarding the concerns of the foundation and how they can be addressed,” said Ron Wellman, the athletics director.
At issue is the length of time the WFU would be required to make the coliseum available for public purpose events. In the draft agreement with the city, WFU would be required to do so only until 2034. I realize that to people of a certain age, 21 years is not a long time. But in the world of sports and entertainment, it’s an eternity, as evidenced by the short shelf life of arenas and coliseums around the country —Bank of America Stadium most certainly included.
Hopefully this will not be the issue that kills a deal that will save millions in taxpayers’ money.
