STAMPEDE ARENA UPDATE!!            At the time of the last update on the Stampede Arena project, the City had received bids that were too high and was just beginning the cultural resources survey (historic documentation) processes required by state and federal law.  There was a glimmer of hope that the various activities could be completed in time to meet the goal of a new arena for the 75th Anniversary Omak Stampede.  However, as things have turned out, the results of the cultural and architectural reviews (still in draft form), meetings with Stampede Officials and representatives from bleacher companies, and the preliminary report from a structural engineering evaluation of the existing grandstands, has led the City to a significantly revised proposal and a more realistic timeline.      One of the most significant concerns the City needed to address if the project was not built in time for the 75th Anniversary were questions about the safety and structural integrity of the existing Stampede Arena.  The City has good news from the structural engineer retained to inspect the facility.  He found that overall the facility is sound, praised the original designers and builders as well as the volunteers that have labored for many years on maintenance, but made recommendations on replacing and improving some of the structural supports and improving the attachment points for the remaining roof structures.  The scope of the needed work appears to be well within the capacity of the Stampede to complete in time for the 75th Omak Stampede and World Famous Suicide Race.       Another important happening is the development of a new seating plan that calls for 7,100 seats in covered aluminum grandstands configured as closely as possible to the present arena footprint.  The intent, resulting from discussions with Stampede representatives and draft cultural and architectural reports, is for the new grandstands to maintain the feel, intimacy and character of the present seating (without the splinters and annual maintenance).  The new site plan incorporates the events concourse and pathway to the Encampment Area from the previous plan, with City staff and Stampede Officials looking for final placement of restroom and concession facilities and other details.      The project is planned to be completed in at least two phases.  Phase 1, demolition and replacement of the existing grand stands (except the Maley bleachers also known as the Chute Seats) is scheduled to begin right after the 75th Omak Stampede in August 2008 and be completed in time for the 2009 Stampede.  Funding for this phase ($3.8 million) was secured from the State Legislature in 2007.  Phase 2, the concourse, pathway and support facilities is planned to move ahead as funding becomes available with the City preparing to apply for funding from the Recreation and Conservation Office this spring for a portion of Phase 2 improvements.      It is an exciting time for the community and we are hoping that some of the controversy generated by previous versions of the arena plan will be left behind as we unite to create a facility that evokes the wonderful and rich cultural history of our community that will last for another 75 years.