The first of three public meetings to discuss a proposed $30 million convention center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello will be held Tuesday night at Drew Central’s Earl Willis Auditorium.

Preliminary plans for the 150,000 square-foot center, which would be located at the entrance of the university on the south side of University Drive, call for a 4,000-seat multi-purpose event center with a gymnasium that can be converted to a concert hall for concerts, commencement exercises, trade shows and other events, according to UAM chancellor Dr. Jack Lassiter.

Other features include an 8-lane, Olympic-sized, indoor swimming pool, a recreational pool, and a therapeutic pool, as well as an indoor walking track and an outdoor walking path, Lassiter said.

Lassiter said construction funds will be generated through grants and fundraisers with a possible bond issue.

Earlier this year, the Monticello City Council levied a three percent tax on Monticello hotels to generate funds to offset the operational costs. The tax is expected to generate between $100,000 and $120,000 a year.

For more information about the center attend one of the three public meetings:
November 1 – Earl Willis Auditorium on the Drew Central campus at 7 p.m.
November 7 – Monticello School Middle School Auditorium at 7 p.m.
November 10 – University of Arkansas at Monticello Fine Arts Center at 7 p.m.