The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners’ Crown Event Center Committee on Tuesday, Aug. 16 is scheduled to review proposed “guiding principles” that are to be incorporated into the construction of a new multi-function event center.

The proposed facility will replace the aging theater and arena at the Crown Coliseum Complex on U.S. 301 Business. The two facilities are scheduled to close in 2025.
The Crown Event Center Committee consists of Commissioners Jeannette Council, Jimmy Keefe and board Chairman Glenn Adams. Council chairs the committee, which will meet at 1 p.m. on the fifth floor of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.

The proposed guiding principles call for:
· A local and regional asset that builds upon existing economic development infrastructure and is a catalyst for existing and new businesses to flourish.
· A venue that enhances and elevates the community as a premier destination for entertainment, events and gatherings.
· A quality, evolving and efficient venue that provides a first-class experience with a lasting impression.
· A premier welcoming and accessible experience available to all patrons.
· A flexible and functional venue with multiple spaces to accommodate a variety of programming.

At a May 16 meeting, the committee instructed contractors and county staff to engage nonprofit organizations and a more diverse representation of the community in getting recommendations and suggestions about the proposed facility.
Also at that meeting, the committee voted to accept the proposed guiding principles. However, the committee tweaked some of the wording and set the conditions for the community engagement workshops.

The committee also gave direction to review all previous plans and studies as it compiles available information on potential sites and brings that information back to the committee for further discussion.

The community engagement workshops were held on July 15 and July 16. Participants in the workshops included various groups in the community, including the Cool Spring Downtown District, the Arts Council, Cumberland County Schools and Fayetteville Technical Community College.

The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corp., the city of Fayetteville, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber and the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau also provided input and suggestions.
County staff on Tuesday is expected to ask the Crown Event Center Committee to review the comments on the guiding principles from the community engagement workshops, select the recommended guiding principles and send them to the full Board of Commissioners for approval.