SACRAMENTO—With announcement of Sacramento First Entertainment and Sports Complex Task Force, the Sacramento Metro Chamber issued this statement by President & CEO Matthew Mahood:

We are pleased that Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson is taking a strong leadership role in solving this ongoing regional issue on how to finance and construct an entertainment and sports complex. We hope the task force can find a viable solution to building a world-class facility here that will attract quality entertainment for our residents.

The issue is a complex one and needs focused attention. We applaud the combination of task force members who have subject-matter expertise and civic interest in finding a solution.

In the past, the Metro Chamber, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau have studied the matter diligently. Our own 2004 Arena Task Force’s findings still hold true:

• The current ARCO Arena is obsolete and needs to be replaced.

• A regional dialogue should be employed to determine the most feasible and appropriate sources of both public and private financing for such a project.

• Location of the facility in The Railyards is appropriate. But any location chosen should create a catalyst for complementary development or redevelopment.

• The site should have the ability to promote city and regional development goals of smart growth, transit orientation and urban revitalization.

The Metro Chamber looks forward to working with Mayor Johnson and the Task Force as needed in order to help move this complex issue to a successful conclusion.