GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR APPALACHIAN REGIONAL EXPOSITION CENTER
Wytheville, VA – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for the Appalachian Regional Exposition Center in Wytheville. The Exposition Center, strategically located at the intersection of interstates 81 and 77, will include a 200’ x 300’ arena, 3,000 permanent seats and space for an additional 2,000 temporary seats. The facility is designed to host many types of events including livestock shows, rodeos, indoor sporting events, concerts and more. Additionally, the facility will also include space for classroom and training facilities.
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with two Southwest Economic Development grants totaling $1 million.
Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico said, “The exposition center will be a great asset for Southwest Virginia and will allow the region to capture tourism dollars that might otherwise have gone to other states. Tourism is a vital part of the economy in Southwest Virginia and I’m glad the Commission saw this project as a worthwhile opportunity to help the region expand in this sector.”
Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Will Morefield added, “The ability to attract large events to our region will be a boost for our economy. I fought aggressively for this and I am pleased to see it moving forward. The exposition center will be a perfect venue for large local and regional events. Today is an exciting day for Southwest Virginia.”
The Exposition center is designed to attract events from across the east coast and beyond. Currently residents of Southwest Virginia often travel out of state to attend events that the Appalachian Regional Exposition Center will be able to host. The Exposition Center will thus serve as a focal point for attracting and retaining important tourism and entertainment related spending.
Timothy Reeves, Chairman of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors said, “Not only will the APEX Center be a great asset to Wythe County and the surrounding localities in Southwest Virginia, but it will also serve as an economic driver for the entire Commonwealth. We appreciate the TIC in recognizing the economic potential this facility will create and look forward to working with them in seeing this project through to completion.”
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Tourism plays an important part in reaching that goal and the Appalachian Regional Exposition Center will be a major asset in that regard.
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/17/17