Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland city officials have postponed indefinitely one of the last steps in choosing a new plan for  Memorial Coliseum.

As Rob Manning reports, city leaders say they need to change a key agreement over the building. 

The city of Portland is prepared to solicit three formal proposals offering different futures for the Memorial Coliseum.

The problem is, one competitor - the Portland Trail Blazers - has a deal with the city that can block the operation of a performance venue at the Coliseum.

If one of the non-Blazer proposals won out, that agreement could hold things up.

Mayor Sam Adams says he’s seeking changes to the deal that shouldn’t harm the Blazers.

Sam Adams: “They expect – and it’s a reasonable expectation – that they would receive a return on their investment. But at the same time, the Memorial Coliseum, we want to re-invigorate and enliven, as well.”

The Blazers already have an eye on the next step. After the city tentatively settles on a Memorial Coliseum plan, officials will turn to redeveloping  the whole Rose Quarter.

The Blazers have a plan that includes entertainment, retail, and restaurants.