Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland officials and locals will get a chance Tuesday to look over dozens of proposals to improve the Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum. Rob Manning reports.

The Portland Trail Blazers may hold the lead in deciding what’s next for Memorial Coliseum.

The Coliseum’s hockey team, the Portland Winterhawks and officials with the Rose Festival have signaled support of the Blazers’ concept.  It would keep – but shrink – the arena’s bowl.

The Blazers’ plan would use the Coliseum to anchor a redeveloped Rose Quarter area.

But the Blazers’ idea is just one of nearly 100 proposals. City officials say all get an earnest hearing at the evening demonstration at the coliseum.

Other proposals would expand on the building’s historic ties to sports or to veterans. Still others suggest building an aquarium, a business complex, or a multi-tribe casino on the site.

City officials expect to narrow the field and ask for more formal proposals by next month.

A final choice could come by late spring.