Oregon Public Broadcasting

The city of Portland is plowing ahead with a competitive bidding process to re-design the Memorial Coliseum, following an advisory committee vote Tuesday. 


The city on Monday abandoned its effort to get the Portland Trail Blazers to give up operational control of the Memorial Coliseum.

A few weeks ago, Mayor Sam Adams announced he wanted to re-negotiate the operating agreement with the Blazers. He wants the winner of the Coliseum design to have more control to move ahead with their plan.

The Blazers are vying to re-design the Coliseum themselves. They refused to make any changes, but say they could later.

At Tuesday’s meeting, advisory committee member Phil Kalberer agreed to continue the current process. But he has concerns. 
 
“I think there are definite advantages that the Trail Blazer proposal is going to have. I think we have to admit that up front," he said.
 


Committee members voted 15-5  to move ahead with the current competitive process.

City council is expected to request design proposals from the three finalists next month.