Does Colorado Springs need its own convention center?

The Broadmoor has one. Pueblo has one. Is it time for Colorado Springs to have its own convention center?

Fifteen years ago, city leaders debated the issue but couldn’t agree on the cost or whether an investment was worthwhile. Shortly thereafter, The Broadmoor built and opened its convention center.

Now, however, some thinking has changed because the city is growing and has a much stronger economy, as evidenced by nearly two dozen hotels that have opened, are being built or are in the planning stages.

The city also has projects planned that make downtown a logical location for a center: an Olympic Museum, outdoor sports, an events center, and an indoor sports and events arena.

Richard Skorman, president of the Colorado Springs City Council, said a convention center would cost at least $50 million.

“I’d like to see it happen,” he said Tuesday, outside his row of businesses on Tejon Street. “There’s enough tourism demand to support the city and The Broadmoor. But it will take private investment because voters passed a ballot issue prohibiting any use of taxpayer money without a public vote.”

Skorman said The Broadmoor pushed for the measure during the convention center debate, and its passage essentially eliminated any competition for a facility.

The Broadmoor did not respond to calls from KRDO NewsChannel 13 seeking comment. The Convention and Visitors Bureau also declined to discuss the matter.

The Downtown Partnership is among those supporting the concept of a downtown convention center.

Critics believe that with The Broadmoor and other convention facilities near and around downtown, a second convention center is unnecessary.