Expansion Plans Should Pay Off
The Walt Disney Co. stole the show last week with its anticipated announcement of a $1.4-billion expansion of Disneyland to feature a second theme park, hotel and entertainment complex.
But also deserving of notice was Anaheim’s recent welcome announcement that it would double the size of the Convention Center in the years ahead. That recognizes the importance of having a major-league facility to host large gatherings. Competition is tough to lure groups to various cities. Sufficient meeting space is a key demand of conventioneers. So is entertainment nearby.
The Walt Disney Co. helps with the entertainment, thanks to Disneyland and the two major league sports teams the company owns, hockey’s Mighty Ducks and baseball’s Angels. The addition to Disneyland should prove an asset in drawing tourism and business.
The Anaheim Convention Center was built 30 years ago. It was larger than consultants recommended; yet within several years, the need to expand was clear. The new plans reflect the need to update Anaheim for the biggest game in town, its status as a destination place for conventions and tourism.
Anaheim officials have done a good job over the years in promoting the city’s assets. They have realized that changes are needed to keep attractions fresh and make them lures for new and returning visitors. This also means providing good accommodations for people staying in town.
The need for more convention capacity was demonstrated in January during the National Assn. of Music Merchants’ trade show, which draws about 80,000 people each year. Smith said this year the exhibitors used just about every available inch of the center.
Last week Anaheim officials said the Convention Center expansion would cost about $150 million. Improvements to roads, landscaping and other infrastructure in the area will cost hundreds of millions of dollars more. The financing involves bonds, some to be guaranteed by Disney, state and federal grants and an increase in the hotel tax. The package appears workable. If Disney’s plans are implemented as scheduled, the two attractions should help Anaheim, and boost the entire Southern California economy.
