Albi Area Deal Struck, Needs Seacab’s Ok

The next step in the development of the Joe Albi Stadium area into a youth sports complex is in the hands of a city advisory committee.

Bobby Brett, who wants his professional soccer team to play at Albi, and Mike Kobluck, who oversees the facility, reached an agreement that has been sent to the Sports, Entertainment, Arts and Convention Advisory Board (SEACAB) for approval.

“We have the pieces back on the table. Now it’s in the hands of one of SEACAB’s committees,” Kobluck said. “They’ll meet early next and make a recommendation to SEACAB, tentatively a week from next Tuesday.”

With the agreement, the Spokane Shadow would have a 15-year lease to play soccer at Albi and Brett Sports Inc. will contribute $100,000 to the $1.9 million project that has already been completed. The stadium has a new field with new artificial turf.

The city and Greater Spokane League schools, who play football at Albi, were to share the cost of putting a new surface on the football field. Brett Sports recommended a more extensive remodeling that would make the field playable for soccer.

However, after the city decided to go with the bigger project, Brett withheld his $100,000, pending agreement on a lease. He thought an agreement was reached in February but it was never presented to SEACAB or the city council.

Kobluck and Brett met three times for extensive negotiations beginning Monday until an agreement was reached on Tuesday.

“We got all the things on the table for discussion and were able to go from there,” Kobluck said.

Brett said, “We’re hopeful … we want to establish where we’re playing and start marketing.”

, DataTimes