Use Joe Albi for more

In regard to Craig Gerlack’s letter “Albi a piece of history” (Feb. 20), I agree that Joe Albi Stadium should be saved. If we allow this 28,000-seat stadium to be torn down Spokane will never again have a large outdoor event venue.

Joe Albi Stadium used to host a variety of events, year round, that were a source of entertainment for the people of Spokane. Often drawing large crowds. In my opinion its downfall came when the city allowed School District 81 to take over and manage the facility as merely a football venue, hosting just a few high school games a year and little else.

I believe the prudent move at this point would be for the city to re-acquire the stadium from the school district. Then use the $31 million that was approved for new construction to rehab and update the existing structure. At that point it could be properly managed as a large outdoor event venue and once again host great events like it has in the past. The kind of events that can’t be held in a 5,000-seat stadium.

A city the size of Spokane should have a large outdoor facility. If we allow Joe Albi Stadium to be demolished we will not and never will again.

Mike Kuntz

Spokane