Committee submits final rankings for convention center sites

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The committee’s rankings identified the top four proposals out of 100. And their final decision brings Brewhalla to the top with Fargo Civic Center second, Scheels Arena third, and the Fargodome at fourth.

“Our team is just very excited to do this. We love Fargo, we’re committed to making this a great community, welcoming guests to this area, and delivering an economic impact that this convention center is going to be. It’s community changing. So we’re just very excited to get started work on that,” said Mark Bjornstad, President and Co-founder of Drekker Brewing and Brewhalla.

What the rankings came down to was the location, the plan, the hotel, financing, operating, schedule, and visitor experience. Many of the comments under the ranking of Brewhalla shared high expectations of the site. One of the concerns many had was the limited walkability to downtown and the lack of other activities outside of Brewhalla. But overall ranked at 85.22 points out of 100.

“Creating any of these experiences is just a win for Fargo-Moorhead. It’s a space that the community can enjoy. And it’s also a space where we can welcome in conventions, associations, and expos from across the region and country. That brings more money into our economy and brings more exposure to our region. It’s just wonderful to have those guests here to support our economy, and it’s great for the Fargo community,” said Bjornstad

While there was a slight dispute on how the rankings would be presented to city commissioners, the committee is excited to see where the future lies.

“I’m proud of the committee, I’m happy we made a decision. Of course, that decision for us is just a recommendation to the Fargo City Commission… If they get a three-vote majority, they can do whatever they want with the recommendations we give them. But we would really hope they would start with the number one-ranked project first and then go to see if they could work on a deal out with them, and if that were to fail, then go down the line,” said Charley Johnson, Chair of Convention Center Committee.

Fargo City Commissioners are expected to look over the rankings on Monday.