CINCINNATI: The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority has finalized its purchase of an aging arena that once hosted The Beatles and was home to the western Ohio city’s former NBA franchise. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports (http://cin.ci/2a2kRjR ) the Port Authority closed a deal Thursday to purchase the Cincinnati Gardens as well as facilities and land near the main arena for a price of $1.2 million.
Pete Robinson, president and CEO of Cincinnati Gardens LLC, says his family has mixed emotions about selling the 67-year-old venue. Robinson’s father, Gerald, purchased the arena in 1979. Port Authority executive vice president Darin Hall says the redevelopment will continue the community’s vision to revitalize the Bond Hill and Roselawn neighborhoods. The NBA’s Cincinnati Royals played their home games at the Gardens from 1957 to 1972.
