Developers announce plans for Idaho Falls events center groundbreaking

The Idaho Falls Auditorium District named the event center’s operator Thursday night.

District leaders announced they chose Centennial Management Group which is based in Salt Lake City.

Groundbreaking is expected in May, according to CMG’s president Kevin Bruder. The construction process is expected to take 18 months, he said.

Planning and design on the events center is still in the early stages. But at Thursday’s announcement, Bruder showed off sketches of a hockey stadium, area for shops, restaurants, conference center and space for a concert venue.

The budget is also still in the process of being finalized. It will be funded by the new 5 percent hotel and motel bed tax in Idaho Falls. The tax was overwhelmingly approved by city voters in May 2011.

The new events center will be built near Snake River Landing and Sunnyside Road.