Norfolk Scope master plan unveiled

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The City of Norfolk revealed plans Tuesday to make improvements to the iconic Scope venue downtown.

John Rhamstine, Director of Cultural Facilities, made the presentation during the 2 p.m. City Council Work Session Tuesday.

Following a 2004 study done for Scope, the City made significant functional improvements to Scope and the adjacent Chrysler Hall, including in part, new seats, new sound systems, new glass for hockey and new dressing rooms.

The Master Plan document , obtained by WAVY.com, looks at future projects, particularly to the concourse and plaza areas.

"Unless you create the atmosphere and the fans are going to want to come, the entertainment is almost secondary," Director of Cultural Facilities John Rhamstine said.

The renovation could cost between $15 and $20 million, according to councilman Tommy Smiegel. 

"I'm sure there are things that have to be done, but are there going to be a significant amount of extra events added or significant type of different events added? Is it going to open up the opportunity to draw in new and different type of things?" businessman Baxter Simmons said.

John Rhamstien, Scope's director, told WAVY.com the plans are amenities for the existing fan base, necessary to keep them coming back. 

A city panel selected Moseley and Populous Architects to complete the vision.

Click here to view images of the Scope Master Plan.

The next step is for Council to approve the project. It will then go to the Design and Review committees and to the Planning Commission for input, according to City Spokeswoman Lori Crouch.

Once full approval of the concept is granted, budgets and construction timelines will be discussed.