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7/9/26, 2:55 PM City Council Work Session - Mar 10, 2026 - City Hall - City Council Conference Room, 2400 Washington Ave - Minutes - Adopted
Jefferson Lab and close coordination with the Vice Mayor to identify appropriate local
participants, with programming to be announced in advance rather than as surprises and one
ticket would cover all events.
Councilman Long asked about expanding capacity to increase attendance closer to original
projections. Mr. Dowe explained that infrastructure limitations based on approved street
closures prevented larger capacity from the original renderings, while maintaining large-scale
talent and programming quality.
Regarding the ticket prices, Mr. Dowe indicated the price would be announced Thursday, March
12, 2026, as they were still adjusting for City treasurer-provided tax rates.
Councilman Coleman inquired about the lineup's value. Mr. Dowe confirmed it was absolutely a
$3 million lineup, noting that Grammy-winning artists and executives like the CEO of Google Xi
command very hefty price tags and are crucial to their businesses.
Mr. Dowe further advised that infrastructure costs represented a significant portion of
expenses, as Newport News lacks existing venues like theaters or amphitheaters, requiring
mobile stages, dome structures, and extensive fencing to create the necessary infrastructure
from scratch.
Mayor Jones emphasized several priorities: tracking direct and indirect economic impact
starting immediately, ensuring public safety as the cornerstone with fire and police involvement
in safety planning, recognizing schools and universities, incorporating local CEOs from major
stakeholders like Ferguson Enterprises, Canon, Liebherr, the Newport News Shipyard, and
Riverside Health, noting that three of six key stakeholders had already expressed interest in
participation. Mayor Jones emphasized incorporating local talent including CEOs, musicians,
Jefferson Laboratory personnel, and educational partners like CNU, Hampton University and
Virginia Peninsula Community College, pursuing sponsorship opportunities now that the lineup
is finalized, activating the Yard District and Downtown area, and considering permanent
infrastructure at Victory Landing Park for future events.
City Manager Archer confirmed that an economic impact assessment strategy was already in
development with Mr. Marlin McDaniel, Innovation Program Manager, Office of Innovation,
leading the effort on developing models to measure return on investment, following research
into other localities' approaches to significant community events.
Memorial Day Event Update Noodle Thinkers Convention
II. Comments/Ideas/Suggestions
Councilman Long advised he attended the Newport News Business Growth Summit, held
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center (2410 Wickham Avenue)
and suggested integration of small business think tanks with the convention's networking
opportunities to help propel smaller businesses and create economic impact and job growth.
Councilwoman Vick raised concerns about the One City Marathon weekend, noting that many
restaurants were closed during the event when runners and participants were seeking services
like coffee. She requested that for future events to encourage businesses to remain open to
take advantage of the influx of visitors and generate revenue beyond just food trucks.
Mayor Jones responded positively to organizing a roundtable with small businesses, which
Councilman Long enthusiastically supported.
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