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Leonard E. Merrell Center
The
long-awaited Leonard E. Merrell Center, one of Katy
ISD’s most recent additions, symbolizes a milestone for
the Katy community. For the first time ever, the 145,000
square foot arena provides residents a local gathering
place to enjoy a wide-range of events.
Funding for the Merrell Center came from a Tax increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), developed in partnership with the City of Katy and the Katy Development Authority and, as a result, no additional taxpayer dollars were used to build the Merrell Center. Property tax revenue generated by the Katy Mills Mall is used to pay for the Merrell Center and its operations. The bonds are not Katy ISD bonds, but are issued by the City of Katy and the Katy Development Authority. The Merrell Center does not add any additional tax or debt burden to the district.
The Merrell Center is a perfect venue for graduation
ceremonies, banquets, trade shows, conventions, sporting
contests, concerts, and more. Finished in the spring of
2005, the arena swung open its doors in time to host its
first two events, the employee service awards and the
class of 2005’s graduation ceremonies.
The
Merrell Center, complete with a dynamic setting and
unique features, offers a level of versatility that is
second to none. Whether hosting a small intimate
gathering, or a more elaborate, large-scale affair, the
facility provides a “custom fit” to personalize any
event. In addition to flexible arena floor
configurations and a variety of room sizes, the facility
features:
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21,600 sq. foot
arena floor
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3,000 sq. foot of
exhibit/meeting rooms with flexible design
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6,300 sq. ft. lobby
and ticketing area
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Removable maple wood
floor
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Seating for up to
7,200
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Professional kitchen
and full catering services for up to 1,200
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On-site parking for
2,400 vehicles
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Large Daktronics LED
screens and scoreboards
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Professional sound
and lighting systems
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Multimedia
capabilities, including live broadcasts and wireless
internet
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Unlimited floor load
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Electrical, up to
600 amps
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Professional,
full-service staff for each event
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Handicap accessible,
including parking and 2 public elevators
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Concession stands,
locker rooms, 2 overhead loading area doors and more
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