KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two Kansas City-area arenas are in consideration as sites for alternative-care facilities should the need arise, according to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.
Parson said Monday that the Hy-Vee Arena, formerly known as Kemper Arena, in Kansas City, Missouri, and Cable Dahmer Arena, formerly Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, in Independence were possible locations for emergency medical facilities if the COVID-19 outbreak overwhelms hospitals.
The Missouri National Guard has been working since last week to identify “potential alternative care sites,” Parson said.
“They are looking at three main selection criteria for these sites, including located in areas with the possibility of deficient bed counts, (the) area is large enough for patient population and areas where utilities are available to start immediate construction, if necessary,” Parson said. “This is just another example of how we're moving forward to put plans in place, anticipate needs and support our communities during this fight against COIVID-19.”
Cable Dahmer Arena’s box office currently is closed through at least April 24 due to stay-at-home orders issued by Independence and Jackson County.
Hy-Vee Arena is under a similar order from KCMO and has suspended all activities anyway to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines ln large gatherings.
Other possible sites include:
- The Edward Jones Dome and America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis
- The Hammons Student Center and JQH Arena at Missouri State University in Springfield
- Leggett and Platt Athletic Center at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin
- Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau
- Hearnes Center in Columbia
