RelyEx Solutions

Drayage Brokersin Mobile, AL

Contact RelyEx today to quote your next shipment.

Because a drayage load can mean a few different things, confusion among carriers is common. Many carriers link drayage with going into a port, but that isn't always true. While all drayage loads typically originate from a port of entry, there are often several legs of a drayage journey before a container turns up at its final stop. Legs of a drayage load may include:

Why Are Drayage Companies in Mobile, AL So Important?

You may be thinking, what's so important about drayage? It's such a small step in the container storage transport process. In reality, it's an integral piece needed in the logistics industry and a crucial part of U.S. supply chain management.

To truly understand the importance of drayage, let's use flowers as an example. Most cut flower shipments enter the market from areas in South America until they end up at Dutch auction houses. Once there, wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk and send those products to retail outlets worldwide. Because flowers are perishable, they typically need to be refrigerated and are often shipped in reefer containers. These refrigerated vessels must maintain a certain temp to prevent loss.

Drayage companies like RelyEx allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services. Drayage companies allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind, because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services.

If port drayage is compromised, it can cause delays and even fines. You know the packages you get delivered to your front door from apps like Amazon? Without drayage and drayage brokers, one or two-day shipping times wouldn't even be possible.

As a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone, it seems like drayage shipping issues shouldn't exist. But the fact is inefficiencies and congestion are still major problems at ports. Whether it's a lack of carriers, absent chassis, or overburdened terminals, delays lead to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and worse.

But anytime challenges exist, so too do innovative solutions.

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Container Services Mobile, AL

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 Drayage Mobile, AL

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 Drayage Services Mobile, AL

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 Full Truck Load Mobile, AL

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 Logistic Services Mobile, AL

RelyEx Solves Problems

At RelyEx, we like to consider ourselves problem solvers. The nature of the container drayage industry presents new challenges every day, but we're firm believers that there's a solution to every hurdle we encounter. And while some drayage businesses implement a reactive approach, RelyEx customers choose us for our proactive mindset. We take pride in solving your company's drayage challenges to help you avoid frustrating fees, missed expectations, and delayed shipments. We strive to make every transaction successful and streamlined by partnering with shippers who prioritize transparent, prompt, and accurate communication.

 Ocean Container Drayage Mobile, AL

RelyEx Has a Unique Vantage Point

RelyEx approaches your business from the customer's perspective - a unique approach that helps us provide high-quality, effective drayage services. We've been in the customers' shoes, know their pain points, and because of that, provide first-hand solutions to stressful supply chain issues. With over 30 years of collective knowledge, our team excels in:

  • Inventory Management
  • Logistics
  • Purchasing
  • Finance

Our varied, high-level drayage shipping experience helps us achieve our overarching goal: expertly managing your freight movement needs. That way, you can direct your time and focus on growing the core aspects of your business while we handle the heavy lifting. Throw in proactive planning to avoid bottleneck situations and strong communication for transparent customer relations, and you can see why so many companies trust RelyEx.

 Warehousing Mobile, AL

RelyEx Nurtures Strong Carrier Relationships

When it comes to shipping logistics, it only takes one mistake by a mediocre worker to disrupt your business. That's why, at RelyEx, we pride ourselves on forming and nurturing relationships with carriers who match our standards of care. Our founding partner started his career transporting freight for companies as an on-demand carrier. He uses that knowledge to maximize the resources of our carriers so that our customer's expectations aren't just met - they're exceeded.

Based in the port city of Mobile, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.

 Transloading Mobile, AL

Customers choose RelyEx because:

  • We are a reliable drayage logistics partner that manages your freight from beginning to end
  • We have a rare industry vantage point with 30+ years of client-side experience
  • We foster and fortify the strongest vendor relations
  • We take a proactive approach to problem-solving, not a reactive approach
Let us know how we can help.
phone-number843-885-3082
Container Services Mobile, AL

Your Drayage Shipments Managed from Start to Finish

Some drayage brokers don't care how customers feel about their service as long as they sign a contract and get paid. As a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx takes the opposite approach. We're motivated by the opportunity to overachieve for our customers and to provide them with the best logistics experience possible. With professional experience as carriers and shippers ourselves, we know the roadblocks and challenges you're facing. We excel at mapping out the best plans of action to solve those problems. But that's just the start.

Our tracking experts monitor and manage every aspect of your drayage shipment from booking to delivery, 24/7. Once booked, we look for the availability of your containers hourly once they're at port. When they arrive, our team acts quickly to access your storage containers when they're available.

Plus, RelyEx ensures your company's requirements are met by the carrier during loading and delivery and provide necessary documentation as fast as possible. With real-time tracking updates and access to our customer service professionals, your team has complete visibility throughout the shipping process.

We Source Top-Notch Operators at the Best Prices

Over the years, RelyEx has built a strong network of drayage carriers, transloading locations, and container storage spaces to provide you with the best possible options to match your drayage service needs. We know that searching for quality service presents an added layer of complexity and stress to our customers. That's why we work hard to take that off your plate by connecting you with our reliable shipping partners.

With a background moving freight as an on-demand carrier, our founding partner understands how to maximize the resources and equipment of our carriers to match your needs.

 Drayage Mobile, AL
 Drayage Services Mobile, AL

We Make Transparent, Timely Communication a Priority

Like other industries, the global logistics space is complex. Mistakes will be made, and problems will happen. With those truths in mind, RelyEx has built its reputation as problem solvers. Unlike other drayage companies, we don't shy away from this industry's complexities because we take pride in solving problems. Even better, we aim to do what's needed to avoid those problems altogether.

As your logistics partner, we will provide your company with accurate, transparent, and prompt communication. If there are unexpected issues, we'll notify you immediately and will provide several options to remedy the problem. We even offer custom reporting for large clients who need at-the-moment updates and quick access to shipment documentation.

We Have Robust Project Management Experience

Why let the unpredictability of your industry dictate your success? With a background working in manufacturing, our founders are familiar with the demands of managing production schedules and sales orders. That experience makes it abundantly clear to us that every business and industry is different. If you struggle with seasonal surges or other factors, our team supports your business with a mapped-out plan and schedule, so you stay ahead of the game.

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 Full Truck Load Mobile, AL

Paperwork Errors

Typically, shippers need four specific documents to clear shipments through customs: A Bill of Lading (or BOL), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an arrival notice. Seasoned drayage brokers like RelyEx are used to preparing these documents, but new shippers tend to miss this step due to inexperience.

Payment Delays

If a shipper only pays for part of their shipment, a vessel operator may refuse to release their freight until their bill is fully paid. Payment delays lead to cargo detention at the port of entry, which triggers demurrage charges.

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Documents Received Too Late

Paperwork is needed when you're shipping goods with a drayage company. When documents like the Certificate of Origin or Bill of Lading arrive at their destination late, you can expect demurrage fees. RelyEx avoids this situation entirely by being proactive when submitting paperwork.

Additional causes for demurrage fees can include:

  • Damaged Container Storage
  • Custom Released Containers
  • Storage Containers Are Too Heavy

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RelyEx:

The Supply Chain Partner You Can Count On

At RelyEx, we know first-hand how stressful supply chain problems can be for business owners. Though drayage shipping might seem minor on the surface, it affects every stage of your shipping process. And when inevitable hurdles manifest, RelyEx propels you over the proverbial roadblocks with a proactive mindset and a passion for challenging projects. We believe that all problems have a solution, and our unique vantage point allows us to provide first-hand solutions to customers in a wide array of industries.

When it comes to your business, don't settle for anything less than RelyEx. Contact our office today to learn more about how we make your shipping experience streamlined and stress-free.

phone-number843-885-3082

Latest News in Mobile, AL

Mobile, AL Housing Market Trends and Predictions 2024

The Mobile housing market can be characterized as somewhat competitive. While home prices are rising and inventory levels are low, homes are still selling relatively quickly. This suggests that the market is balanced, with neither buyers nor sellers having a clear advantage.How is the Mobile Housing Market Doing Today?The Mobile, Alabama housing market is competitive and relatively affordable. According to Redfin, the median sa...

The Mobile housing market can be characterized as somewhat competitive. While home prices are rising and inventory levels are low, homes are still selling relatively quickly. This suggests that the market is balanced, with neither buyers nor sellers having a clear advantage.

How is the Mobile Housing Market Doing Today?

The Mobile, Alabama housing market is competitive and relatively affordable. According to Redfin, the median sale price in Mobile is currently $186,000, representing a 1.2% increase from the previous year. This indicates that home values in Mobile are on the rise, albeit at a modest pace. This trend is likely due to a combination of factors, including a growing population, a strong local economy, and a limited supply of available homes.

Homes in Mobile typically sell after spending 26 days on the market. This is a relatively short period of time, suggesting that demand for homes in Mobile is outpacing supply. This can be seen as a positive sign for sellers, as it indicates that they are likely to receive multiple offers and sell their homes quickly.

Inventory levels in the Mobile housing market are currently low. This means that there are not many homes available for sale, which is putting upward pressure on prices and making it more difficult for buyers to find their dream homes. However, this trend is also creating a favorable environment for sellers, as they are likely to receive multiple offers and sell their homes quickly.

There are a number of factors driving the strong housing market in Mobile, including:

Overall, the Mobile, Alabama housing market is strong and expected to remain so in the near future. Buyers should be prepared to act quickly and make competitive offers in order to secure a home in this market.

Mobile, AL Housing Market Forecast 2024

According to Zillow, the current average Mobile home value stands at $181,694, reflecting a noteworthy increase of 3.1% over the past year. Additionally, homes in Mobile go pending in approximately 19 days, underlining the dynamic nature of the local housing market. This data is accurate as of December 31, 2023.

In terms of the Mobile MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) Housing Market Forecast, the projection indicates a steady growth trajectory. As of December 31, 2023, the forecast suggests an increase of 0.1% by January 31, 2024, followed by a more substantial rise of 0.5% by March 31, 2024, and culminating in a notable 3.2% uptick by the end of the year, December 31, 2024.

The Mobile MSA encompasses the city of Mobile, AL, and its surrounding areas in the state of Alabama. This statistical area, as of the base date December 31, 2023, is poised for growth, evident in the forecasted percentage increases. The Mobile MSA housing market comprises various counties, contributing to the overall housing dynamics.

Contrary to a downward trend, the data indicates a positive trajectory in Mobile's housing market. The 3.1% increase in average home value over the past year, coupled with a median sale price of $198,817 as of November 30, 2023, suggests a robust and appreciating real estate market.

Based on current indicators, there is no imminent risk of a housing market crash in Mobile. The steady growth in home values, coupled with a Seller's Market dynamic, provides stability. However, real estate markets are influenced by various factors, and continuous monitoring is essential to adapt to any potential shifts in the future.

Considering the Seller's Market conditions and the appreciating home values, prospective buyers should carefully assess their individual circumstances. While the market may favor sellers, opportunities exist for well-informed buyers. Consulting with real estate professionals and staying informed about market trends can aid in making a strategic decision. Ultimately, whether it's a good time to buy depends on individual goals, financial capacity, and the long-term vision for homeownership.

Is Mobile, AL a Good Place to Invest in Real Estate?

Mobile, Alabama is indeed a promising location for real estate investment. Several compelling factors make it an attractive choice for potential investors:

Mobile boasts an affordable housing market, with the average home value at $181,694 (source: Zillow). The value appreciation, showing a 3.1% increase over the past year, signifies potential for solid returns on investment.

The market in Mobile is driven by demand for housing due to a growing economy and an influx of new jobs and businesses. The city's low cost of living further attracts individuals and families, fueling the demand for homes.

Mobile offers a wide range of housing options, catering to various demographics. From affordable starter homes to luxury waterfront estates, the market provides opportunities for diverse investments, appealing to a broader range of potential buyers or renters.

Mobile's strategic location as a port city and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make it a hub for trade and commerce. Additionally, ongoing infrastructural development projects enhance the overall appeal of the city, potentially boosting property values in the future.

The city's growing population and economic activity create a robust rental market. Real estate investors can benefit from rental income, especially in areas popular with renters, such as the Midtown, Spring Hill, and West Mobile neighborhoods.

Considering these factors, Mobile, Alabama presents a promising landscape for real estate investment. However, it's crucial to conduct thorough market research, consider your investment goals, and work with a qualified real estate agent to make informed decisions and maximize your investment potential.

References:

AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile cellular outages reported across nation

If you are having cell phone issues Thursday, you aren’t alone.Many U.S. cell phone users reported outages across the nation.Per downdetector.com, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile and other networks were reported as down early Thursday morning. Outages were reported from Atlanta to New York to Los Angeles and multiple locations in between.Downdetector offers real-time status information for more than 12,000 services across 47 websites representin...

If you are having cell phone issues Thursday, you aren’t alone.

Many U.S. cell phone users reported outages across the nation.

Per downdetector.com, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile and other networks were reported as down early Thursday morning. Outages were reported from Atlanta to New York to Los Angeles and multiple locations in between.

Downdetector offers real-time status information for more than 12,000 services across 47 websites representing 47 countries.

Despite the reports, T-Mobile, in a statement to AL.com, said, “We did not experience an outage. Our network is operating normally.”

Down Detector is likely reflecting challenges our customers were having attempting to connect to users on other networks.

“There is currently a nationwide outage with AT&T’s network,” Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency posted on social media. “We do not have a timeline of when this will be fixed. If you have this network provider, and need to contact 9-1-1 emergency services...there could be a delay in response. An update will be posted when this is corrected.”

There is currently a nationwide outage with AT&T’s network. We do not have a timeline of when this will be fixed. If you have this network provider, and need to contact 9-1-1 emergency services.. there could be a delay in response. An update will be posted when this is corrected.

— Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (@BaldwinEMA) February 22, 2024

In Florida, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office posted on X at 5:43 a.m. (6:43 a.m. EST) that, “Texts to 911 from affected AT&T users are now being received. If you have an emergency, and cannot dial out, send a text message to 911.”

CNBC reports the largest number of issues were reported by AT&T customers, peaking at nearly 32,000 outages around 3:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m. ET). Outages were still high as of 6:30 a.m.

According to the Daily Mail, AT&T iPhone users have reported their phones stuck in SOS mode, which means users can only make calls to emergency services. Customers in New Orleans said making phone calls was impossible, but texts still appeared to work.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

Mobile officials celebrate opening of Topgolf as ‘talent attractor’

Elected officials and business leaders celebrated the opening of Mobile’s new Topgolf facility on Friday morning, describing it as a “talent attractor” that will boost the city’s efforts to build its economy and its workforce.“We don’t normally go out and recruit businesses like this to come to Mobile,” said Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Mobile Chamber. “But this is so important. We all agree, we recruited this business to come to Mobile because it is so important for the quali...

Elected officials and business leaders celebrated the opening of Mobile’s new Topgolf facility on Friday morning, describing it as a “talent attractor” that will boost the city’s efforts to build its economy and its workforce.

“We don’t normally go out and recruit businesses like this to come to Mobile,” said Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Mobile Chamber. “But this is so important. We all agree, we recruited this business to come to Mobile because it is so important for the quality of our life. It’s so important for the development of our economy and this is a major talent attractor. And we’re in the business of attracting talent because we got plenty of jobs for people. We need more talent.”

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and County Commissioner Randall Deuitt readily seconded the sentiment.

“We’ve got a lot of ribbon cuttings, but this one is so unique,” said Stimpson. “We’re just very, very fortunate. Nobody does it quite like Topgolf. And I can remember probably started conversations about Topgolf five years ago.” He credited developer John Whitson for coming up with a workable plan, “And then because of the support of the city council and the county commission with incentive money, he was able to figure out how to make all this work,” Stimpson said.

In August, the Mobile City Council and the Mobile County Commission each endorsed $1.25 million incentive packages for the $22 million project.

Deuitt said he’d wanted a Topgolf for Mobile since the first time he visited one.

“It’s been a dream or a desire of mine to have one in Mobile because this adds to everything that Mobile is doing,” the commissioner said. “Like Bradley said, we’re trying to attract talent. We have jobs that we need to fill. And along with those jobs, you have got to have a source of entertaining people’s families if you want them to live and thrive in your community. So that’s, that’s why this was very important, not only for that, but it gives Mobile a destination for people who are traveling. People will actually plan their Disney trips from Texas to stop at Topgolf in Mobile now and spend the night here. So that’s important to us.”

The facility, at 1250 Satchel Paige Drive, sits in a corner of the McGowan Park Shopping Center at the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. 90, with its high-rise netting plainly visible from the interstate. It is the third Topgolf facility in the state, joining sites in Huntsville and Birmingham.

Director of operations Brian Walsh said that the state’s newest Topgolf facility, with two decks and 60 hitting bays, isn’t its largest. But “We have the latest and greatest technology,” he said.

The facility also has an extensive indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant area and a mini-golf course among its features. Such amenities, plus “year-round family-friendly programming” help the facility pitch itself as a “prime spot for team outings, family gatherings, meetings or really anything Players are looking to celebrate.”

But the main attraction doubtless will be the climate-controlled hitting bays, from which golfers can take aim at a field dotted with bullseyes. According to promotional materials, golfers can “take aim at giant targets on the field while playing virtual courses or Topgolf’s signature games like ‘Angry Birds.’”

On the serious side, “Toptracer” technology “traces each golf ball’s flight path, distance and other metrics,” giving serious-minded players data on what’s going on with their game.

Dignitaries at Friday’s ribbon cutting had a mixed view on trying it all out. “I don’t know how to play golf and I’m gonna go out there and swing away, trust me, because you don’t have to be a great golfer to come here and have fun,” said Byrne.

“The last time I played golf is when they opened Timber Creek,” said Stimpson. “I got home and I told Jean, I said, ‘There are other things I can do to humiliate myself other than swinging at a golf ball.’ So if you see me swinging, you better take a picture of it.”

“Not only should you take a picture if you see him swing, but make sure you duck,” advised Deuitt.

For full information on the facility, visit topgolf.com/us/mobile.

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New $300 million Civic Center arena for Mobile to host hockey, Mardi Gras balls, major concerts

The 60-year-old Mobile Civic Center Arena, expo hall and theater is set to be demolished later this year and replaced with a new $300 million arena that will host large Mardi Gras balls, ice hockey, concerts, and more under a plan the city will unveil at 2 p.m. today.The city plans to borrow up to 56% of the costs for the new project, representing the first major financing project Mobile has undergone since Mayor Sandy Stimpson was first elected in 2013.The state-of-the-art venue will have a maximum seating capacity of 10,275 p...

The 60-year-old Mobile Civic Center Arena, expo hall and theater is set to be demolished later this year and replaced with a new $300 million arena that will host large Mardi Gras balls, ice hockey, concerts, and more under a plan the city will unveil at 2 p.m. today.

The city plans to borrow up to 56% of the costs for the new project, representing the first major financing project Mobile has undergone since Mayor Sandy Stimpson was first elected in 2013.

The state-of-the-art venue will have a maximum seating capacity of 10,275 people and, according to Stimpson’s office, will be able to attract large touring and entertainment acts while having the capacity to host a minor league hockey team.

“We are configured to handle anything going on in the United States,” said James Barber, Stimpson’s chief of staff.

Demolition of the existing structure is set to begin in August, with construction of the new venue commencing in February 2025. A ribbon cutting on the new venue is targeted for January 2027.

The new arena -- a rectangular-shaped structure as opposed to the existing circular bowl -- is a three-level venue with a “grand hall” entrance, loge and premium seating areas, arena clubs and suites, and a large loading dock to accommodate touring acts.

Outside the new arena, the venue will be configured to have a large balcony that can overlook Mardi Gras parades and an adjacent outdoor promenade.

The renderings of the proposed new facility will be released during today’s announcement. The event is occurring outside the main entrance of the existing Civic Center Arena.

The structure would have a smaller seating capacity than Birmingham’s Legacy Arena, but is on par with the Von Braun Center in Huntsville and the newly-built Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Ga.

Negotiations are still ongoing with the arena’s new program manager, Denver-based Oak View Group (OVG), managers of sports venues throughout the country. City officials say that OVG is in the process of taking over the management of the Civic Center from ASM Global, which has long operated the existing structure.

Live Nation Entertainment Inc., the world’s largest live entertainment company, is also expected to be part of the project.

Barber said all management contracts for the new venue are expected to be finalized by April, at which time the Mobile City Council will be expected to vote on them.

City officials believe what will make the new arena stand out from other venues in the country is its affiliation with Mardi Gras events.

The new 78-foot-tall arena will be specifically designed to host Mardi Gras balls that can attract more than 7,300 revelers, a much larger capacity that what currently attends Mardi Gras balls inside the Civic Center. The adjoining grand hall on the proposed new building’s northwestern entrance will also accommodate up to 1,000 people for Mardi Gras balls and other events.

“There is no other facility like this in the country because of Mardi Gras,” Barber said.

The existing Civic Center has long been an epicenter for some of the oldest and most well-attended Mardi Gras balls during the Carnival season.

City officials say they have not yet determined alternative sites for the Mardi Gras societies that use the existing venue while the new arena is under construction. Demolition of the entire Civic Center property is expected to start in August and will take approximately six months to complete. Construction on the new venue will begin in February 2025, and at least two Carnival seasons -- the 2025 and 2026 seasons -- will be without a civic center arena.

“We don’t want to interfere with more than two Mardi Gras,” Barber said.

Barber calls the existing Civic Center Arena “in failure” as a structure, noting that it was classified in 2009 as “obsolete.” He said that an estimate to renovate the existing Civic Center venue would cost $242 million, and with the potential to cost even more.

“You don’t know how much it will cost until you take it apart and find other issues,” Barber said, adding that renovation equates to “a 60-year-old facility with new skin on it. But that’s it.”

The existing facility is also costly to taxpayers, operating at a $1.8 million loss each year. That figure equates to approximately $18 million over 10 years, Barber said.

The costs to maintain the building continue to increase. Last month, the council approved a $287,000 to fix the face of the Civic Center’s theater amid concerns over falling bricks. Some council members, after voting to support the temporary fix, called the entire venue an “old worn-out shoe.”

Barber also said the existing facility, a circular design, is not built to logistically handle modern-era live entertainment shows and concerts. He said the new, rectangular-shaped arena will have a 200,000-pound rigging capacity, which can accommodate the most elaborate touring productions.

Barber said renovating the existing structure would not give Mobile the ability to compete with other cities that have newer venues for touring acts.

“The lifespan for a renovated building is 15 years versus 50 years for a new building,” he said.

For now, the city has no plans for rebuilding a theater on the Civic Center property.

A proposed future site plan calls for building a new theater on the Civic Center’s 22-acre property’s far western side abutting near Lawrence Street. Other future developments include a new hotel adjacent to a parking garage that is under construction and new residential and mixed-use development.

Theater shows will be relocated into other venues, Barber said, such as at the 1,900-seat historic Saenger Theater in downtown Mobile.

“We think we can accommodate 60 percent of what happens at the theater,” he said. “Everyone is trying to work through this process.”

The new arena would be built further east than the existing arena. An outdoor promenade, which could be used as a future staging ground for Mardi Gras parades, will be constructed west of the arena’s entrance.

The entrance to the arena would face the outdoor promenade. The current arena entrance faces Spanish Plaza.

Financially doable

Stimpson said the city is poised to pay for the project without having to sacrifice city services or whittling away at capital improvement projects.

Under the plan, the city plans to borrow $165 million to $170 million, and repay the debt over a 20-year period.

Stimpson said the plan also includes the city putting up $100 million in cash toward the overall development. Of that, $50 million would come from the city’s “unassigned fund balance,” which is sometimes referred to as a budget surplus.

The city has dipped into that balance to provide $30 million for a new airport terminal project under construction at the Brookley Aeroplex, and to support the new Civic Center parking garage that is expected to be finished in January 2025. The 1,000-space garage will service both the Civic Center and the nearby U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office building that is currently under construction.

Stimpson said the city’s overall finances are in good enough shape to pursue the project. He said the city’s existing debt – once at over $300 million in 2012 – is expected to be paid off by 2030.

Stimpson said that for the first four years, the city will plan on making interest-only payments while the remaining existing debt is paid down. After 2030, the city plans to make principal and interest payments until the entire bonded amount is retired by 2045.

“Not only do we have the will to do it, we have the means to do it,” Stimpson said.

The new arena is expected to draw 400,000 people annually, while adding new jobs within the service industry, Stimpson said. The Mobile Chamber is currently undergoing an economic impact analysis for the new arena.

The city is also looking for outside help that includes $40 million for naming rights associated with the building and features within it, $3 million to preserve existing mosaics currently on display within the Civic Center, and a 10% investment from the arena’s partner – presumably OVG.

Candace Cooksey, a spokesperson for Stimpson, said there will be a “check point” on the overall costs of the project once it’s at 60% design, which is expected to be this summer. She said that the project is currently at 30% design.

Volkert Inc., the project managers for the city on the Civic Center project, are charged with ensuring that the project does not exceed $300 million, she said.

The new Civic Center plan caps off years of discussions on what to do with the existing venue that once hosted Elvis Presley in concert but has been diminished in its usage for decades. It continues to remain one of the hottest spots during the city’s Carnival season, which is Alabama’s largest annual festival.

The current venue was also once home to the Mobile Mysticks minor league hockey team until it suspended operations in 2002.

Barber said the design for the new arena includes an ice arena to host shows such as Disney on Ice. But there is also interest in luring a minor league hockey team to Mobile, although details appear to be preliminary.

Jason Johnson, a spokesman for Stimpson, said the city is not engaged with talks right now about attracting a minor league team to Mobile.

Barber said that OVG would be charged with bringing a hockey team to the new arena. He said the company would also be charged with the site selection of a hockey club’s training facility.

The nearest minor league hockey franchise is the Pensacola Ice Flyers (previously the Ice Piolets), who have played their home games at the Pensacola Bay Center since the mid-1990s.

The Ice Flyers play in the Southern Professional Hockey League, consisting of franchises in the southeastern U.S., Illinois, and Indiana.

Mobile Civic Center

New $300 million Civic Center arena for Mobile to host hockey, Mardi Gras balls, major concerts

The 60-year-old Mobile Civic Center Arena, expo hall and theater is set to be demolished later this year and replaced with a new $300 million arena that will host large Mardi Gras balls, ice hockey, concerts, and more under a plan the city will unveil at 2 p.m. today.The city plans to borrow up to 56% of the costs for the new project, representing the first major financing project Mobile has undergone since Mayor Sandy Stimpson was first elected in 2013.The state-of-the-art venue will have a maximum seating capacity of 10,275 p...

The 60-year-old Mobile Civic Center Arena, expo hall and theater is set to be demolished later this year and replaced with a new $300 million arena that will host large Mardi Gras balls, ice hockey, concerts, and more under a plan the city will unveil at 2 p.m. today.

The city plans to borrow up to 56% of the costs for the new project, representing the first major financing project Mobile has undergone since Mayor Sandy Stimpson was first elected in 2013.

The state-of-the-art venue will have a maximum seating capacity of 10,275 people and, according to Stimpson’s office, will be able to attract large touring and entertainment acts while having the capacity to host a minor league hockey team.

“We are configured to handle anything going on in the United States,” said James Barber, Stimpson’s chief of staff.

Demolition of the existing structure is set to begin in August, with construction of the new venue commencing in February 2025. A ribbon cutting on the new venue is targeted for January 2027.

The new arena -- a rectangular-shaped structure as opposed to the existing circular bowl -- is a three-level venue with a “grand hall” entrance, loge and premium seating areas, arena clubs and suites, and a large loading dock to accommodate touring acts.

Outside the new arena, the venue will be configured to have a large balcony that can overlook Mardi Gras parades and an adjacent outdoor promenade.

The renderings of the proposed new facility will be released during today’s announcement. The event is occurring outside the main entrance of the existing Civic Center Arena.

The structure would have a smaller seating capacity than Birmingham’s Legacy Arena, but is on par with the Von Braun Center in Huntsville and the newly-built Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Ga.

Negotiations are still ongoing with the arena’s new program manager, Denver-based Oak View Group (OVG), managers of sports venues throughout the country. City officials say that OVG is in the process of taking over the management of the Civic Center from ASM Global, which has long operated the existing structure.

Live Nation Entertainment Inc., the world’s largest live entertainment company, is also expected to be part of the project.

Barber said all management contracts for the new venue are expected to be finalized by April, at which time the Mobile City Council will be expected to vote on them.

City officials believe what will make the new arena stand out from other venues in the country is its affiliation with Mardi Gras events.

The new 78-foot-tall arena will be specifically designed to host Mardi Gras balls that can attract more than 7,300 revelers, a much larger capacity that what currently attends Mardi Gras balls inside the Civic Center. The adjoining grand hall on the proposed new building’s northwestern entrance will also accommodate up to 1,000 people for Mardi Gras balls and other events.

“There is no other facility like this in the country because of Mardi Gras,” Barber said.

The existing Civic Center has long been an epicenter for some of the oldest and most well-attended Mardi Gras balls during the Carnival season.

City officials say they have not yet determined alternative sites for the Mardi Gras societies that use the existing venue while the new arena is under construction. Demolition of the entire Civic Center property is expected to start in August and will take approximately six months to complete. Construction on the new venue will begin in February 2025, and at least two Carnival seasons -- the 2025 and 2026 seasons -- will be without a civic center arena.

“We don’t want to interfere with more than two Mardi Gras,” Barber said.

Barber calls the existing Civic Center Arena “in failure” as a structure, noting that it was classified in 2009 as “obsolete.” He said that an estimate to renovate the existing Civic Center venue would cost $242 million, and with the potential to cost even more.

“You don’t know how much it will cost until you take it apart and find other issues,” Barber said, adding that renovation equates to “a 60-year-old facility with new skin on it. But that’s it.”

The existing facility is also costly to taxpayers, operating at a $1.8 million loss each year. That figure equates to approximately $18 million over 10 years, Barber said.

The costs to maintain the building continue to increase. Last month, the council approved a $287,000 to fix the face of the Civic Center’s theater amid concerns over falling bricks. Some council members, after voting to support the temporary fix, called the entire venue an “old worn-out shoe.”

Barber also said the existing facility, a circular design, is not built to logistically handle modern-era live entertainment shows and concerts. He said the new, rectangular-shaped arena will have a 200,000-pound rigging capacity, which can accommodate the most elaborate touring productions.

Barber said renovating the existing structure would not give Mobile the ability to compete with other cities that have newer venues for touring acts.

“The lifespan for a renovated building is 15 years versus 50 years for a new building,” he said.

For now, the city has no plans for rebuilding a theater on the Civic Center property.

A proposed future site plan calls for building a new theater on the Civic Center’s 22-acre property’s far western side abutting near Lawrence Street. Other future developments include a new hotel adjacent to a parking garage that is under construction and new residential and mixed-use development.

Theater shows will be relocated into other venues, Barber said, such as at the 1,900-seat historic Saenger Theater in downtown Mobile.

“We think we can accommodate 60 percent of what happens at the theater,” he said. “Everyone is trying to work through this process.”

The new arena would be built further east than the existing arena. An outdoor promenade, which could be used as a future staging ground for Mardi Gras parades, will be constructed west of the arena’s entrance.

The entrance to the arena would face the outdoor promenade. The current arena entrance faces Spanish Plaza.

Financially doable

Stimpson said the city is poised to pay for the project without having to sacrifice city services or whittling away at capital improvement projects.

Under the plan, the city plans to borrow $165 million to $170 million, and repay the debt over a 20-year period.

Stimpson said the plan also includes the city putting up $100 million in cash toward the overall development. Of that, $50 million would come from the city’s “unassigned fund balance,” which is sometimes referred to as a budget surplus.

The city has dipped into that balance to provide $30 million for a new airport terminal project under construction at the Brookley Aeroplex, and to support the new Civic Center parking garage that is expected to be finished in January 2025. The 1,000-space garage will service both the Civic Center and the nearby U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office building that is currently under construction.

Stimpson said the city’s overall finances are in good enough shape to pursue the project. He said the city’s existing debt – once at over $300 million in 2012 – is expected to be paid off by 2030.

Stimpson said that for the first four years, the city will plan on making interest-only payments while the remaining existing debt is paid down. After 2030, the city plans to make principal and interest payments until the entire bonded amount is retired by 2045.

“Not only do we have the will to do it, we have the means to do it,” Stimpson said.

The new arena is expected to draw 400,000 people annually, while adding new jobs within the service industry, Stimpson said. The Mobile Chamber is currently undergoing an economic impact analysis for the new arena.

The city is also looking for outside help that includes $40 million for naming rights associated with the building and features within it, $3 million to preserve existing mosaics currently on display within the Civic Center, and a 10% investment from the arena’s partner – presumably OVG.

Candace Cooksey, a spokesperson for Stimpson, said there will be a “check point” on the overall costs of the project once it’s at 60% design, which is expected to be this summer. She said that the project is currently at 30% design.

Volkert Inc., the project managers for the city on the Civic Center project, are charged with ensuring that the project does not exceed $300 million, she said.

The new Civic Center plan caps off years of discussions on what to do with the existing venue that once hosted Elvis Presley in concert but has been diminished in its usage for decades. It continues to remain one of the hottest spots during the city’s Carnival season, which is Alabama’s largest annual festival.

The current venue was also once home to the Mobile Mysticks minor league hockey team until it suspended operations in 2002.

Barber said the design for the new arena includes an ice arena to host shows such as Disney on Ice. But there is also interest in luring a minor league hockey team to Mobile, although details appear to be preliminary.

Jason Johnson, a spokesman for Stimpson, said the city is not engaged with talks right now about attracting a minor league team to Mobile.

Barber said that OVG would be charged with bringing a hockey team to the new arena. He said the company would also be charged with the site selection of a hockey club’s training facility.

The nearest minor league hockey franchise is the Pensacola Ice Flyers (previously the Ice Piolets), who have played their home games at the Pensacola Bay Center since the mid-1990s.

The Ice Flyers play in the Southern Professional Hockey League, consisting of franchises in the southeastern U.S., Illinois, and Indiana.

Mobile Civic Center

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