Last week, I had the privilege of going into the newly opened Merchants Outlet inside Washington Square Mall. I've also been to the Giant Flea Market out on Kentucky Ave in the old Builders Square building. Without a doubt, I believe that Roberts Stadium needs to be considered for a Merchants Outlet as well. Why?
For 2 reasons.
1. The Merchants Outlet in Washington Square Mall isn't large enough. Roberts Stadium has hosted several trade shows such as the Boat Show in years past that prove it can host this time of venue successfully. It also has many more square feet that both the Merchants Outlet and the Giant Flea Market making it the perfect venue for dealers who want to sell bigger items than just things you can put in a bag. Due to the fact that Merchants Outlet is small, I believe there is plenty of room another Merchants Outlet in the marketplace.
2. The Giant Flea Market is only open one weekend a month. With no current tenant for Roberts Stadium past 2011, Roberts Stadium would be able to be open daily and year round.
To further increase foot traffic, concession stands could be gutten and upgraded to restaurants and the area in the middle could encompass a very small public ice rink open to the public (although Swonder is next door, travelers prefer to skate while they shop). Eventually, more stores could be built in the parking lot around Roberts Stadium to make the area a one stop shop for everything.
There is also a precedent for this type of development as well. Both Giants Stadium (now demolished and replaced though) and the Rose Bowl both have flea markets in their parking lots on non gamedays. While Roberts Stadium would be an inside market, this proves that sports facilities are perfect buildings for this type of business.
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