Five Flags Civic Center Assessment and Study

In 2017, the City of Dubuque hired consultant Conventions, Sports and Leisure International (CSL) to conduct a comprehensive study and assessment of the Five Flags Civic Center in consideration of expanding/improving the facility.  Since 2017 and following additional direction from the City Council and the Five Flags Civic Center Commission, the project has included multiple phases, significant community engagement, and the exploration of several options.  A complete history of this project and related documents are available on the Project History page.

December 2022 Update

In late fall 2022, a renovation of the current facility was considered featuring limited renovations and addressing deferred maintenance issues as well as customer service experience improvements such as seating, restrooms, and concessions. 

  • The funding source for the approximately $24 million proposal is Downtown Urban Renewal Bonding.  Use of this funding source would NOT increase property taxes, does NOT require a public referendum, but would require a vote of the City Council.
  • The Civic Center Commission strongly supports investing approximately $24 million in urban renewal debt capacity into the facility.

The City Council held a work session on this issue on Dec. 6, 2022.  For additional information on this most recent proposal, please watch the video of the work session presentation and discussion and refer to the agenda materials linked below.  Additional City Council consideration and discussion of the project is expected to be part of the City's Fiscal Year 2024 budget adoption process in February/March 2023.