Mobile’s $300 million new entertainment arena could be under construction in slightly more than 60 days. But plenty of key votes, decisions, and information are needed before the shovels strike the ground.

There are also some unknowns, with the biggest being whether the final cost estimate for the project is around $300 million or if the bids will come in higher and require city taxpayers to pony up even more for the future Civic Center Arena.

“It’s the anxiety of wanting to know what the number is,” said Mobile City Councilman Ben Reynolds. “It’s a big project for our citizens and we want to know where we are. That day can’t come soon enough. We have to be patient and need the contractors to be dialed in so we know what we’re dealing with. Everyone is being cautious.”

For those keeping track of the project, the next two months will be busy. Here is a calendar of key dates leading up to the expected March 12 “notice to proceed,” that will trigger the start of a construction project that city officials hope wraps up by January 2027.

The information was provided during Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting of the Mobile City Council. The committee will not meet again until Feb. 11.

Tuesday, Jan. 14 – The Mobile City Council will receive an agreement, which is in the final stages of negotiations, between the city and The OVG Group on a financial partnership for the new facility. OVG was named last years as the managers of the new Civic Center along with other city facilities like the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center and Saenger Theater. The company, which manages sports venues nationwide, covets the new facility for ice hockey and other events. They are anticipated to dedicate $15 million over two years ($7.5 million in 2025 and 2026) toward the project’s costs.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 – The council will vote on the OVG agreement. Other partnerships are also being explored this month, including potential support from the Mobile County Commission.

Friday, Feb. 7 – Arena bid date is due. By the end of the day, a final cost estimate for building the Civic Center arena should be known.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 — Mobile City Council Committee of the Whole to meet and discuss the project and the bids received on the project.

Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Mobile City Council first read on the bids for the new arena project. This is the first time the public will likely get a chance to voice their opinions about the project, its costs and more before the council. The council could also vote on this day to approve the bonding required to build the new arena. A final scope of the project should also be known, including whether alternates to the base bid will be awarded in conjunction with the project. For instance, lighting the Civic Center arena in colors that coordinate with the Retirement Systems of Alabama buildings could be added to the contract price.

Tuesday, Feb. 25 – Arena contract to be voted on and approved by the council

Wednesday, Feb. 26 – A notice to proceed with pre-construction activities expected.

Wednesday, March 12 – A full notice to proceed with construction is expected to be authorized.

Monday, March 17 – Substantial completion is expected on the demolition of the 60-year-old Civic Center structure. New York-based Sabre Demolition Corp. was awarded a $4.4 million contract last July to tear down the building. An additional $1.3 million was added to their contract after asbestos was found inside the building.

Sunday, April 6 – Demobilization of the demolition contractor from the project site is expected. Portions of Expo Hall will have to be demolished at a later date. It is partially remaining to protect two murals that hung inside the Civic Center Arena since the 1960s. The murals are being preserved and will be relocated and hung inside the new arena.