Getting ready for 2019

[BFG]

For all the talk I do about this area being slow to move on certain things, I think 2018 was still a good year for the metro:

-MEAC Tournament staying in Norfolk for a few more years
-Downtown developments announced
-New Dollar Tree HQ opens
-Virginia Beach "Sports Center" approved
-EVMS and CHKD

Even with the negatives (VB arena deal falling through, Mayor Sessoms suddenly stepping down, Norfolk Southern leaving for Atlanta), I think there's still a lot to be optimistic about. At the very least, Hampton Roads continued on the momentum from '17. And 2019 seems to have a lot of potential:

-Ikea opening
-Likely more nonstop destinations out of ORF
-River Tower groundbreaking
-Possibility of CIAA Tournament coming to Scope
-Proposed casino next to Harbor Park
-Gateway Tower being considered downtown
-Pharrell Williams wanting to start a music festival at the Beach
-Amazon's NOVA HQ possibly having a residual effect of some sort down here

Anything else I may have missed, or does anyone have predictions of what could happen in 2019?

[carolinaboy]

• ODU football stadium construction will be a positive step.
• I'd like to hear something about SCOPE renovations/implosion proceeding.
• I'd like something firm on light rail expansion routes (if it hasn't been firmed up already).
• I'd like downtown to show positive absorption of all the new apartments.
• I'd like to see something announced on the Snyder lot. Doesn't have to be flashy, just urban in scale and design (that's a great parcel).
• I'd like to see the Starwood project commence.
• I'd like to see a downtown grocery.
• I'd like to see an urban Target at MacArthur Mall, possibly replacing Nordstrom.

[BFG]

Definitely want to see something about Scope upgrades or a new arena altogether. The region needs a state-of-the-art arena and has needed one for 20 years. 

Also, more Carnival ships coming to and leaving Norfolk is great for tourism.