The SkyPAC project could soon be off the ground and into it's first phase.

The first reading of a hotel tax was approved on Oct. 10 by Warren Fiscal Court.

If passed on the second reading, the two-percent tax increase at hotels would create between seven and ten-million dollars.

This money would go toward getting the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center off the ground.

We found out what this will mean for SkyPAC and for South-Central Kentucky.

Warren County Judge Executive Mike Buchanon says a two-percent hotel tax increase could mean a lot of money for a project that's been in the works for years.

"I think this is the most exciting thing to happen to South-Central Kentucky. The hotel tax will help us create somewhere between seven and ten-million dollars that will all go toward SkyPAC," Buchanon admitted.

Add in the money SkyPAC already has, and the public bond money they will receive under a Tax Increment Financing district, or TIF, and you get the first phase for this performing arts center.

"Phase One is going to cost $27-million. We will retain $20-million from the TIF and this additional hotel tax. Then we have $4.3-million in our account now. So we'll need an additional $3.7-million and we're ready to break ground and start building the performing arts center," explained Mary E. Carpenter, SkyPAC project director.

SkyPAC would seat 1600 people .

Carpenter said it will hold a variety of events from concerts to plays, 257 days of the year.

"Broadway shows is something this theater will be able to hold. The stage will be large enough, and we'll be able to get CATS possibly, some of those big name shows on Broadway to come to Bowling Green," Carpenter assured.

Buchanon is optimistic SkyPAC would be the beginning of what's to come for the downtown area, including a minor league baseball field, parking structure and more.

"It will help to bring those contributions private donors to the table again," Buchanon said.

Meanwhile, the second reading for the two-percent hotel tax increase will be held on Oct. 17 in Warren Fiscal Court.

WBKO contacted the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. They told us 100 people in Bowling Green had season tickets to their performing arts center, and that there is an interest in the arts.