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Public will get to view, comment on arena proposals

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BY DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 - 12:45:43 am CDT

With nine months to go before the spring city election, supporters of a broad arena development proposal west of the Haymarket are ready to make a public push.

They’ve made some changes to the proposal — such as moving a planned ice arena into the Haymarket, pushing the train tracks farther away and apparently nixing the convention center.

And they’ve selected two prominent spokesmen to help their campaign: Mayor Chris Beutler and Tom Osborne, University of Nebraska-Lincoln athletic director.

Story Photo
An aerial photo showing site where the Haymarket development would be. (Courtesy Photo/City of Lincoln Planning Department)

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Shaping the arena plan

How to read the maps

The public will be asked to help shape the arena development, such as choosing the location of the ice center, whether streets should be open -- or closed -- and where to put festival space. These plans don’t represent three choices, but rather they contain elements that could be mixed and matched in a final proposal.

What the maps have in common

All of the proposals put the arena west of the downtown post office, with a new pedestrian bridge crossing railroad tracks to get people from 1,700 surface parking spots.

And the three concepts all put the planned ice center north of Harris Overpass, between Sixth and Seventh streets.

They all have a hotel west of Lincoln Station and parking garages on the west edge of the development, where they can act as a buffer against relocated railroad tracks.

The parking garages could have restaurants, stores, offices and condos.

The three concepts all include a festival area just outside the arena’s front door.

How the maps are different

Arena proponents are looking for guidance on issues such as whether new streets near the arena should be limited to pedestrians and whether the area north of Lincoln Station should be a wide-open festival space or home to a mixed-use building.

People will be asked whether R and Q streets should extend west of Seventh Street into a pedestrian-friendly festival street that can be closed during events such as Ribfest. Or perhaps the area should be reserved for festivals -- and traffic could only reach the developments via a new three-lane backbone road to the west.

Other questions they’re looking for input on: Do people want to see trees, shrubs, statues and water fountains? Should the festival space be more oriented to Q, R or Seventh streets? Should an extended R Street be one-way? Should the ice center be east or west of Sixth Street?

What we don’t know yet

* The cost of each proposal.

* The cost of moving railroad tracks to make way for the arena and other buildings.

* How the whole thing would be paid for.

* Whether the few property owners who could be displaced by parking lots -- namely Alter Scrap Metal, Brickson-Watson Lumber Co. and the former Demma Fruit Co. cold storage building -- would move without a fight.

* The future of Pershing Center.

Public meetings and a possible vote

On Sept. 3, the public will be invited to Memorial Stadium’s West Stadium Clubhouse to see how a new arena and its surrounding amenities might look.

In October, the public will be invited to an event at which possibilities for reusing Pershing Center will be discussed.

By November, financing for the whole package will be more finalized, and arena supporters hope to have a site plan and financing plan ready for City Council perusal by December.

If the council agrees to put the issue to a vote, the arena issue likely would be on the May city election ballot.

Osborne likely will be on the radio, urging people to offer their input, but university officials still haven’t formally committed to moving their basketball teams to a new arena.

Still, UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman said the Devaney Center is outdated and inadequate for recruiting purposes.

If the arena isn’t built, Devaney will need significant updates, he said.

“We have a high level of interest in the arena for men and women’s basketball,” he said.

The city has worked with architects, developers and engineers to put together layouts for the public to consider.

On Sept. 3, the public will be invited to Memorial Stadium’s West Stadium Clubhouse to see renditions of how a new arena and its surrounding amenities might look.

After the meetings this fall to engage the public, financing and other details should be nailed down and put on a platter by December. The City Council then will be asked to put the arena package on the ballot. And if it agrees, the public likely would get a chance to vote on the issue in May.

So supporters have come up with three maps that offer a menu of options for what could go where, because this proposal is about much more than just a new arena to replace Pershing Center.

The proposal includes three parking garages that could be combined with stores, restaurants or condos, the Breslow Ice Center southwest of Lincoln Station and festival space.

It’s a whole new vision for about 150 acres that hug the Haymarket — on the land where Lincoln sprouted.

While some of the developers who submitted proposals did not see a need to move the main rail lines, the latest proposal moves them west, allowing a straighter shot so trains can maintain their speed.

The city’s point man on the arena, Kent Morgan, said the city and railroad companies — Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Union Pacific and Amtrak — have a “strong understanding that this is a workable solution.”

BNSF is the largest landowner in the targeted area.

BNSF spokesman Steve Forsberg said the company is open to giving up land for the development as long as railroad operations are “kept whole” in terms of track relocation. The company is developing engineering and cost estimates for moving the tracks.

“There is certainly a willingness on the part of BNSF and U.P. … to work with the city on a project that we recognize is very, very important to the future of the community,” Forsberg said.

“Philosophically, we’ve indicated quite strongly to developers and the city (that) we’re more than willing to work with them.”

Ambitious as it is, the proposal no longer includes a standalone convention center. (An arena is for big events such as concerts; convention centers are for meetings and conferences.)

Although earlier plans envisioned a $20 million, 70,000-square-foot convention center as part of the package, the convention center doesn’t even appear on latest maps.

Enthusiasm for a convention center has waned since March, when a Minnesota consultant said the city’s existing conference space is ample to handle state and regional events, and the return wouldn’t justify the “very, very high” cost of a new convention center.

After that, arena supporters began referring to the convention center as a “conference center.”

Morgan said conference space in the one to three hotels that will be built near the arena should be ample when paired with space in the arena itself.

“We’re continuing to rethink it,” Morgan said of the convention space. “The last thing we want to do is commit public dollars to a facility that’s not going to be successful.”

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


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haymarket resident wrote on August 17, 2008 1:56 am:
" I'm not in favor of a few of these things. One plan wants to demolish the building where Bluestem books and Crawdaddy's once occupied. You MUST keep that building. Lincoln has been notorius for tearing down its old but still sturdy and functional brick structures and many folks are getting pretty sick of it! "

 what a JOKE wrote on August 17, 2008 3:15 am:
" Public Input??? I DOUBT IT. Just like the Stat Fair decision. This is s DONE DEAL. The "Vision 2015" group has spoken. And it will be done. I can't WAIT until the problems all crop up about how the ground around there is so polluted and that it will cost an immense amount of money to clean it up. Hey Lincoln!!!....Ready for taxes to go up yet again?!?!?!?! "

 JB wrote on August 17, 2008 7:08 am:
" This arena should have been built yesterday. How many years did it take to get Pershing built? Many decades without. Lincoln will lose state basketball and volleyball to smaller cities that don't take forever to do things. It will cost some money, but only doing it first class will work. "

 JSB wrote on August 17, 2008 7:34 am:
" Perhaps, with the money that will not be spent on the convention center, the city will relocate the Post Office's distribution center out towards the interstate. Why have that eye-sore blocking the new arena? The Post Office will not move itself since the building and property are owned and not leased, the city will need to pay for it. And before you downtown residents and business owners get upset with my idea, there should be a smaller station built somewhere downtown for you to get your mail. Yes, it will cost more than 20 million dollars, but it would free up more over-priced parking space that will quickly pay for itself. "

 Kip wrote on August 17, 2008 8:18 am:
" We shouldn't forget Devaney was funded with STATE participation in financing. That is an element missing from the areana proposal that will be used by UNL. As a state institution, UNL hasn't stated what part of the arena she will fund and expect to use. If there is unclarity, then the public needs to reject supporting the unknowns. This is a time when the Unicameral needs to commit BEFORE the citizens of Lincoln are burdened with a project that has roots in utllility for the state as a whole. This is part one of a campaign aimed to convince the public that Lincoln's citizens should be picking up the tab for what was once a STATE financed arena. "

 mark wrote on August 17, 2008 8:27 am:
" I'm proud that our city keeps fine tuning this important issue for our future. I didn't vote for Chris Beuttler, but I'm glad he and Tom Osborne are helping this to go forward. Between Haymarket Square and Innovation Park, brighter days are ahead. "

 Sara wrote on August 17, 2008 9:22 am:
" Interesting to note the "Arts are Buried" in another article while this maybe another building of a majestic arena to serve the needs of Osborne and stand tall with the football stadium. Sounds like a project for NU boosters to fund, not citizens of Lincoln. "

 Scott wrote on August 17, 2008 9:33 am:
" If the city can't fund having our main public library open 2 hours in the evenings, then we shouldn't be trying to fund other projects that are not basic needs. This proposal needs to be voted down in a landslide! It's going to cost us taxpayers a great deal of money in the long run because our economy won't support a third arena in the same geographic area. "

 Progress wrote on August 17, 2008 9:43 am:
" The development is needed, and Lincoln must find a way to finance it. However, from a distance, in terms of space planning, all three schemes look like a step backward from the "winning" scheme presented in the spring. Are we making progress here or are we simply running in circles? Time = $$$. "

 Bette wrote on August 17, 2008 9:48 am:
" When we see the inspiring Olympics, we should also see the magnificent architecture that is a standard for excellence in athletics. Yet citizens will be asked to fund an arena that lacks world class appeal. The Bird’s Nest and Cube reflect vision and integrity of the Chinese culture and economic success of that country in striving for global appeal. . It is amzzing that Vision 2015 does not lead in aspiring to HIGHER standards; instead the quick fix of a warehouse look structure. Maybe this is symbolic of the backward vision the State of Nebraska and university have. Nostalgia is fine for the old and irrelevant generation, but the University, of all institutions, should be looking toward the future and uplifting the community to reach higher standards. The arena project is based on old time politics and desperate constrained vision of what Lincoln could be.. Past generations have realized the importance and significance of building world class structures, the present arena proposal comes close to, if not insulting a heritage Lincoln has. "

 Mrs. Johnson wrote on August 17, 2008 10:00 am:
" It's a lot to digest. How can residents decide anything when it seems like those in the know don't know what they want? Now the ice center is going into the area too? This seems to be another extension of UNL? How much of Lincoln can they grab? Isn't this all located in the flood plain? "

 Mildred wrote on August 17, 2008 10:09 am:
" Beutler and Osborne may be public images who are promoting the interests of private businesses. There is a question of ethics when public official, whether elected or appointed, begin to represent projects that ultimately are going to be built to support economic interests of consultants, developers and businesses. When public officials become lobbyists, paid or not, for private interests it is the public who is betrayed. That is an ethical matter. And just as wrong as naked boys who were not the image of athletics, but private individuals who did not represent the public or an institution. They might work in different a different media, but "Tom" and "Chris" are images that are being sold to enrich business entities who will profit from their image. "

 build it wrote on August 17, 2008 10:22 am:
" I am in favor of the project. Lincoln needs a new arena and the sheets of ice are important. Naysayers should wait to see what it costs before bashing it. "

 Erik wrote on August 17, 2008 10:29 am:
" It's pretty obvious those who are against this plan aren't big basketball fans to begin with or don't like sports at all. The Pershing Center is old and very outdated and the only way we can get people's input is if they talk about it (whether they are sports fans or not). Lincoln NEEDS this new arena. It's sad that all the good concerts are in Omaha, not in Lincoln. It's time to change that Lincoln! "

 George wrote on August 17, 2008 10:42 am:
" Democracy and governing of the people works best when there is a bottom up flow of information and decision making. The people voted not to support funding for a jail, yet the people elected are acting in defiance of what the people want. Another example of top down governance is the marketing of the arena project. Instead of listening to citizens, the mayor, is involved in a promotion that may contradict opinion or interests of the citizen. Conflicts of interest can exist when the mayor represents special interest groups, Vision 2015 is one such group. Likewise, for TO to use his image to promote a special interest group that would in a sequence of economic events, profit from propaganda aimed at convinceing or impressing on the public how to vote has “top” down implications. Provide the people with facts and not participate in a campaign to convince them or control their minds...that is the essence of democracy...freedom from mind control. Advertising and promotion...two methods used to persuade or manipulate voter behavior. "

 Jill wrote on August 17, 2008 11:06 am:
" Recently we read the university has over $1 billion in reserves and for investment. That looks like an amount that could be invested, with the State of Nebraska to build another Devaney caliper arena. And if the university wishes to lease or rent the space to promoters, what would be wrong with a business venture that helps pay into university funds? Isn’t that how we begin to free the city from excessive property taxes and foster “independent” financing of the university? How might the universisty model "investment" and roi with the arena project? "

 Tyler wrote on August 17, 2008 11:27 am:
" Sounds like there is an awareness that economic devlopment means more than status quo subsidizing of local businesses who have become dependent on public funding to subsidize their operations. LIBA should be among the first to question this project as it does not show initiative of local businesses to grow beyond Lincoln or give them incentive to. Instead the project embraces dependence on the taxpayer, the property owner. A good case, a business model should be in place to show revenues generated from the facility, especially from television contracts, will first be used to pay off debt. Why would the city be concerned if the UNL athletic department was reaping in profits but the city ended up subsidizing maintenance and interest payments? In the sequence of economic realization, the bond paying taxpayer would be the last to see benefits and most likely still be paying after others have banked their profits. "

 Wondering wrote on August 17, 2008 11:39 am:
" **The arena should be built where Pershing is now located,extend the lot into one lane of traffic on the north,south and west side, have the federals add 3 levels on thier parking garage with a skywalk going north, this eliminate the need to move the P.O. and distrupt the Haymarket. And also would rid the city of a building that would not be used unlike the Omaha Civic which the city of Omaha is stuck with that rarely gets used but still needs to be maintaned. "

 hoopsjunkie wrote on August 17, 2008 12:31 pm:
" I'm a huge basketball fan and think that this whole idea stinks. The University wants everybody else to pick up the tab for their latest toy. Using scare tactics like threatening that "Devaney will need significant funds for upgrading" is taking the wrong approach. Lets face facts - Nebraska is not a basketball school and a new arena is not going to change this one bit. Plus, now the latest proposal requires relocating all of the railroad tracks. Of course no cost estimate of such an undertaking is not presented. What a joke. "

 My opinion wrote on August 17, 2008 12:50 pm:
" If the "powers that be" (as so many people say) "aren't listening to the people" and the people are typical of those who post here...it's quite clear WHY they aren't listening to you.

"People" didn't vote down the jail issue...they voted down the financing issue of the jail. To build the jail or not was never the question.

Tom Osborne promoting the interests of private business? Obviously, you don't know him very well.

So polluted ground? How did I miss that bit of info??

Build the arena. Do it without the "knowledge" of a lot of the people, because they obviously don't know a whole lot of ACCURATE information. "

 Not a good idea at this time wrote on August 17, 2008 1:03 pm:
" I still contend that the city of Lincoln needs to focus on other issues. An arena is a drain on the city, not something that helps. Look at the other venues, they are not doing well. Question Why? Because our economy is so bad we can't afford to go. This is something that needs to be shelved permantly in my opinon or at least until there is 90% of the money saved up to build this. Don't be fooled, if this passes, your taxes will go up. "

 Haymarket business owner wrote on August 17, 2008 1:18 pm:
" This will give us a hang out place in Lincoln besides friends houses. Imagine the revenue this arena will generate which in turn will allow Lincoln to start competing with other cities...GO LINCOLN! "

 HUH wrote on August 17, 2008 1:38 pm:
" Its just an arena! It's not just to support the interests of certain businesses, this is an economic development opportunity for Lincoln.. You whine about not having the money to pay for things, but you don't have the infrastructure to bring in tax dollars.. So what do you do? You build an arena that makes money and then you fund the everyday projects. It's no wonder Lincoln has trouble with taxes, its own citizens don't want lincoln to move forward. Sad, very sad.. "

 Needs to be stopped wrote on August 17, 2008 2:05 pm:
" If this is really such a great deal, then let the vision 2015 group of wealthy residents pay for it and reap the profits. It is a losing proposition $$ wise, so that's why they want the rest of us to foot the bill. WAKE UP. I realize that alot of people think the politics will make it happen regardless of what the real people want, but lets take the Obama tack and stop with a ground swell.......... "

 Connie wrote on August 17, 2008 2:18 pm:
" The essence of this seems to be property owners and other taxed people will subsidize or pay for a potential economic stimulus plan while depriving their families of much needed personal finances to survive in a declining economy. The arena is not market driven, but motivated by those seeking public assistance when the community and middle class in Lincoln already is hurting. "

 george wrote on August 17, 2008 2:49 pm:
" Osborne is beginning to sound like a six foot tall Perlman. How much money is the STATE of NEBRASKA going to put into the Arena. Maybe just maybe this should be disclosed PRIOR to any vote by the public taking place. What happens to the portion of cigarette tax that goes to Devaney Center and WHY have we invested so much money into Devaney such as the high dollar track if it is in such bad shape? It seems that the area is in fact to weak to support a convention center which makes me believe that 2015 is counting on UNL for survival of the Arena. "

 Buffered from the railroad tracks wrote on August 17, 2008 4:21 pm:
" "The company [BNSF] is developing engineering and cost estimates for moving the tracks." Who is going to pay the estimated costs? Does the BNSF, the developers and other supporters of this proposal expect the Lincoln citizens to pay for the railroad's tracks to be removed / moved?

It is obvious that the developers have never lived by a railroad track. Parking lots between the railroad and the hotel or the arena will not be sufficient buffers to the noise. Trains run 24 hours a day, almost every day of the year.

Maybe the city can move the Amtrak station to a different location to make sure people don't have to hear the trains stop and start right outside the hotel. Or perhaps, the City can work out a deal with BNSF so that only the city residents have to hear loud noises coming from the tracks especially in the middle of the night. Then, the hotel guests won't be startled at 4 AM when the train cars are moving through. They sometimes sound like they are slamming into the back end of another car or into a building. That is a great impression to leave with visitors of the city. "

 Lincolnite wrote on August 17, 2008 4:30 pm:
" There is a myth that the plans for the West Haymarket and many other Lincoln projects were started by 2015 for their personal gain. If you look on the city's website you will notice that the Mayor's Arena Taskforce was created in early 2005. 2015 Vision Group didn't even exist until the end of 2006. The members of 2015, while lacking diversity are supporters of the community and have already made their money. They are donating millions of dollars to projects that will positively affect our entire community. "

 Roger wrote on August 17, 2008 4:56 pm:
" I agree completel with "My Opinion". People flood this page with comments that are strictly innuendo, rumors, misinformation, and, THEIR OPINION, NOT FACTS. I'll just bet the average age of the naysayers is about 70. Enroll in an Economics 101 class, do a little research, and you will see why Lincoln needed this development 20 years ago.

Oh, and you can't afford to go to events in an Arena, but you can afford PCs, internet service, cell phones, and SUVs? Interesting. "

 Billy Bob wrote on August 17, 2008 5:09 pm:
" Show me the money. Show me the business plan. Bring this project out in the open. Get you act together. I don't what to look at more plans, My input would mean nothing any way, except if I was another paid consultant from Minnesota that know says that we do not need another convention center. "

 whatever wrote on August 17, 2008 5:21 pm:
" The public will speak and the "Vision" as seen by the powers that be will move forward. In the end Lincoln will lose and in 50 years historians will wonder what the hell the city was thinking. I was always taught if you can't do something right don't do it at all. This whole concept was flawed from the beginning. The need was identified correctly but the solution was far from accurate. I applaud the efforts to "do something". But Lincoln doesn't have pockets deep enough to recover from this kind of mistake in vision. I can reiterate for about the umpteenth time the "solution" but in the end it's too late and no cares. "

 Wondering wrote on August 17, 2008 5:41 pm:
" How can this project move forward if the voters do not approve it? I hope a project of this size and impact is put on the ballot. If not we are even less of a democracy than I thought. "

 Rachael wrote on August 17, 2008 6:03 pm:
" Actually many millions have gone to special interests over the years. If they were so confident in their message, they'd not need to inundate their employees with talking points and gibberish to promote their interests. There are millions of dollars that private corporations would like to see shift from taxpayer hands to corporate hands. "

 Tom wrote on August 17, 2008 6:05 pm:
" While the convention center isn't mentioned, it still may be part of a developers plan. It is just that the initial debt/bond that will be sought may not specify the project. "

 Payton wrote on August 17, 2008 6:20 pm:
" The national economy and credit costs have changed significantly since the original task force and consultant did their reports. Energy costs have changed and old data now becomes inaccurate. That doesn’t take an Economic 101 class to know, it just takes common sense. The costs are overwhelming to the city who should be investing in development of sites to attract new business; not engage in a project that will require year after year subsidies that will cost more and more ech year. Integrity and credibility could be regained once more accurate information is achieved. "

 DDE wrote on August 17, 2008 6:55 pm:
" Another factor in maintaining balance involves the element of time. As we peer into society's future, we – you and I, and our government – must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without asking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow. "

 Jim wrote on August 17, 2008 7:15 pm:
" At least they got smart and ditched the whole "convention center" idea. I could have told you that when this thing started a few years ago and saved you the millions Lincoln is spending on the study before a shovel touches the ground. "

 Alcohol sales wrote on August 17, 2008 7:19 pm:
" You do know that alcohol will have to be served for nearly all events at this thing to make it work and to pay for it. It doesn't matter what Osborne says, this thing needs the revenue from alcohol sales to pay for this things upkeep. It's the only thing Osborne has yet to let go but he'll have to in this case "

 Alcohol sales wrote on August 17, 2008 7:23 pm:
" Hey Bette: If you want to recognice our culture we might as well build an oversized barn for the arena, with some nice 12x12's for joists and wooden pegs to hold it together. And forget insulation, we'll just have a hay between the ceiling and the roof. Economical and very environmentally friendly! *rolling eyes* "

 Jason wrote on August 17, 2008 8:27 pm:
" During a time when our nation (and that includes Lincoln) has critical debt problems, we should be asking if there are ways to make Devaney work for another 15-20 years. Sure, an new arena would add to the Haymarket area, but the costs are high. Those costs also might be put to better use within the city and UNL. Was there a comparative study done with the innovation park to determine priorities? Was a comparative study done to look at building infrastructure to support business development? If not, why not? Ike had some interesting thoughts in his farewell address, thanks for printing the qoute. "

 Jay wrote on August 17, 2008 9:22 pm:
" Who is going to use the arena other than NU basketball? Is it necessary for the city to foot the bill for a state run university to have a new basketball court? If there is no convention center, we'll get no conventions. If it isn't big enough, we won't get the big acts and concerts that Omaha gets right now. Something here isn't going to work and the taxpayers are going to get stuck paying the bill. "

 The Heretic wrote on August 17, 2008 10:23 pm:
" I'm not opposed to the idea of a new arena, but they want to put it in the worst possible place. The land west of the Haymarket is a bad idea on so many levels. But it seems that politicians are experts in nothing else but politics. If this is such a great idea, let the private sector finance and build it. Then you would see something that would make money.

Economic stimulus? Here's a clue: if you want to stimulate an economy, CUT TAXES and let the free market system take care of itself. It works. I would like to know in what universe does raising taxes over and over again help an economy. "

 Yup wrote on August 17, 2008 10:35 pm:
" So Morgan said (of the convention center) "The last thing we want to do is commit public dollars to a facility that’s not going to be successful.” He could be talking about the arena too. It looks like they're getting nervous about this white elephant, they're bringing out the Osborne card to play to the people. "

 th Street Blues wrote on August 17, 2008 10:50 pm:
" I'd be more worried of having to attend an event at this location and driving home down 9th street only to get stopped by the cops for a DUI.

Of the 3 alternatives, there really doesn't seem to be a lot to quibble over. Evidently there is no question that a hotel and the ice rink WILL be built there, just minor stuff like whether or not to extend a couple of streets with traffic and if we want fountains. This is a hobson's choice! "

 GrfulDude wrote on August 18, 2008 12:32 am:
" We can't afford to keep the buses running but we can afford a few hundred million for this boondoggle? If a new arena will help recruiting why don't the boosters and alumni pay for it? "

 I cant wait for wrote on August 18, 2008 9:36 am:
" this thing to pass and after it is a huge failure see what everyone has to say! Seriously who and what do you people really think is going to come here? Please tell me. "

 How stupid are you wrote on August 18, 2008 9:38 am:
" people? You do know once this is a state ran arena (which includes Osborne) you do know they won't sell alcohol. Good luck having people come to concerts then! This is a joke and this thing should not be built. "

 go figure wrote on August 18, 2008 10:46 am:
" I wonder how much the city of Lincoln paid the Minnesota based consultant to realize that an additional conference or convention are would not be needed. The people making these decions should be more informed of similar situations in our market. The quest center in Omaha places a" building ser-charge" on concert tickets to make up for less than expected and non existing convention and conference business. If Omaha cannot draw this business, than we are fools to believe and allow the 2015 vision group to force it down our throats at our expens.
I agree that it would be a great conveinence to see concerts and top-bill entertainment, and not have to travel to Omaha for it. But the reality of the matter is Lincoln?Omaha is the same market for these events. It is an opportunity for the acts to get "gas money" between Denver and Chicago or K.C. etc.
I seriosly doubt a top notch act will play Lincoln on Tuesday and then Omaha on Thursday. Especilly when more people can attend in Omaha.
We needed this vision in 1990 for the year 2005. Yes, hindsight is 20/20, but for benefit of the taxpayers, the 2015 group should be kept on a short finicial leash. "

 qtoz wrote on August 18, 2008 11:04 am:
" Grand Island, Kearney, and Council Bluffs have all past Lincoln up. Pershing is way past it's prime. Bob Devaney is showing it's age to. Lincoln must stop the bleeding and get something done. "

 Maybe wrote on August 18, 2008 12:57 pm:
" We should build a few more venues and try to get the olympics here! "

 wowzers... wrote on August 18, 2008 1:28 pm:
" Do these people seriously think this arena would succeed without alcohol sales? Please come back to reality. Just because Tom Osborne might know all about football doesn't mean he knows all about business. "

 Bob wrote on August 18, 2008 1:48 pm:
" Once again, is this arena suppose to replace Pershing or Devaney? If the university wants do use this arena, how come it won't come out and financially support it? For those in 2015 who support this project, feel free to privately fund. As for the simple econ 101 comment, the first lesson is not buying what you can't afford...demographically, this will be a real challenge to succeed. "

 unbelievable wrote on August 18, 2008 1:51 pm:
" The headine reads "Public will get to view, comment on arena proposals" This is exactly right - the public will get to view and comment and then they will build it anyway, regardless of what the public has to say. Just like the debacle and money pit that is the antelope creek, the State Fair getting thrown out of town, the new Technology park for UNL, and more - they have had hundreds of meetings, but NEVER has the public had a chance to vote on this. It is pure and complete lunacy that we continue to let our leaders do what ever they want and continue to spend us into city wide bankruptcy, while continuing to spend, spend, spend! I cannot drive down one single street in this town without hitting a teeth rattling pothole, crack or broken piece of concrete, yet we continue to spend like drunken sailors. Stop buying more new toys and fix a street already! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE??? "

 Alan wrote on August 18, 2008 2:30 pm:
" I notice how the vote is now "possible". I remember the Mayor promised a vote by the people or the project wouldn't move forward. Words have meaning and it's time for the mayor and council to step up and honor that promise. Then if they lose the vote, shut up and shelve the plans. "

 JR wrote on August 18, 2008 3:11 pm:
" If it were up to some of you naysayers, Lincoln would still have dirt streets ... we wouldn't have a Pershing yet ... and the Huskers would still be called The Bugeaters. Honestly people, it is one thing to question.It is entirely different thing to dig in your heels and not even listen. Come up with your reasons to not vote for it AFTER you get all the facts. Till then, keep an open mind. Who knows, you might learn something. "

 I hope all you Beutler wrote on August 18, 2008 3:23 pm:
" supporters now see why this is the wrong guy for the job and regret voting for him. Do you people research who you vote for? We have another mayor who is a pushover. The people will not get to vote for this do you know why? Because there is no such thing as a democracy here. I just can't wait for this to be a failure, build it now because i can't wait to call something else in Lincoln a failure. "

 Outside the Box wrote on August 18, 2008 3:59 pm:
" I wish people would get out and see the impact that well-designed arena/entertainment centers can have on a city. The Qwest in Omaha is an excellent facility, and has sparked a number of restaurants, hotels, and bars around it.

Kansas City built the Power & Light District next to their new Sprint Center - a multi-level dining and entertainment district that caters to people of all ages. It is amazing.

I think with an arena, Lincoln can develop something in the middle. Omaha has a nice building, but the Old Market is too far away to really have an outstanding area. What KC has done is probably over our heads, but it's good to see what is possible.

Lincoln has already lost state wrestling, and it won't be long until the basketball and volleyball tournaments leave too.

To quote a famous movie: "Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'" "

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on August 18, 2008 4:24 pm:
" The first revolution in this country was over taxes on tea, if they try to build this white elephant after we vote it down or don't allow a vote it may be the start of the next revolution. "

 Oh Please.... wrote on August 18, 2008 4:35 pm:
" JR. Get a clue. Do us a favor and research tour scheduling for acts. Then show me a business plan that would be acceptable for this new arena. How on earth can anyone in their right mind think this thing will do well? Seriously. Name some acts/shows that you think would come here over Omaha/Des Moines/KC, come on do it.This thing will sit empty just like Pershing has most of its life. "

 Shane wrote on August 18, 2008 5:10 pm:
" It is sad when people either can not or will not post the facts. No where did this article say, or has anyone in an official capacity, said that the public would NOT get to vote on this project. The Mayor has committed to that and so has the council. The "possible" article above was about whether it would be on the May ballot and not a later ballot. People continue to allude to the public "not getting to vote" or this being "shoved down the public's throat." If, and when that happens. then your statements are valid. Until then you are merely clanging gongs who are spouting YOUR agenda and not that of the Mayor or Council. This city has not, and never will, understand you have to invest money to make money. Omaha has figured it out and they have raised property taxes and are building facilities and infrastructure for the 2030s. If you go back and look you will find that these same discussions were had in the early 50's about building Pershing to compete with Civic Auditorium in Omaha. How did that work out for Lincoln??? Where would Lincoln be without having Pershing for the last 50+ years. "

 Surprised wrote on August 18, 2008 6:31 pm:
" Honestly guys, if you really don't want this built.. Then Lincoln will become exactly what I project it to be.. A large suburb of Omaha.. Lincoln is slowly losing its identity to Omaha because the residents of Lincoln think the city cannot move forward.. And so while all of you are sitting on this board whining and crying about budget problems, but don't want the actual fixes to such budget issues to be put into place.. Don't be surprised if Lincoln just sort of becomes a neighboorhood of houses and strip malls while Omaha continues to take all the areas real and high paying job prospects as well as local, regional and national events... "

 JR wrote on August 18, 2008 8:45 pm:
" Oh Please has just proven my point. No where did I say I was for it. I merely pointed out people should keep an open mind. Anyone who says this is a white elephant with what little knowledge they have, can not be taken seriously. Add on top of that people who say the new arena will sit empty because Pershing is empty now, also don't make a whole lot of sense.

But let me try to help ... the Qwest Center is locked into 20 some dates for Creighton BB each year. Another 12 - 14 for Hockey. A rodeo or two take up a couple of weeks. HS Wrestling another 4. Heck, the swim meet alone this year took up the place for over a month. So, if we had the new arena already in place, there would have been around 80 some dates where a traveling act who wanted to play a Nebraska concert couldn't. Then consider a number of concerts Omaha does get that take up two or three days, I think Lincoln is looking better all the time.

But once again. I am not saying I am for this. Personally, I do not like the traffic patterns. And I have not seen the financing pans yet. But, unlike so many of you who are willing to condemn anything new, I at least want to learn more about it before I go playing Chicken Little. "

 Here........ wrote on August 18, 2008 9:20 pm:
" I don't need to "view" the arena proposal to comment. I'm ready without the "viewing".

Are you ready???????



WE CANNOT AFFORD IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

 frank wrote on August 18, 2008 11:34 pm:
" The entire area is in fact highly contaminated. Plus the water table is very high in the entire area. Lets not forget floodplain which will be rubber stamped by the city and the NRD. In essence, it is the very worse location for the arena. A very good question is why were other locations not considered. If UNL is to be the major tenant then let them pay for it "

 Bob wrote on August 19, 2008 10:27 am:
" I find it fascinating the number of comments from people who think if you're against this that you're against Lincoln progressing (and that you're old). Really? There are other ways to move a city forward besides funding a new arena. Transportation efficiency, increased community involvement, exploring other 'new' entertainment options (drag strip, new restuarants), creating financial incentives for families, new businesses... All of those could help this town progress just as easily. "

 Well wrote on August 19, 2008 12:36 pm:
" I'd guess a lot of people wouldn't think drag strips and restaurants are considered "entertainment" options. And the youth really aren't interested in being "practical." That is what the older folk need to realize - what they think is a good idea is typically "boring" to the young who would end up making this city progress.

And as far as "staying within your budget" do you pay cash for every major purchase (car, house, education, etc.)? If so, congratulations. If not, welcome to the real world "

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