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Plans for hockey facility released

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By BRENT C. WAGNER / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 - 10:33:32 pm CST

You can shake John Breslow’s hand if you choose.

Pose with him for a photo, and he’ll flash that million-dollar smile.  After all, it was Breslow’s $7 million gift that will help pay for a Haymarket District ice complex.

Nice guy. Just don’t ask Breslow to go anywhere near hockey’s Stanley Cup, which was on display Thursday during the news conference announcing his gift.

Story Photo
Concept image of Breslow Ice Center (Courtesy of DLR Group)

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12.19.07: Plan for ice rink expected Thursday

“I told them when this is done, if you want to stand around and have everybody take pictures with the cup, I can’t do it,” said Breslow, a minority owner of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes. “The last thing I want is for the Phoenix Coyotes to never win the cup and have them say the reason we never won it is because Breslow touched it. I won’t touch it until we win it.”

Hockey types such as Breslow always have been superstitious.

Local hockey types celebrated the unveiling of the two-rink ice facility that hopefully will open in early 2010. An opening date will depend on continued fundraising efforts, deciding on one of four possible locations and finalizing design plans.

Lincoln has only one indoor ice  rink — the Ice Box at State Fair Park — a facility that is not available year round and doesn’t meet demands for rink time. The Lincoln Stars will continue to play at the Ice Box, a building that would not be removed should the State Fair make way for a University of Nebraska-Lincoln research park.

With more ice rinks, figure skaters shouldn’t have to train at 5:30 a.m., college students shouldn’t have to play broomball at 2 a.m., and youth hockey players shouldn’t have to travel throughout the region for tournaments each weekend.

“This is everything for all the skaters — the Lincoln Ice Hockey Association, the Lincoln figure skating club, UNL — anybody who has anything to do with ice. This is one of the greatest days we’ll ever have in Lincoln,” said Tom Price, representing the Lincoln Ice Hockey Association.

It was Breslow who got the longtime dream in motion with his donation. A former local businessman and politician, his family owned Linweld for more than 60 years before selling the business last year. Breslow was Nebraska state auditor from 1991 to 1999. He has been a minority owner of the Coyotes for the past 10 years and heads the Coyotes’ charity endeavors.

It was while traveling with the Coyotes that Breslow realized Lincoln youths weren’t likely to get opportunities to play professional hockey because of a lack of facilities.  

“Being around hockey players from around the world, they talk about getting up in the morning and getting on the ice,” said Breslow, who left Lincoln about five years ago and now lives in Las Vegas. “They didn’t leave until their mothers called them in for dinner, and that’s how they get the skills to play in the National Hockey League. All of a sudden, it hit me that kids in Lincoln are never going to have that opportunity to have their name on the Stanley Cup, because one hour every few days just isn’t going to cut it.

“Maybe somebody from Lincoln, Nebraska, will get their name engraved on the Stanley Cup. That’s the dream.”

The 58-year-old Breslow never has played hockey and began skating just 10 years ago. He wrestled at Lincoln Southeast High School and graduated from UNL. His interest in hockey began when he followed the NHL in the 1970s, and Breslow was a Lincoln Stars season-ticket holder during the early years of the franchise.

It made sense to contribute to a project that would benefit youths and ice sports, Breslow said, and area leaders won’t argue. About 80 percent of the estimated $11 million to $13 million project will be privately financed, with UNL and the city of Lincoln contributing to site selection and construction costs. Proceeds from individual fees and rink rental are projected to cover operating and maintenance costs. 

The ice complex is part of a “Nebraska sports triangle” defined by Memorial Stadium, Haymarket Park and a proposed west Haymarket arena. The University of Nebraska will own the ice facility, which will be professionally managed so that UNL intramural and club teams, city recreational leagues, high school club teams and the public equally benefit.

Initial plans call for two indoor rinks — one Olympic-sized with an arena that could seat up to 1,500.

The plans also provide for an outdoor rink and the ability to convert one of the indoor rinks for soccer, if additional funds are raised.

The Nebraska men’s and women’s hockey club teams will have office and locker room space in addition to several other locker rooms. There are no plans for Nebraska to field teams at the NCAA level.

Players representing the Nebraska teams helped to fill the Embassy Suites ballroom on Thursday, where the announcement was made. One of them was Matt McKay, a freshman from Maple Grove, Minn., who came to UNL in part to play hockey. The club team currently plays its games in Fremont.

“This is a big step for our program,” McKay said. “Teams will actually want to come play us, and people will know we have a hockey team.”

Youth figure skaters and middle-school boys in team jerseys skipped school to attend the news conference.

Norma Houfek and her 8-year-old son, Preston, stopped Breslow before he left the hotel.

“We’re just impressed by what he’s done for Lincoln, and I just thanked him,” Houfek said. “How often do you get to do that? I didn’t even know who he was, but this is cool.”

Reach Brent C. Wagner at 473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com.


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reyabjr wrote on December 20, 2007 2:13 pm:
" Thanks John - way to give back!!! "

 Supporter wrote on December 20, 2007 2:16 pm:
" "About 80 percent will be privately funded" This is awesome. Hopefully the 'powers that be' can approve the costs. This would be a great inprovement "

 yoshiki wrote on December 20, 2007 2:16 pm:
" I'm glad that there are yet still some visionaries here in the community. How many years have we been talking about getting a sheet of ice for the citizens of Lincoln... since during the Johanns Administration??? I'm glad to see it finally get done! "

 JS wrote on December 20, 2007 2:18 pm:
" Is this really necessary? Is Lincoln a big hockey town? "

 hockey fan wrote on December 20, 2007 2:19 pm:
" The Lincoln Stars won't be using it? "

 eric t wrote on December 20, 2007 2:36 pm:
" this is cool "

 dave wrote on December 20, 2007 2:38 pm:
" I hope that UNL stays out of it. If the county or city want to that is great. UNL does not have hockey, won't have another men's team, and has no need for intramural hockey. "

 Geez JS wrote on December 20, 2007 2:40 pm:
" Did you read the earlier article? Clearly, if club teams have to travel to Fremont to get ice time, there's a need. Not to mention those who don't even try to get involved in skating because they know they can't get on the ice. "

 hockey mom and fan wrote on December 20, 2007 2:42 pm:
" Yes, Lincoln is a big hockey town. The Ice Box is close to sold out if not sold out each game (over 4,000 people)and the ice is at capacity if not more each day. I am so excited for this as my kid and others have been looking for a place to go that had more ice availability. Thank you Mr. Breslow for this outstanding and wonderful hockey gift!! "

 Hockey kid wrote on December 20, 2007 2:46 pm:
" Dave commet at 2:38, yes there is a hockey men's team and I have met a lot of them. They are great guys who do nothing but give and want to see us younger kids succeed. There is more to Nebraska than just football. Thank you UNL Hockey! "

 Wilfred F. Marks wrote on December 20, 2007 2:59 pm:
" Thanks, John! You will be remembered for this for a long time! Lincolnites love ice skating...it's just that we have not had a good place to do it. Thank you! "

 unlhockey wrote on December 20, 2007 2:59 pm:
" UNL does have hockey, both a women's program and a men's program both at the club level. The men's program plays 40 plus games all over the midwest, but cannot even play in Lincoln in front of their own school. There is a need "

 JT wrote on December 20, 2007 3:06 pm:
" This is awesome news. The UNL Clubs teams must be thrilled. All the kids who have to play broom ball at 1:30AM in the Ice Box must be pretty happy too. "

 To JS wrote on December 20, 2007 3:19 pm:
" Not only that, all the hockey parents who drive their kids to Omaha for ice in the summer. Omaha, Pop 400K or so... Moylan, Benson, Motto McLean rinks... 4 public sheets of ice for public skating, hockey and figure skating...3 of which that are open year round to meet the demand... even there it is hard to get ice time for scrimmage or practice. Lincoln, Pop 250K or so.... Ice Box... closed in the summer and the Stars have priority in the winter. Between the Stars, broomball, rec leagues, house leagues, and public skating, the ice is busy from early morning to late at night. "

 Uuummm wrote on December 20, 2007 3:29 pm:
" Maybe I'm missing something, but isn't this like giving us something, then telling us we have to finish paying for it. Is this just a way to sidestep a vote to fund the thing, if it's called a "gift", no one votes to approve spending taxpayer dollars on it. If it's 80 percent privately funded, that still leaves over a million left to come up with. I have better ideas to spend a million. "

 Awesome! wrote on December 20, 2007 3:30 pm:
" This will be so nice! There is hardly any public skating time available. It is great exercise, as well as something for kids to do. To JS, there is more to ice than hockey, and I am a Stars ticket holder. Come to a game and you'll see how excited fans get about their hockey. "

 stars season ticket holder wrote on December 20, 2007 3:32 pm:
" The Lincoln stars could possibly be playing on it if state fair park is to re-locate to another city. They could also start practicing earlier than they do now just like the other teams in the league. I think either way this is good news for Lincoln. "

 Soylent Green wrote on December 20, 2007 3:38 pm:
" Too bad it has to be crammed into the Haymarket area... What's wrong with putting it in another location around town? At one time there was talk of putting a rink out near the Abbott Sport Complex. I just think it is wrong to put all the eggs in one basket (Haymarket). Which city council member will reap the finacial rewards of a Haymarket location? "

 JR wrote on December 20, 2007 3:44 pm:
" I congratulate Mr. Beslow for coming forward. I don't think people know how expensive an indoor ice arena costs. You can hire all the consultants you want and they will tell you what you want to hear. This project will cost the taxpayer thousands of $ to operate or they better find someone who can provide an endowment to cover shortfalls. I don't believe any of the rinks in Nebraska are in the black. I would proceed with caution. It would be nice attraction to Lincoln "

 Matt wrote on December 20, 2007 3:47 pm:
" Really? Hockey in Lincoln? I'm all for public skating rinks, but if UNL isn't serious about forming varsity men's AND women's hockey teams, then why use university funds for this? Just to get to put a giant red N on the ice I suppose. And without NCAA varsity hockey games, how exactly will this be another entertainment option? Club sports are not spectator sports because no one cares what frat wins the league, and last I knew there was no high school hockey in NE to draw a crowd like the other state tournaments do. "

 no big red wrote on December 20, 2007 3:57 pm:
" I agree...keep the university out of it. If they get their hands into it, you can kiss public access to the facility goodbye. "

 Hocky Mom wrote on December 20, 2007 3:58 pm:
" After 11 years of youth hockey, I couldn't be happier for the Hockey families who get to use this rink. Thank you John, we finally get to host a tourny in Lincoln. Although, roadtrips will always be some of our fondest memories of youth hockey. Drop the puck...Husker style! "

 here we go wrote on December 20, 2007 4:12 pm:
" I can hear the Lincoln people now. "Why do we need this? This is dumb." THEY ARE ALL SCARED OF LINCOLN GROWING AND COMPETING. Get over it it's 2007-2008 "

 super wrote on December 20, 2007 4:27 pm:
" this is great, now if UNL could get a varsity team i bet we could have a great new inter-state rivalry with the UNO Mavs. thanks John. "

 db wrote on December 20, 2007 4:56 pm:
" "there is no need for intramural hockey" Nice one there are people that would like to play Intramural hockey, not me personally, but why would you even say UNL doesn't need intramural hockey? of course they do students love to get involved and play and with intramurals that is a student body of at least 15,000 to draw from to get interest going, wake up just because you don't like hockey, as I do not also, does not mean there are not others who do and will support it "

 Skater wrote on December 20, 2007 4:57 pm:
" I wish they would make half of this arena an actual ice rink because we do have an ice skating club her in town (Star City Figure Skating Club) because it would be so much nice we have less ice time because of the hockey season and it would be nice to have the skating club all year around! Plus sometimes the ice gets a little roughed up from the hockey players. I just wish they would remeber there is also tons of figure skaters in Lincoln. "

 Buggalo wrote on December 20, 2007 5:03 pm:
" Why not just play field hockey? This is a big waste that again centers on a small minority in the community. We should continue to upgrade Memorial Stadium to help attract a new coach when Pelini fails in four years. "

 Sarah wrote on December 20, 2007 5:07 pm:
" Looks great to me! Is Lincoln a hockey town? It will be with this facility. "

 HockeyChica wrote on December 20, 2007 5:40 pm:
" There is a definite need for ice at UNL. With being involved with the Women's club team, we're forced (with being the newest team) to have practice times that have ranged from 6AM or even 2AM as long as it was open. Having a new arena would pave the way if UNL did maybe want to throw their hats into some larger leage, maybe not NCAA, but just as competitive and was watched as the UNO Mav's team is. And with the LIHA expanding yearly in members, the need for an expansion of ice remains as well, since many teams end up having to go to and Omaha league for competitions. So, to say there is no need for and additional ice rink in Lincoln is to say that the only team that needs it is the Stars. "

 Melissa wrote on December 20, 2007 6:17 pm:
" There are plenty of people in Lincoln who are interested in hockey and in skating and have not had the ability to really pursue it. There used to be outdoor skating at city parks, but in recent years those have been almost entirely done away with. I don't know why anyone would think UNL shouldn't get involved in hockey. There are clearly people there who enjoy it, and frankly, if places like Michigan can have competing (and very good) mens and womens hockey teams, I see no problem with UNL having them as well, someday. Frankly, I'm very excited. My five year old daughter is a huge hockey fan. We got to go see the cup today, and now the future of her skating won't be limited to going out to my parents' acreage on the coldest days of the year to use their frozen pond. (Although there's something rather picturesque and nostalgic about that, and we love it, it isn't a very reliable way to teach her to skate, and neither is the little time available for public skating at the Ice Box.) She told me today that someday she will win the Stanley Cup. I know she's only five, and I know there are those who think that's an unrealistic dream for a girl, but I'm overjoyed that she'll have a better opportunity to pursue it. (And yeah, there have been women in the NHL.) "

 SCW wrote on December 20, 2007 6:50 pm:
" Yes, this is very much needed. As others have stated, the Ice box ice surfaced is booked solid for practices, house leagues, figure skating, etc. A lot of the public just isn't aware of how many different age groups of hockey our youth has in this town. ALL of those age groups have tournaments EVERY weekend, and ALWAYS have to travel to other towns, pay for a hotel, dine out in restaurants...All that money could be HERE in Lincoln instead of Topeka, KC, Des Moines, Omaha, Sioux City, Sioux Falls...The list goes on and on. And that's just hockey. Add in the figure skating and UNL impact, and the estimated 20% will be made back up in no time at all. The plans look very similar to Tranquility facility in Omaha, and this would be perfect in Lincoln. Big thanks to Mr Breslow, Mr Price, and everyone who has pushed for this for several years. "

 JAZ wrote on December 20, 2007 6:57 pm:
" Husker Hockey, absolutely awesome I am totally excited for this to happen. Thank you to everyone involved. "

 Larry wrote on December 20, 2007 7:00 pm:
" Where is the "somewhere" in Historic Haymarket District? If it's located near the baseball park as previously indicated, then it would be more accurate to say its going to be in the North Bottoms Neighborhood. Either way, it's got to be in the Salt Creek flood plain. "

 Club is not Intramural wrote on December 20, 2007 7:56 pm:
" Dont confuse club hockey with intrmurals. The club hockey team wears the Husker jerseys and plays teams like Texas, Kansas, Iowa State, Wyoming, and Texas A&M. The Iowa State club hockey team draws big crowds to their games. "Club" only means they don't receive University funds. "

 jrb wrote on December 20, 2007 8:59 pm:
" Let's have some more facts. ie. Where is this going to located? (Not just Somewhere by the Haymarket.) Who owns the land? Who will own the facility? Doe's Mr. Breslow own part of the Stars? What part does the city have to pay for this project? Will this be on the Tax rolls? Will the 2015 group pick up the balance? Is this a back door for UNL to take over the State Fair Park? Slow down please. "

 hockeyfan wrote on December 20, 2007 9:00 pm:
" What a great, great addition to Lincoln! For all of the parents who have watched their children grow, learn and become competent, well-rounded skaters, this is a dream come true! Parents and kids have been traveling to Omaha, Kansas City and throughout the midwest to have their kids play the sport. Now many more can enjoy, learn, watch and become a part of a sport like no other. Congratulations John! We are so thankful for your leadership and willingness to give back! Merry Christmas to Lincoln! "

 whatever wrote on December 20, 2007 9:04 pm:
" Hockey is a big deal here in Lincoln. This is probably a good thing, but is it in the right location? Does it fit with "the plan", or is it part of the "plan"? If it's just another "podge" in the "hodge podge" of proposed development it will end up costing quite a bit more than what is stated here. Some good "broad ideas" are coming to the forefront, but let's not get to excited as it isn't clear how all the pieces will fit together. I see clearly where this is all going, but if it's done improperly no one alive in Lincoln will ever live to see the day it's all paid off. "

 In need of ice wrote on December 20, 2007 9:17 pm:
" Finally! a place for olympic ice curling! anyone? anyone? "

 Christine wrote on December 20, 2007 9:17 pm:
" Melissa - I hope your daughter now has a better chance to make that dream come true. I can't believe the people in this town that consider the HOCKEY FANS a small minority. I personally have only been to a handful of games, but I am addicted. I think if more people have the opportunity to get involved (with more tickets available), we will see a huge growth in the number of fans. There are a lot of complaints in Lincoln that people outside this community have so many more options for everything. This could be one area where we could compete with other cities. I am all for it, and would like to thank John for his wonderful holiday gift!! "

 Cool wrote on December 20, 2007 9:36 pm:
" This is great as long as they allow the public to use for ice skating also. I like to ice skate. My kids have expressed an interest in learning. "

 curling rocks wrote on December 20, 2007 9:59 pm:
" In response to "In Need of Ice"--I'm totally for a curling league! I played league curling in omaha at aksarben while in school there and they had great people and turnouts! Worth a shot in lincoln! "

 Pleeeeeease! wrote on December 20, 2007 10:08 pm:
" I guess there aren't anymore abused children needing better services, homeless people needing shelter or diseases needing cured??? Glad this guy has $7 mil to throw around and decides to put it into a hockey rink. Nice to give a "gift" to Lincoln......too bad it wasn't something that would help our society. Doesn't matter how much people love hockey, there are more important things for rich people to spend their money on. Too bad they don't. "

 DR wrote on December 20, 2007 10:08 pm:
" Can we Drag Race on it? "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on December 20, 2007 10:19 pm:
" I knew it. It didn't take long for the loony conspiracy theorists to claim this was some sort of deceitful plan to get "us" to pay for it. My god!! This is an enormous gift to the city of Lincoln. The idea that we would get something like this for essentially 20% of the actual cost is great. I can't believe people are so bitter and spiteful that they actually think this shouldn't be done. I get so frustrated reading the lack of vision in some of these comments. "

 Wow! wrote on December 20, 2007 10:41 pm:
" Let me begin by saying I've been to two Stars hockey games. These are the only two hockey games I've ever attended and I don't plan to attend anymore. Obviously I'm NOT a hockey fan. THANK YOU John B. What a great gift to Lincoln and the community. I can't say enough positive about what you did. There are obviously many people who will benefit greatly and all of that is a positive for Lincoln. Placing this in the Haymarket area will only benefit downtown Lincoln more. I'm very excited about what you did and I can't wait to see and read about this for years to come. Thanks again! "

 Thank You wrote on December 20, 2007 11:03 pm:
" Now let's hear from the Duncans the Dittmans the Stuarts the Campbell, the people that have made money in Lincoln. Thank you for giving back "

 Got an idea wrote on December 20, 2007 11:40 pm:
" Sorry Matt, that you get frustrated reading these comments but I've got an idea. Stop reading. Simple isn't it. I have a right to my opinion just like you. My opinion is this isn't a gift, a gift is free and clear and given without any strings attached. We have to finish paying for this, and with the big N on the ice, there will be plenty of strings to go along with it. I doubt the public will get to use this at all. The kids can just sit on the sidelines (after they pay admission, of course) and watch. No thanks John. "

 Rob wrote on December 21, 2007 12:27 am:
" I am not a hockey fan, nor do I ice skate. But, I can appreciate what Mr. Breslow is doing here. It offers more options for the younger folks to participate in. Perhaps it can persuade more NU grads and other young people to stay in a growing Lincoln. How can anyone turn this down? I may even attend some of the club games at some point. Why not? Its a good thing. "

 Terry wrote on December 21, 2007 6:23 am:
" Excellent gift! When all the over-taxed citizens have left and UNL is given the entire city, they can use the facility to hide the ice cores drilled from the poles that prove man made global warming is a hoax! "

 Neighbor wrote on December 21, 2007 6:32 am:
" I didn't see in the article how much parking there would be. This is a real problem both in the Haymarket and at the Ice Box (and UNL basketball games). Not everyone is a fit 20 year old college student capable of walking five blocks to an event. "

 whatever wrote on December 21, 2007 6:36 am:
" I would like to add that this is a wonderful gift to the city, although it will cost the city more than what is printed here as it will take a number of years to get it built and costs will rise. To those that criticize "how someone should donate their money". Keep in mind that many in Lincoln encourage the homeless and the downtrodden to locate in Lincoln and expect "someone" to pick up the tab. Also keep in mind that Lincoln has a tremendous number of children in the juvenile justice system and in foster care, much more than the averages would suggest Lincoln should have. I would think instead of being critical of the purpose of a particular persons gift that Lincolnites examine why in a "family friendly" community they have created an "incubator" of juvenile crime and dysfunctional families. All the money in the world won't correct these types of issues. "

 HoosierHusker wrote on December 21, 2007 6:42 am:
" This absolutely fantastic. Here in Indianapolis, hockey is so popular, that high schools will have 2 or 3 club level teams. The same would happen in Nebraska. "

 Why does the city always have to contribute? wrote on December 21, 2007 7:12 am:
" I'm all for this. However, I don't know why it's always put on the city's back to contribute... Will the city have an ownership stake in this? Is haymarket park profitable? Aren't there a half dozen other projects that the city is suppose to contribute to? ISN'T THE CITY BROKE? "

 Jr.Stars#19 wrote on December 21, 2007 9:17 am:
" Of course we need a new Ice Rink. If any of our current players want to make it into the NHL or any College team, we have to be able to practice to get better. So thanks for the two new Ice rinks! "

 Dano wrote on December 21, 2007 9:26 am:
" Public use of ice is limited to, well there isn't much at all. It is about time. Good work on this one, it is ling overdue. "

 Brian wrote on December 21, 2007 9:39 am:
" Thank you, John Breslow. You're doing a great thing! "

 Wake up wrote on December 21, 2007 9:59 am:
" Okay great Mr. Money bags gave his other rich buddies 7 million to build a ice rink. Okay who is going to pay to run the facility, up keep, etc. etc. Oh I know all of us tax paying people who don't have a spare 7 million sitting around collecting dust. "

 Barb wrote on December 21, 2007 11:00 am:
" For years I've wanted to see curling available in Lincoln. Omaha has had it, and produced a number of Junior Olympians in that sport. But it's too far to drive up and back in the evenings. But now...there's a possibility of seeing some adult/youth curling right here. I can't wait! Thanks, John! "

 mark wrote on December 21, 2007 11:13 am:
" "Now let's hear from the Duncans the Dittmans the Stuarts the Campbell, the people that have made money in Lincoln." What??? They already employ our citizens, invest in our city, and enrich our community already. Why do the achievers always get so many ideas on how to spend their money? Make yours, spend it morally. It takes a village to raise a socialist. "

 How much seating?? wrote on December 21, 2007 11:13 am:
" Do I understand that the Ice Box holds 4000 fans and this new multi=million dollar facility will hold upto 1,500. What is up with that. The picture doesn't show seats around the entire rink. That is odd. I hope this is re-thought out before they actually decide to build this. "

 Mike wrote on December 21, 2007 11:23 am:
" There is a definite need for a rink in Lincoln. There is a mens hockey team as well as a womens team. Most people don't know about the mens team because every weekend we travel to Fremont to play our home games. I have been a part of the program for the past three years and to see how it has grown in that short time is amazing. Thank you for your contribution John. "

 Jean wrote on December 21, 2007 2:13 pm:
" A hockey rink! More plans by the Vision 2015 Group! I have an idea.....instead of making sure the poor and under-employed in Lincoln have food and can pay their utilities...let's just give all the land in our city, even that owned by private individuals, to the University of Nebraska to do with as they chose! Then they can have all the sports, hockey rinks, State Fair's, horse racing venues, and everything else they want. The rest of the people in Lincoln not associated with the University of Nebraksa can move out of Lincoln - opening the door for the university to own and control the entire town! They can pay for everything, research everything, have all the sports they desire, and since all would be either attending or working at these facilities the rest of us poor suckers that enjoy other things will not have to suffer. "

 jmk wrote on December 21, 2007 3:24 pm:
" If unl has a team, then when this is built they can have the ice rink in the fair park, unl wants that land anyway, so they can play there and leave this one alone "

 Yoko Ono wrote on December 21, 2007 3:45 pm:
" This is great, but why does it have to be in the downtown area. Can we build anything that has good roads and access. I do not go to the Haymarket ara because of parking issues, and traffic. "

 GI TORNADO 96 wrote on December 21, 2007 4:21 pm:
" I'm jealous Lincoln hockey supporters. We have a new 35 million dollar event center here in GI with ice capablities and all the bells and whistles (boards and score board) and our idiots running the place won't put ice down. Best of luck & enjoy your new sheets of ice. "

 wonderi wrote on December 21, 2007 7:35 pm:
" am wondering if these same people say how the city needs this sort of thing and can wait for it to be built are the same one who cant drive during winter conditions and want more tax dollars spend on snow removal of city side streets "

 read people wrote on December 21, 2007 9:05 pm:
" If some of you would read the whole story or even the previous story you would have your answers instead of automatically just whining about the cost and my taxes wha wha wha. It says the REVENUE from renting out the facility will pay for the upkeep and the rest of the construction costs. "

 Disappointed by negative comments wrote on December 21, 2007 11:26 pm:
" It's always amazing to see how many people complain even when someone has so generously given to Lincoln. I see in the article that Mr. Breslow no longer lives in Lincoln, but, given the generosity of his gift, it still seems that his heart and mind are still in Lincoln. It is his money. If he has a dream that one day a kid from Lincoln will have a chance to hoist one of the most hallowed trophies in sports, what is wrong with him giving that kid his chance? "

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