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UNL nears arena agreement with city

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BY DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Sep 03, 2008 - 08:55:27 pm CDT

Tom Osborne said the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has reached a tentative agreement with city officials on having its basketball teams be tenants if the city builds a new arena.

The agreement “would be beneficial to both,” Osborne said Wednesday at an arena open house at Memorial Stadium. “Unless things have changed, we’re OK with what they’ve offered us. ... We think we can work it out.”

He would not elaborate on the terms of the proposed agreement.

Story Photo
Jordan Berger (left) of Lincoln Traction explains the details of a new arena design to urban planning graduate students Benjamin Blumanhourst and Erin Bolton on Wednesday. (Eva Barajas)

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8.17.08 Public will get to view, comment on arena proposals
Public meetings and a possible vote

Want to offer input? Residents unable to attend Wednesday’s event will be able to provide input regarding the project at www.WestHaymarketArena.org. The Web site, speakers bureau and other outreach efforts will continue through the end of the year.

What’s next?

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.

Mayor Chris Beutler would not comment beyond saying, “I think that’s true.”

Of course, any such agreement would have to be approved by the NU Board of Regents, and although Beutler suggested they might take up the issue Friday, UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman said, “To my knowledge there will be nothing on the public agenda.”

But in closed session, he said, “I may brief them on what the status is just so they know what’s happening.”

Perlman did not rule out that the university may reach an agreement with the city on the arena, but said there’s none yet.

“I've always said we have a high level of interest in a facility for basketball, but we haven't reached an agreement,” he said. “It would have to be one that is financially viable for us.”

Osborne said the university will need to build a new basketball practice facility — whether a new arena is built or not — to keep its teams competitive, and joining with the city would save on costs. A new arena and practice facility would help with recruiting and attendance, he said.

“Players always are interested in where they’re going to play,” Osborne said. “It’s kind of like, would you rather live in a new house or one that’s 30 years old?”

He said on average, a new facility bumps up attendance 15 percent.

Osborne and Beutler were at the public’s disposal during the open house Wednesday, ready to answer Lincolnites’ questions about the city’s proposal to build an arena to replace the Pershing Center.

The most frequent question put to Osborne was whether UNL is really interested in moving its  basketball teams to a new arena.

“The answer to that is yes,” Osborne said.

City officials and arena supporters were on hand to answer questions, show potential site concepts and traffic configurations, and explain the rationale behind a new arena.

Trent Rasmussen has only lived in Lincoln for two weeks, but the grad student was interested enough to attend the open house.

“I think the concept is absolutely wonderful,” he said after studying site concepts. “It’s a pretty novel concept.”

Jan FitzSimmons is also a supporter of a new arena.

“I think it’d be a big mistake not to (build it),” she said. She said she’d like to see the proposed festival space include a sheet of ice akin to that of Rockefeller Center.

Rhonda Lieske, a dental assistant and EMT from Lincoln, said a new arena would help the economy and give restaurants and businesses a boost from out-of-towners.

“People out west don’t like to go to Omaha because it’s so big,” she said.

Delfs Linder, a retired Lincolnite, said initially he was concerned about how the city would pay for a new arena, but now he believes the city needs to keep up with cities like Omaha.

“I think it’s what Lincoln needs,” he said. “Pershing’s getting old.”

But he’s not sure the arena will pass muster with Lincoln voters in the spring.

“Like everything, it goes back to money,” he said.

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


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Oh Please wrote on September 3, 2008 9:02 pm:
" People out west dont like to come to Omaha because its so big? Are you kidding me? Get a grip, "greater Nebraska". Are you really that afraid of the "Big city"? By all means, dont go to Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Orlando, or ANY city over 1,000,000. How on earth do your children handle it when they move?
For crying out loud "

 Ricky wrote on September 3, 2008 9:26 pm:
" Here is my issue again;

Will attendees at the Husker games in the new arena be able to drink beer and wine?
It is a city owned building and it should be up to the citizens of Lincoln.
If I were them I would say "No Beer, No Arena".

Lots of money to be made with attendance and beer sales.

Look at our Qwest Center.

Ricky From Omaha "

 NO BEER wrote on September 3, 2008 10:12 pm:
" The UNL administration is very against bad drinkning habits...what does it say if we allow drinking at UNL basketball games...we do not allow it at the Husker basball games...even though the stadium is "owned" by the city and the saltdogs games have alcohol sales...You can have the hook-ups for booze. Just not at huker basketball games. "

 Conservative wrote on September 3, 2008 10:29 pm:
" UNL a tenant rather than a financial partner?

The burden on Lincoln taxpayers may be too much. Even the VP candidate saw her sports complex in Wasilla, AK had to increase taxes when costs exceeded the budget.

And replacement of Devaney, paid for by the state not Lincoln taxes, may be accomplished with the Ag Societies proposed arena.

Of course, beside financial concerns there are design concerns/problems, environmental concerns, and inadequate integration of LEED elements.

It is unfortunate this project has far to go before it can even be considered ready for citizens to vote on a very expensive bond issue that will raise taxes. "

 here we go again wrote on September 3, 2008 10:32 pm:
" heres the city spending tax money to accommodate unl and their needs it has to stop the well had run dry "

 JB wrote on September 3, 2008 10:41 pm:
" Should have been built yesterday. Lincoln needs to bite the bullet and move forward. Lincoln has been losing out to smaller cities the last couple decades and before we know it our State Basketball will be in Kearney. Get tired of people acting like all the costs of something comes out of their own little pockets. Nothing is free, but there is a cost of doing nothing. "

 dewboy wrote on September 3, 2008 11:37 pm:
" I see they made sure the political cronies were on TV. What UNL kicks in financially had better be more than just rent. Real nice place to have a public hearing BUT I suppose they were afraid that Pershing would collapse on top of everyone. "

 Have a trial run.... wrote on September 3, 2008 11:44 pm:
" Book a couple events at Devaney. If they sell out, build the arena. If not, don't. Prove there is a need. Prove we can AFFORD this. "

 wrote on September 4, 2008 12:11 am:
" WHAT arena?
Oh, you mean the one that responsible voters will have to say we cannot afford at this time when we vote on it next spring. Ya got yer cart before the horse! Why not let Tom Osborne and Chris Beutler pay for it and reap all the profits themselves. "

 Goldwater wrote on September 4, 2008 6:36 am:
" What happens to the Devaney Center if this arena gets built? Is it to be left to rot like Pershing? Chairman Seng saved money in her budget by cutting off all maintenence to Pershing. It should collapse upon itself any day now. Is that the future of the Devaney Center? Can we drink at the new arena? The way our city spends our money the drinks had better be free. "

 Yup wrote on September 4, 2008 7:34 am:
" Don't sign the lease just yet. This thing hasn't gone to a vote of the people. Obviously, they're pulling out the big guns with Tom, they must be worried. What a silly statement to make about People out west don't like to come to Omaha because its so big. People out west don't come to Lincoln either, because they go to Cheyenne and Denver. ogmla "

 Ghost wrote on September 4, 2008 7:45 am:
" Here's an idea, Why can't the basketball team continue to use Devany Center for practice and games. "

 And may I ask wrote on September 4, 2008 7:46 am:
" How many of the above "complainers and financial wizards" took the time to attend last night's info meeting?

And, I think a lot of small town Nebraskans honestly don't like visiting Omaha, compared to Lincoln. Our influx of people usually are from small towns. Omaha gets a lot of incoming citizens from out-of-state. It's not a slam on Omaha. And it doesn't deserve a comment like Oh Please. To each his own, huh? "

 Sounds good to me wrote on September 4, 2008 7:52 am:
" State Basketball in Kearney, SWEET! "

 Georgette wrote on September 4, 2008 8:51 am:
" Glad to see UNL will pay for the practice facility. Now, there needs to be great financial support for the arena portion.
Maybe:

20 % funded by the Athletic Department
20 % funded by the NU Foundation
20 % funded by Lincoln donors / 2015 group
20 % funded by the State
20 % funded by Lincoln taxpayers/bond issue

Benefits and financial burden should be spread across the range of and supporters of a project like this. Partnerships are a way to fairly sspread liability and costs. "

 Husker Fan wrote on September 4, 2008 8:53 am:
" NCAA rules prohibit alcohol at at NCAA sponsered event. If you want alcohol find a different event to attend.

I would be nice to have Nebraska's government to allow some of these decisions to be put back in the hands of the citizens. Have some statewide presentations to educate and allow the voters to decide. Moving the State Fair is a major issue that is still not resolved. "

 Done Deal... wrote on September 4, 2008 9:12 am:
" Love the spin on this like there is a chance it won't be done...this thing has been on the books for 6 months now, it WILL be built. "

 Fat Cat wrote on September 4, 2008 9:45 am:
" Alcohol will only be allowed at fat-cat fundraisers, because drunk richies write bigger checks. You regular people can go take a hike. "

 Dustin wrote on September 4, 2008 10:13 am:
" To NO BEER: FALSE! The Baseball stadium is owned by a split cost between the university and the city. That is why husker baseball is not considered a "tenant" on a lease in Haymarket Park. Thus, the university gets to decide if alcohol is permitted during the games.

If the city of Lincoln was smart, they would foot the entire bill for the Arena and have the University as a "tenant" and thus allowing the city to determine whether alcohol sales would be permitted. If they do this (just like Omaha did with the quest center arena) they would be able to roll in the dough when it comes to BBall games and alcohol sales because the game would not just be a sporting event but would be a social event and would attract many young lincolnites who are just looking for a good time with a few drinks with their friends over the week. "

 Bill wrote on September 4, 2008 10:16 am:
" If Lincoln does not go alone on this thing then UNL also gets a split of all profits. Also, there would be great debate whether alcohol sales would be permitted because it would be considered university property when it comes to various events including concerts.

Face it lincoln, it is in your best interest to go alone on this one and don't let big brother (UNL) have a piece of the pie. "

 Cant compare to devaney wrote on September 4, 2008 10:20 am:
" You can't compare Devaney to this new arena. Devaney is on UNL property and thus alcohol sales are not permitted unless you go through a long process. That is why concerts are not scheduled there because they can't make any money without the $5+ beer sales. That is why you can't compare this arena to devaney at all. They are two completely different facilitys. Devaney tried to hold concerts, but they couldn't even sell out garth brooks because people couldn't have alcohol and the big problem was people bringing in alcohol into devaney and that stopped concerts immediately. "

 JB wrote on September 4, 2008 10:51 am:
" The people in Lincoln sound like they did before Pershing Auditorum was built. Lincoln went around thirty years trying to get it built. People don't understand there is a bigger cost to not building. I have lived in Lincoln almost as long as we have had Pershing and hate to see my hometown going downhill. I used to be proud to say I was from Lincoln and not Omaha, but now days Omaha is a "do" town and Lincoln is a "we'll think about it" town. Lincoln needs some of our major businesses to take a lead like they do in Omaha. All our local insurance companies seem to know how to do is to live downtown. Gallup run off to Omaha and helped in their revitalization. Lincoln can't live in the past. "

 Outside the Box wrote on September 4, 2008 10:53 am:
" I guarantee nobody on this board attended the meeting. That would require a) action, b) getting involved instead of making snarky comments, c) potentially learning about the benefits of an arena, d) saying something other than "taxes, taxes, taxes". "

 Glad to be a Lincolnite wrote on September 4, 2008 10:56 am:
" This is an exciting proposal that is being offered at a time when our local economy needs a boost. I don't think we can afford to sit back and wait for private developers to bring the jobs and investment to us, while Omaha is making great strides in developing its City. Otherwise, companies like Gallup will continue to move to Omaha. "

 What an open house wrote on September 4, 2008 10:58 am:
" What a great open house! Thanks to UNL or whoever organized it. Everyone I needed to talk to, including architects, developers, and city folks were there to answer questions. "

 fouracres wrote on September 4, 2008 11:01 am:
" A new arena is inevitable, don't get in the way or you'll get run over. It will need a major tenant and UNL men's basketball is the only imaginable choice as a premier tenant. The Athletic Department will get a sweet deal on this one if voters approve it first time around. If it fails, look for a revised proposal with more UNL involvement. Why pay for something if you might be able to get it for free? And there's little chance beer will be sold at UNL games as long as Osborne is around, even though it is available at Creighton Basketball and UNO Hockey games.

If the arena is built, hopefully UNL Volleyball will move to Devaney. It's absolutely stupid that this fine program continues to sell out the Coliseum, denying many more fans the opportunity of attending, while the Devaney Center is often available and the Volleyball program loses money. A few occasional matches at Devaney are not enough - they should all be held there permanently. "

 RE Done deal wrote on September 4, 2008 11:08 am:
" Sure hope you're right! If we left everything to the "Don't Tax Me To Death" group we'd still have dirt streets, one sheriff and a worn road leading out of town.

THANKS to all of those who want to improve Lincoln and are willing to try something for once. Lincoln is a great city and I'd hate to see it go the way of so many dying towns/cities. "

 sam wrote on September 4, 2008 11:11 am:
" They are going to build this whether the voters want it or not they are all ready getting the line up for some help of money but the most will still come from the taxpayers. the reason is the university wants it and lincoln has to give them whatever they want just like with the fair grounds they do not also follow throught with their end of the bargain but they are the university "

 Chris wrote on September 4, 2008 11:15 am:
" Ricky, it will be like baseball at Haymarket, I assume. Beer available for Saltdogs games, not available for Husker games.

Although UNO usually has beer available for hockey games, so we will see. "

 Chris wrote on September 4, 2008 11:16 am:
" Conservative, Wasilla Alaska has 7000 people, hardly comparable. "

 Outside the Box wrote on September 4, 2008 11:25 am:
" Husker Fan is close, but slightly off:

Yes, there is no booze at NCAA sponsored events - College World Series, Final Fours, etc. However, schools can sell booze at their discretion for their own sporting events. Notably, Creighton allows booze for their basketball games at Qwest.

Of course, this is a moot point. There is no way a Tom Osborne led athletic department will allow alcohol to be sold at NU game. "

 Smarty wrote on September 4, 2008 11:45 am:
" And anybody who thinks this won't pass a public vote in Lincoln is crazy.

The all mighty Tom Osborne has waved his magic support wand over it... and so it shall be. "

 Confused wrote on September 4, 2008 11:53 am:
" I asked a few people a year or so ago what is the point of building an arena nearly the same size as one we already have in town, Devaney. I was told that the university isn't interested in using it's arena for concert events and with a commitment to a basketball schedule it's dificult to be able to book entertainment. So now, if UNL wants to play in the new arena, how is this different?

Instead of millions and millions spent on a new arena, which will certainly be beautiful, no doubt, let's use the one we HAVE in town and book some concerts. If we're worried about alcohol sales... let's buy Devaney from UNL. They could give us a really really good deal on the property... "

 Bev wrote on September 4, 2008 12:04 pm:
" Do you realize how much the owners of the Saltdogs make on beer sales? Charging nearly $15 for a six pack? Let's use economic sense if this is about generating revenue for the city. As far as the NCAA rules, doesn't the athletic director have enough clout to change a rule that has little relevance to the athletic program and is more a value added component to fans enjoying games? "

 Jim wrote on September 4, 2008 12:06 pm:
" Maybe the meetings are not relevant and are not reaching to people and their needs in a changing world that requires a more effective way to communicate and respond to citizens? "

 Donner wrote on September 4, 2008 12:08 pm:
" If all Lincoln had to do to was build an arena, I'd say go for it. But who will pay for the related items such as streets to get to the arena, adequate parking in an area already parking-deprived. Lincoln's airport won't attract people to come to the arena when they can save hundreds of dollars by flying into Omaha and driving to Lincoln.
And what about the hundreds of new jobs the arena will create?--Wait staff that the businesses can hire at $2.13 an hour and pay no benefits except let them keep their tips; hotel room service staff working at minimum wage or below without benefits; parking garage attendants and concession staff, just think of the thousands in new taxes this will produce.
Who's going to pay for the environmental clean-up if the Arena is built on old railroad land? BNSF certainly won't because they don't have to move to make room for an arena. And, if train traffic continues to increase beyond the current level of more than a dozen trains per hour, where would they put new tracks? You can bet the railroad will never build new tracks through the suburbs of Lincoln--who would let them? They will stay in the right of way they've owned for more than a century.
Lincolnites can't afford to be triple taxed to pay for an arena--state taxes that support the university, city taxes to subsidize the facility and additional taxes to pay off a revenue bond. If 2015 is so hot to have an arena, let them front the money for it and they can have all the profits----that should take them only 100 or so years to recoup their investment.
Finally, a new arena for UNL Basketball would be nice. But if I'm Billy Joel or The Rolling Stones or Trisha Yearwood or any of the other big name acts now scheduled for Omaha or Kansas City or Des Moines, you can bet I'm not adding a town with a limited population base from which to draw. When Lincoln get to be half a million or more, then an arena might compete with Quest Center; otherwise, it will be nothing more than a newer version of Pershing. Will the circus be allowed on the basketball floor? "

 skeptical wrote on September 4, 2008 12:12 pm:
" Since when can't you drink at an NCAA event? Have you watched college football on TV? I've been to the Orange Bowl and there was a lot of drinking going on. I'm all for an arena if we can sell it out for big events but the last time I checked there were some pretty big acts coming to Lincoln that couldn't even sell out Pershing. What about parking? It's a huge issue and the major reason a lot of people don't go downtown. Try to find a parking spot for anything in the Haymarket. One reason the STARS have been so successful is lots of parking. It's Nebraska there is plenty of flat ground! Can we just get a parking lot already? "

 Misinformation wrote on September 4, 2008 12:40 pm:
" There is much misinformation posted here. Alcohol is commonly served at NCAA regular season events, including Creighton Basketball and UNO Hockey. It is not permitted at NCAA Championship events like the Basketball Regionals and the College World Series.

The Bob Devaney Sports Center is situated on State of Nebraska property. UNL is owned by the State of Nebraska, and alcohol is often served on State property. Examples are the beer gardens at the State Fair and the full bar in the Grandstand Clubhouse for year-round horse racing simulcasting. Alcohol is not often served in UNL buildings, but it is not unheard of. I once took a Fine Foods and Wine class in a UNL building and plenty of wine was served. Many more examples exist.

The Devaney Center in its first ten years was a huge concert venue. Personally I remember seeing Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond and other major concerts there in the 1980's. I don't specifically recall, but some friends swear that there was beer sold at some of these events.

I think the last time Garth Brooks appeared at Devaney it was for an unprecedented FIVE NIGHT run. Concerts were curtailed after there was a huge incident involving a Van Halen show. Allegedly the UNL Athletic Department mostly forbids concerts there now because there is little benefit and moderate inconvenience to UNL Athletics. Do you remember just a few years ago how a State Fair Superpass admission included a free ticket to a major show like REO Speedwagon in the Devaney Center? (1998) "

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on September 4, 2008 1:01 pm:
" I was there last night and did not see or hear anything that would make me change my mind about voting this white elephant down. All I heard is alot of if's and maybe's.
The city of Lincoln just had to lay off people to help balance the budget, what in the world makes these people think this is fiscally responsible. If you want to donate to this great you have extra money but don't force it on the overburdened taxpayers. "

 RE Donner wrote on September 4, 2008 1:28 pm:
" I highly doubt many people fly into Omaha to see something at the "Quest" (sic) center, so the airport comment isn't relevant. Parking? There will be garages...numerous. Minimum wage jobs? According to numerous Republicans I know there aren't many minimum wage jobs anyway. At least that's what they said when the wage was raised this past year. Environmental cleanup? Did I miss the news article that stated anything for certain about it or is that just speculation? If, if, if. And as far as a "circus being allowed on the basketball court" you do realize that the court is not there permanently, right? The Qwest Center had a pool constructed on the "floor" for Olympic trials. The possibilities are endless!! Think outside the box!!! "

 Parking wrote on September 4, 2008 1:36 pm:
" I have never, ever been to the Haymarket to eat dinner or to go to the Farmer's Market and NOT found a parking space...EVER! The garage at 9th and Q has always been available. I have always found a spot at 10th and Q in that garage. The parking argument holds no water!! If you want to say there's a parking problem then make it clear that you really mean "there's no street parking next to the restaurant/business I'm visiting" because there is always parking. (except for Husker gamedays, duh) "

 They FEAR change wrote on September 4, 2008 1:37 pm:
" Predictably, the elderly "taxed to death retireds" crowd is coming out. One good thing is, this is a done deal. The majority of Lincolnites will see the progress being made and vote for this, as we should. You can still have your Senior Centers to play cards in. As far as the Devany Center and concerts go, it's been said earlier, but I'll break it down for you again... it's alcohol. No alcohol at Devany, it's against STATE law. "

 Tony wrote on September 4, 2008 2:18 pm:
" Alcohol is an issue. So why not compromise and state legislators get their act together to amend or change STATE laws! That is what the voice of the people wants, that is how a democracy stays in line with where citizens see their city and state. "

 I cant wait for wrote on September 4, 2008 2:35 pm:
" this to be built then fail miserably. When was the last time the Devaney even sold out? When was the last time Pershing even sold out? Yeah we really need a new arena! (sarcasm) And to the person saying we need to keep competing with towns like Kearney and GI. Why? What do get if we win? You do realize we are 5 times the size of those town right? "

 AA wrote on September 4, 2008 8:12 pm:
" WOW! After looking at the comments it appears Lincoln has a bunch of drunks. We want beer. We want beer. We want beer. Stay home. Don't go to my new convention center. I don't want anymore drunks driving on my city streets. There is more to life than beer. Perhaps if you went sober, stayed sober, you would actually remember what you saw at my convention center. "

 Student wrote on September 4, 2008 10:14 pm:
" Let's raise tuition again!!!? While we're at it let's raise taxes!!? That's a great idea. "

 Gloria wrote on September 4, 2008 11:12 pm:
" Wow! First the mayor and unl steal our fairgrounds land and then you expect Lincolnites to build you a new arena? I for one will vote no.... We can't afford it. I sure wish I could take back my vote for Mayor Beutler. I didn't realize he was in bed with the university! "

 Shane wrote on September 5, 2008 12:32 am:
" How about all the construction jobs created to build an Arena, That money comes back to Lincoln in the form of taxes, sales tax and spending their paycheck. That certainly reduces the overall cost to the taxpayer.

Have some vision. You cannot use Devaney for concerts even if you want to as it was built before acts had the equipment they have now and the ceiling will not support it. This is NOT about UNL but UNL does provide and anchor tenant for the arena and GUARANTEE you a number of event days every year. Lincoln had this same discussion in the early 50s and the "NO SAYERS" claimed Pershing would not be able to compete with Civic Auditorium. Seems like they both did well for over 50 years so why wouldn't a Lincoln Arena and Quest??

Finally, stop with the "I am being taxed to death by the city" nonsense. The city takes 14 cents out of every tax dollar. That is less than 25% of what is paid to LPS and less than the county even though 90% of the county is inside the city. "

 oh wrote on September 5, 2008 8:07 am:
" Perlman said only if it is finacially feasable for the University...the heck with the taxpayers. And this was said one day before they want to give big raises to the professors. They need to be competative with their peers. Isn't that what the City and Ccounty employees have with comprability that everyone wants to throw stones ant and do away with? "

 JB wrote on September 5, 2008 9:54 am:
" Lincoln has to stop putting off things that must be done. I get tired of things taking forever to be done and then done on the cheap. I want Lincoln to be a "can do" city, not a "let's do a study" city. "

 oh please wrote on September 5, 2008 10:09 am:
" "AA". Get off your high horse and step into reality. If this place does not serve alcohol it will be an utter failure plain and simple. Look at the Devaney, they stopped serving alcohol at events and that place is a bigger bust than Bill C. Also what is going to happen with scheduling basketball games and concerts? There will be a lot of scheduling conflicts. This thing will not work here nor will it ever sell out and it will never be a success. But vote for it lincoln we already have two places that are terrible might as well add another one to the mix! "

 so.... wrote on September 5, 2008 10:12 am:
" All you people who want this thing so badly you do realize once Tom Osborne gets his ultra conservative hands on this thing there will be no alcohol sales which inturn will make this fail miserably, right? I love what Chris Beutler is doing. He couldn't sell the idea to the city so who does he get to do it for him? Non other than Tom Osborne. This thing is a bad idea. "

 Yup wrote on September 5, 2008 10:50 am:
" Actually it has been said numerous times that there is contamination in the ground where they want to build. They have said they could get around the some of the problem with paved parking, however, they can't build a building on it without cleaning it up. As for it creating construction jobs, they are only there for the time it is constructed. When it's finished, thats when you have staff with minimum wage, no benefits. The rich or want to be rich can build it if they want it, otherwise, the poor or soon to be poor can't afford to build something for the entertainment of others. Sometimes people need to look past their upturned noses and see that people aren't whining just because they don't want change. It's because they can't afford change. When you are elderly, you'll see what your fixed budget, pension plan will pay for you. Hopefully your's will last longer than ours. "

 Its time to rebuild the Core wrote on September 5, 2008 11:41 am:
" In response to "I can't wait for": Before Omaha built the Quest arena... When was the last time the Civic sold out? When was the last time Aksarben sold out?

Give me a break... Lincoln is just on the path that hundreds of city's across the nation have done and most Arena's are doing just find to promote urban growth. I'm tired of Lincoln growing outward, it's time to rebuild the city core and every community planner realizes that private investment starts with a big public investment. Just take a look at Oklahoma City, then Omaha followed their path and Kansas City is now doing the same.

Get a clue... "

 Outside Observer wrote on September 5, 2008 12:00 pm:
" It seems to me that the University of Nebraska runs Lincoln. Lincoln is almost held hostage by the wishes and demands of the university. Sometimes being a college town is great, but in this case, it may be a damper. An arena event needs beer, and Lincoln should not waver at the demands of the University or T.O. Good luck Lincoln. "

 contamination wrote on September 5, 2008 12:04 pm:
" yes Donner there is contamination. but BNSFR caused it and will be held responsible for cleaning it up to acceptable risk levels. The remediation system was installed years ago. besides it's much less than the contamination that was under the Qwest center... "

 you cant be serious.. wrote on September 5, 2008 12:33 pm:
" "Its time to rebuild the Core". You just compared Lincoln,NE to Kansas City,Omaha,and Oklahoma City. You do realize each of those cities are at least 3 times the size of Lincoln right? Why can't people like you just accept that Omaha is only 40 mins away? Do people really think this is too far to drive? You do know that the Civic and Aksarben actually did sell out in their primes, something the Pershing has maybe done once. This reminds me of Boulder vs. Denver. Boulder knows Denver is close so they would never build an arena to compete with a city that is much larger then themselves and they embrace the fact they can work as one.Why can't we do that? We can grow without building an arena that will fail. How blind are you that you actually think this is a good idea? People are moving from here left an right if anything our population will be down by the time this is built. Im guessing you don't have much experience in business or economics. The way this town handles things this wont be done until we are all dead anyway. "

 My elderly parents wrote on September 5, 2008 1:02 pm:
" Love the idea of an arena. They planned well for their retirement, and moved to Lincoln several years ago. They lived here in the 60s and can't believe how it's improved since then. They miss the downtown retail, but understand that it's not just in Lincoln but nationwide where downtowns just aren't the retail "meccas" that they once were. I'm sorry for people such as "Yup" who struggle financially, but your anti-arena stance (before you even know if you'll have to pay) is sad. But, you make me appreciate my parents even more, so thanks!

As far as beer...I'm certainly if it's not a UNL event (or NSAA) there will be alcohol for those that feel the need. No problem for me. "

 RE you cant be serious wrote on September 5, 2008 3:18 pm:
" Lincoln's population is not falling, as you claimed. In fact, other than the Sarpy county cities, it's been one of the faster growing cities in the region. People aren't "moving from here left an right". Far from it.

I suppose you'd think it's a good idea to just move UNL up to Omaha too? Why build anything new when Omaha is only 40 minutes away? "

 How sad wrote on September 5, 2008 4:08 pm:
" I just think it's sad that there are people who can't enjoy going to an event if there isn't any beer. So what are you going there for in the first place -- to see the event or to drink some beer? If all you really want is the beer, then go to a bar. "

 Responsible wrote on September 5, 2008 11:46 pm:
" If you can't seem to handle a beer or two responsibly, don't condemn the majority of the population that can. Prohibition ended 75 years ago and the Blue Laws that followed it are eroding, even if at a glacial pace. Beer sales add significantly to the probability of success for this venture. Also, if UNL Women's Basketball is an appropriate tenant for this facility, so are UNL Women's Volleyball and the Lincoln Stars. Sure, very few events other than something like UNL-Kansas Men's Basketball will ever sell out, but so what? Every ticket sold will include maybe 25 cents tax/license to pay the mortgage. The facility staff will be busy for setup and tear down, but that's not really as hard as one might imagine (Qwest Center does it for hockey/basketball/concerts every winter). Somehow I think the educated, professional people supporting this project are more knowledgable and visionary than fixed-income retirees from hourly wage jobs who are worried about another 50 bucks a year on their property tax bill - which may not even be necessary if the project actually improves the quality of this city. There's going to be a BIG bill due on the Qwest Center some day, because Mayor Fahey in Omaha has been postponing its debt retirement, but no one can argue that Qwest is a tremendous success and the debt retirement will still be manageable whenever they finally get around to it.

Lincoln Electric System and Lincoln Water System occasionally spend tens of millions on capital construction projects, and nobody says a word, even though such projects do nothing to increase revenue, only quality of service. The arena will increase the quality of life in Lincoln, and economic growth will follow. Your choice is to grow or die. If growth stalls you can recover, but once a serious decline ensues it is very difficult to arrest. Besides, you got the Devaney Center free courtesy of the smokers, so you owe everybody one anyway. One final point - simply moving into a new arena - Qwest - transformed Creighton Basketball from a lowly also-ran into a hugely successful program with NCAA tourney wins. Wouldn't a whole lot of Husker fans like to have a basketball program they could really brag about too, rather than constantly getting drilled by Kansas - Kansas! - every year? "

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