The West Haymarket Action Team (WHAT) invites the public to open houses Oct. 18 to find out more about the concept of an arena in the West Haymarket area.

Those interested can choose from two sessions, both at Pershing: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m.

WHAT tri-chairpeople are Mayor Chris Beutler, Chamber of Commerce President Wendy Birdsall and Cori Sampson Vokoum of Sampson Construction Co.

They are leading an effort to explore the replacement of the 50-year-old Pershing Center with a new public arena west of the downtown Haymarket area. The concept also could include a new convention center and hotel.

The purpose of the open houses is to provide information and take comments on the concept before the City Council’s consideration of a redevelopment plan for the area. Both open houses will include:

* A video presentation on the West Haymarket arena concept.

* A behind-the-scenes tour of Pershing.

* Information on the arena concept and redevelopment plan amendment.

* Expert briefings with questions from the public.

* Opportunities for the public to provide survey input and written comments.

Leadership Lincoln will provide volunteers to accompany the tours, facilitate briefings and question/answer sessions and encourage public input and comments. Pershing will have a concession stand open to the public.

For more information on the open houses or the West Haymarket Action Team, contact Kent Morgan in Planning at 441-7491. More information on WHAT also is available on the city Web site, lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: WHAT)

The 2015 Vision group is promoting 10 potential pillars or projects that will move Lincoln forward in a public-private partnership model. The goal is to provide quality jobs and retain young people in Lincoln.

One of the pillars is the construction of the West Haymarket Arena.

Beutler and 2015 Vision jointly created WHAT to better define the arena vision and to work on its potential implementation. The 16-member committee began meeting last spring. WHAT includes elected officials, taxpayers, private business owners, neighborhood groups, the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Lincoln Association, the University of Nebraska and other nonprofit organizations.