Think about what looms for Lincoln over the next ten to twenty years:
Newly-developable land in Antelope Valley invites hundreds of millions of dollars worth of construction activity. Assurity has already begun construction on their new headquarters in the area. Newly-developable land in Innovation Campus opens up the potential for hundreds of millions of dollars worth of construction and research activity. And now, thanks to yesterday's vote, we're looking at hundreds of millions of dollars worth of development in the Haymarket. Add it all up and, if we play our cards well, Lincoln is looking at one helluva burst of economic activity in the not-so-distant future.
In a very short time span Lincoln's core has expanded considerably. Consider what's going on in the newly-formed triangle of the greater Downtown area: To the north, a dedicated research and education park; to the east, new commercial and recreational opportunities; and to the west, new commercial and entertainment venues. In the middle lie education, commerce, entertainment, and residential options. There's a lot of stuff to be excited about here.
Of course we could play "what if" all day. Lincoln has involved itself in a number of risks all at once. One or more of them could crash and burn. Although that's a reality we need to keep in mind, it oughtn't weigh us down. Lincoln has a lot going for it as a community, and each side of this new triangle targets a unique enough audience that there shouldn't be much fear of one project poaching from another. There is enough room for all of this new activity to coexist.
So congratulations to Lincoln and to the Yes For Lincoln Haymarket Arena folks. As for the No2Arena folks? You did good. I mean that. Somebody needed to step up in opposition, so thanks for taking on that role.
Now, I'm going to go check out TicketMaster for tickets to Men at Work's 2013 tour. I hear there's this great new venue...
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They are touring together again? I knew Colin was doing his own thing (and is a great solo/acoustic act) but I wasn’t aware that MAW were together, too.
Bring on Yes and Styx and Dire Straits, too. Heck, DMB/Tim Reynolds would be awesome, too. Maybe some collaborative blues acts that cant fit at the Zoo?
Let me second Colin Hay’s solo-acoustic stuff. It really is great.
...and after we upgrade the State Prison perhaps Lady Gaga would ...
Styx?
Men at Work?
Yikes!
If built, the Haymarket Arena will rival (at least in capacity) the Sprint Center in KC, Scottrade Center in StL, and the Qwest Center.
Some popular acts touring this summer:
James Taylor and Carole King.
Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers.
Tim McGraw.
Carrie Underwood.
Roger Waters.
Pearl Jam
Black Eyed Peas.
The American Idol Show (Yes…. I watch it).
My question is: Given a competitive venue, will acts like the above come to Lincoln, and will Lincolnites cough up the required cash?
Example: Black Eyed Peas in StL tickets are $37, $60 and $80.
Taylor and King in KC - tickets $65, $95 and (for tables near the stage) $275.
I’m really excited to drive my car on our suspension-crushing roads down to the Haymarket where there will be even less parking, so I can see some shitty (and overpriced, gotta make that money back somehow!) pop-country artist that will constitute about 3/4 of the artists that will bother to come to the Haymarket Arena.
Does anyone on this blog have any clue how artists and agents even decide where to book their tours? Hint: it’s not just the size of the venue [redacted]
ADMIN NOTE: We have a very low tolerance for that sort of childish name-calling here, Alex. Do not do it again. Be civil or leave. -Mr. Wilson
Maybe you should find a city that’s more appealing to you if you despise Lincoln so much.
You’re missing some exclamation points!!!
Stay classy, Lincoln!
I love Lincoln.
Maybe you should find a more one-sided blog if you hate differing opinions so much.
Can I have a few of yours?
While kind of oblique, this is the first meaningful reply to my comment. You’re actually right. The “you idiots” part was genuinely out of line.
Consider it stricken from my original comment, if you can.
Certainly. I can appreciate the comment about the city’s priorities, but voting against the arena wouldn’t have provided funds to fix our crappy roads.
It certainly wouldn’t have, but supporting legislation that undoubtedly WOULD take away from available funds for things, like roads, even though there isn’t anything YET on the docket about repairing our roads, doesn’t mean that voting against the arena is completely pointless.
Hey, Mr. Wilson, do you have a low-tolerance just for childish name-calling (i.e. simple words) or do you also have a low-tolerance for childish arguments? Like saying I forgot a few exclamation points or implying that I “hate Lincoln” because I have a differing view point? Where’s the moderation on that completely unproductive discussion?
Just asking.
I never said you hated Lincoln, but you give the impression that you dislike it, or at least the roads, the Haymarket and its parking, and its voters.
I have no issue with differing opinions ad points of view. I have no problems with a sound argument against the arena - when I see one from you, I’ll be sure to let you know.
As to my post, I’m comfortable having my history of participation on this site speak for itself. Should Mr. Wilson deem me to be moderated, I can live with that.
Its a privately hosted blog, therefore Mr. Wilson can moderate it as he sees fit.
I only mentioned Styxx/MAW, etc because I never got to see them the first time around. (in in my early 30’s) I have no problem with other acts coming, just that some of those ‘washed up has beens’ have been touring again, successfully, and would be a nice addition to anything else that comes down the way.
I’ve seen Styx maybe 3-4 times in the last decade. Once at “the Bob” with the State Fair and a couple times at Pershing. They can still put on a good show.
I don’t worry about getting decent acts here. Do I think we’ll score U2 or Paul McCartney or Billy Joel/Elton John? Probably not, unless they are swinging through on a night when Qwest is already in use.
However, we will be primed for more acts than we get here now. I don’t like country, and have never been to a country show, but I don’t care if they host them here all the time. It’s what fans in this area like.
Sometimes the washed-up has-beens are fun. Z92 used to have a great outdoor birthday bash - saw lots of 80’s hairbands at Carter Lake. It was always fun, pretty cheap, and entertaining to try to figure out who was actually an original member, and to see who’s just gotten old, fat, and bald. Good times!
I think music fans will pay to see quality performers. My friends and I have travelled to Omaha to see acts at the Qwest Center. We pay ticket prices of 60 to 90 dollars each, plus we have to fill a vehicle with gas. I am not a big sports fan but I know people who routinely spend $100.00 or more for a Husker football ticket.
I am proud that my city is taking on bold development projects. My Omaha friends are constantly talking about new things to do in Omaha - new music venues, new restaurants, new clubs, new stores, new art venues, progressive artists and performers, etc. With a major university and several smaller campuses, there is no reason why Lincoln should be left in Omaha’s rear view mirror.
duh…yes they will be adding parking…obviously. And second…I happen to love those old brick roads…they are classy and help us to remember where we came from. If lincoln ever paved those streets I would be upset about that.
And just so you know…our streets ROCK in comparison to Kansas City. Yes they have 4 or 5 convention centers…and a ton more people to play concerts to. We will get some great shows here in lincoln. But when it does come down to it…500-600,000 is our popular pull in Lincoln/Omaha area. KC has that alone I think…ie, why the HUGE shows will go there. Sure we could have made it without the area…I don’t think we leverage The Lied center, Devaney, Lancaster Event Center to their fullest potential. But the people have spoken and we are moving onward!
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