Arena in limbo (sports POV)
I thought I’d approach the arena issue from a sports point of view.
While what Mr. Wilson said was true, delaying the vote on the arena was necessary, that still does leave Lincoln without a sorely needed arena. Mayor Buetler said its a must and while, again, Mr. Wilson is correct in saying that it isn’t a must, it is needed. Pershing doesn’t seem to be exciting many big acts (Omaha just announced Billy Joel/Elton John and Fleetwood Mac were coming), Devaney is close to being one of the worst basketball arena’s in the Big 12. Its at least in the bottom 3.
So where does that leave the university? Well, they have one of the worst basketball arena’s in the Big 12. They are the only school without practice facilities or plans for practice facilities. The Omaha World Herald writes an article today about ”Plan B” for the Bob Devaney Sports Center. A $20 million dollar makeover that would add a brick exterior, skyboxes, preferred seating and other amenities to upgrade the aging facility. Then more importantly, a $10 million dollar basketball practice facility nearby.
So where would that leave the city facility? Ever since the city decided that they were going to investigate the possibility of a basketball arena/convention center, I thought that the University had to be involved. It would be a natural and much needed partnership. If the university were to go their own route with a renovated Devaney, I seriously think that would put the city’s arena in jeopardy. The arena would need a major tenant. And since the university is already a big part of the city it would make sense to have them at least be involved with the project. A project now, that looks in jeopardy.
The Comments
Gene says It looks like the athletic January 15, 2009 at 4:43pm
It looks like the athletic department is willing to wait at least a year, possibly longer, to see if the arena concept is still viable.
Wouldn’t more wins from the basketball program translate into more revenue?