Lincoln says Yes to Haymarket arena
Lincoln Journal Star
May 12, 2010
By Deena Winter
On with the show.
Lincoln voters opened the curtain on a $344 million development west of the Haymarket by saying yes Tuesday to building a new arena to replace Pershing Center.
The arena proposal won 56 percent of the yes vote, according to unofficial results.
Voter turnout in Lancaster County was high for a primary election, at nearly 40 percent.
Mayor Chris Beutler was surprised by the margin by which the measure passed.
"I think people are expressing trust in government," he said. "I think probably a lot of people who voted for it had some doubts, but I think they're expecting us to work out those doubts, and we're going to do that."
Technically, voters approved a $25 million general obligation bond issue; in reality, they greenlighted a $344 million project during a historic recession.
"I can't tell you how proud I am of the people of Lincoln that they stepped out and did this at this point in time," Beutler said.
Their approval means the city can proceed with construction of a 16,000-seat arena west of the downtown post office and the construction of new streets, bridges and parking to support it.
A $100 million private development is planned across the street from the arena, straight west of Lincoln Station. The goal is to open the arena in 2013.
The project will require the purchase and relocation of a lumber yard, scrap yard and train tracks now being used by three railroad companies.
Planning for the vote began more than five years ago, when city officials were looking to rebuild the Harris Overpass and talk turned to development opportunities in an adjacent railyard.
Several task forces ensued, and a private business group called 2015 Vision made the arena one of its top goals, pledging $20 million to help finance the project.
Virtually every civic and business group in Lincoln seemed to get behind the project, helping to finance a $680,000 campaign focused on economic development, attracting and keeping young people, creating a new venue for Husker basketball teams and opening up a new area to development.
They argued Pershing Center is antiquated and unable to accommodate bigger, better shows.
Pro-arena campaign spokesman Dick Campbell said he was pleased with the turnout and margin of victory.
"That's a huge win," he said. "I think the citizens of Lincoln realized how critical a vote this was. ... They made a decision to help move Lincoln forward."
