 "Photo: Courtesy graphic")
 "Photo: Hilary Stohs-Krause")
It'd be difficult to find anyone who wants to freshen up Lincoln's nightlife as much as its own mayor.
That's why Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler says it's the "generational responsibility" of Lincolnites to support large-scale renovation plans for the Haymarket area.
The plans include an arena to replace Lincoln's outdated Pershing Center and house the University of Nebraska-Lincoln men's and women's basketball teams. A large hotel, retail businesses, a conference center and restaurants are also planned for the area.
"(The redevelopment) is a key to rejuvenating the city," Beutler said.
"The Pershing is outdated, and some concerts will not come (to town)," he said. "We need the arena to keep the entertainment level at the same level as we have had it in the past."
Last spring, Beutler placed WRK, a local real estate development agency, in charge of creating the redevelopment plans.
But for now, WRK's models are being put on ice.
"Everything is on hold until we hear from the public," said Devon Seacrest, project manager for WRK. "We are excited to hear their ideas and suggestions."
The first public meeting about the upcoming arena is Sept. 3. Seacrest said there will be eight stations, each devoted to different questions people might have about the renovation. The topics include entertainment options the arena will make available, why the Pershing Center needs to be replaced, possible locations for development and the next steps in the renovation plans.
There are no estimated dates for the construction's beginning or end.
"We're not at that point yet," Beutler said. "We're looking at designs and overall costs ... and identifying revenue sources."
Tom Osborne, UNL's Athletic Director, said the NU Athletic Department has yet to take an official stance on the proposal and that he is "not in the business" of trying to persuade people into agreeing with it.
"I'm trying to make sure people get accurate information," he said.
But Osborne said by looking at what happened to universities across the country that built arenas, one can estimate how UNL could benefit from a new facility.
"(A new arena) adds enthusiasm and increases attendance by as much as 15 percent in some cases," Osborne said. "And it helps with recruiting to some degree."
Osborne also said if the proposal is rejected, than a "significant" amount of money will have to be put into the Devaney Center, where the NU basketball teams currently play games.
Nebraska is the only Big 12 basketball team that doesn't have or is in the process of building a practice facility. If voters reject the arena proposal, building a practice facility will be critical to keep Nebraska basketball competitive in the Big 12, Osborne said.
"We don't have a full-blown plan," he said. "We have some general concepts."
ryanboetel@dailynebraskan.com
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