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Sunday School

by John Bishop

For the first time, we have a glimpse of what a new downtown arena could hold for Lincoln. And just like any proposed project, it looks great and makes you feel like saying "build it, we will come."

But just like when you plan on buying a new car, it drives nice, it smells nice, you can imagine it in your driveway, then the bill comes.

Will Lincoln voters choke when they see the numbers?

I think there is still a massive sales job on the city population before one shovel of dirt is turned on this project. Mayor Chris Beutler intimated on Coby Mach's Drive Time Lincoln on 1400 KLIN earlier in April that projects of this magnitude could be paid for without asking for taxpayers to pony up. Obviously, if that were the case, we'd be building the thing tomorrow. I have a feeling that we will see a bill for this project, but it may be less than originally thought. Not the overall cost, just the price we are going to pay through property taxes.

That is a story and a debate that will happen sooner rather than later. Let's turn our attention to another issue: alcohol.

A popular theory about Creighton University basketball games at Qwest Center is that their crowds are fueled by booze. Sure, beer sales help and I wouldn't be surprised if the Bluejays draw a few more because there is available beer and spirits. But really, folks, why would masses of people volunteer to pay big money to attend a sporting event just so they can have the right to pay higher-than-supermarket-prices for a Budweiser?

The argument is beginning on whether or not beer sales should be allowed for Husker games, should they (and likely they will) take place in the new arena. I am going to burst some bubbles right now, but there will not be alcohol in the new arena when the Huskers are on the floor. Tom Osborne doesn't want it. Harvey Perlman isn't for it. The regents are against it. Plus, we already have an example of a shared facility where beers flow for one event while the taps are silent for Husker games. Anyone been to both Saltdog and Husker games at Haymarket Park?

Besides, beer isn't necessary for a college event. I just don't like the mixed message it sends and the family atmosphere that is sacrificed for the sake of a few extra dollars. I don't mind a beer at a sporting event, but only when professionals are performing in front of me. There is already a built-in expectation when you go to an NFL, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball or other pro sports event. But when you are watching amateur athletics (specifically high school and college), there should be some sense of sobriety present. Sure, you cannot police the drunks who boozed up before they arrived at the game, but you don't need to encourage it by sending vendors down the aisle pitching even more suds.

I've got no problem with beer for concerts and other sporting events like rodeos, boxing or WWE events that might occupy the new arena. Heck, I might even enjoy a draw or two. By the time the new arena is open, a 16oz Bud Light might be cheaper than the gas I used to drive to the event.

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