The West Haymarket Action Team presented some of their plans to the public at an open house on Wednesday.

Officials say more than 400 people showed up throughout the night to take a peek at several different plans for the project.

Organizers say it was also an opportunity to have questions answered about the proposal.

Even though the initial plans for the arena date back to 2004, officials say the process is far from over.

As participants rounded the different stations at the open house, they listened to experts talk about issues ranging from the effects on traffic to the economic impact of a new arena on the City of Lincoln.

But that were just some of the questions organizers for the project hoped to answer for residents like Delfs Linder.

"I just expected to see what they were going to do for an arena and where it's going to be and this is all new to me," said Linder.

According to Cathy Beecham, a member of the West Haymarket Action Team, educating the public also involves clearing up some misconceptions.

"I think one of the misconceptions is that we're trying to be another Quest Center, which we're definitely not trying to do. I know we have a smaller airport so we're trying to attract a different crowd than the Quest Center," said Beecham.

If the plan is approved, an arena would be built in the West Haymarket area.

The arena is intended to take the place of the Pershing Auditorium which action team members say is outdated.

Terry Uland, who is another member of the action team says the project is vital for Lincoln's future.
"In some ways the question is can we afford not to build an arena...I don't think a lot of us don't think lincoln can be a thriving community without this kind of facility into the future," said Uland.

So far residents like Linder say he's sold on the idea, but for Linder future support for the project hinges on one thing.

"I think it's money...It always comes down to money. They need to show the public what's it going to cost them and where it's going to come from," said Linder.

Organizers said public opinion like Linder's is important and exactly what they are looking for.

"You shouldn't make have an opinion one way or another if you don't have all the facts," said Beecham.

They hope the public will voice their concerns and issues before the door of opportunity closes.

So far the only thing that is set in stone is the general location of the project.

The next step is to determine how much it will cost, and what kind of bond would fund it.

In the end the issue will be put up to the voters to decide whether to approve the bond.