Beyond the Byline: Arena Yes, yes, yes!

WILKES-BARRE — It is more than fair and accurate to say that the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza has exceeded all expectations.

When you look through the Times Leader’s 24-page tab that was inserted in Sunday’s editions, you will marvel at the phenomenal list of events that the Arena has hosted over the last 25 years.

The Arena has provided more oohs and aahs for so many adults and children that it boggles one’s mind.

And let’s remember, that before the Arena was built, there was nothing in that area and look at it now — so many new businesses with new jobs, plus restaurants and that exit off of I-81 that connects to downtown Wilkes-Barre.

But it’s the Arena that connected Wyoming Valley to the world.

As a Times Leader headline stated: “In the end, the entire region got the prize.”

And for those of us old enough to remember the pre-Arena days, we also recall the struggle that preceded the project from finally getting approved. It does no good to recount the details of the battle because in the end, the right decision was made and the Arena has stood in testimony to that fact.

Former State Rep. Kevin Blaum, who chaired the Arena Yes committee and was the first chair of the Arena board, said, “It was a lot harder than it should have been — it became a war. We had to overcome a lot of hurdles in the beginning.”

Former Sen. John Yudichak said this: “We lost the first round, but we won the war.”

Blaum added, “Perseverance was required every day. The hurdles were big, but so was the Dream. Our Arena proves you can dream big, tackle the impossible project, and do it correctly.”

Steve Barrouk, Chamber President, added, : The biggest obstacle was dealing with people’s attitudes — there was a lot of skepticism in the beginning. We felt we needed the arena to build regional optimism. The arena created a sense of pride and it spiked development — bringing new businesses and many jobs.”

All these comments are on the mark. Don’t you remember when NEPA people would almost apologize for being from this area because it was not moving forward like other areas in other states? The Arena did as much to change that attitude than anything else.

When the Penguins hit the ice and soon after Neil Diamond sang his iconic hit songs, everything changed for Luzerne County and NEPA. Between the Arena and PNC Field in Moosic, NEPA was looked at as being progressive.

Sen. Lisa Baker said, “Fair to say it has probably exceeded the expectations of many of its advocates. The arena is still going strong — this was the right idea in the right place at the right time.”

All you have to do is look at the list of events that have been held at the Arena since 1999:

Neil Diamond, ZZ Top/Lynryrd Skynyrd, Def Leppard, Barney, Harlem Globetrotters, Irish Tenors, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Creed, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Steely Dan, AC/DC, Reba McEntire, Bon Jovi, Andy Williams, Disney on Ice, Alan Jackson, Matchbox 2o, Monster Jam, WWF, WWE, Stars on Ice, Prince, Sting, PRCA Rodeo, Kenny Rogers, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Janet Jackson, Korn, Nelly, Bob Dylan, Guns N Roses, Arenacross, Yanni, Cher, Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, American Idol, Simon & Garfunkel, Amy Grant & Vince Gill, Bette Midler, 3 Doors Down, Kid Rock, Kelly Clarkson, Godsmack, The Wiggles, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Larry the Cable Guy, Hilary Duff, Josh Groban, The Eagles, Duran Duran, Ron White, John Mellencamp, Def Leppard, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, Brad Paisley, James Taylor, Carol King, Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Nickelback, Martina McBride, Michael Buble’, Rod Stewart, Keith Urban, Cirque Du Soleil, Foo Fighters, Carrie Underwood, Blue Man Group, Daniel O’Donnell, Lil Wayne, Backstreet Boys, Jeff Dunham, Sesame Street Live, Andre Rieu, Jason Aldean, Alice In Chains, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Green Day, Gabriel Iglesias, Luke Bryan, Charlie Daniels Band, Kevin hart, Amy Schulmer, Blake Shelton, Bryan Adams, Judas Priest, John Fogerty, Steve Martin & Martin Short, Snoop Dogg, Disturbed, Jim Gaffigan, Billy Strings, Alabama, Sebastian Maniscalo, Blippi, John Mullaney, Alice Cooper, Limp Bizkit, Dropkick Murphys, Thomas Rhett, Journey, Tom Segura.

That is quite an impressive list of highlights. Many of them have appeared more than once at the Arena. Then add in all the community events, the athletic events, graduation ceremonies, trade shows and much, much more and you should get the understanding of how significant the Arena has been to this region’s economy and quality of life.

We all should be thankful for the effort to get the Arena built, all the sponsors and for the outstanding stewardship of all involved for the last 25 years.

Congratulations on 25 years and for hundreds of years ahead.

Arena yes, yes, yes!