For most of us, it feels like we’ve been talking about the new Lucas County Arena for 20 years.

It’s certainly not been that long, but finally the completion is upon us.

I have a couple of observations since I have now been inside.

1) It’s kinda tucked into downtown more than I thought it would be. People from out of town will be looking all over for it and boom it will sneak up on them.

2) It looks big time. I am not saying that as a judgment on the old sports arena, but this one just has the feel of a big city arena. It’s pretty impressive with no one in it, and should be even better with real warm bodies inside.

3) It’s filling fast. The GM over there told me that weekends are booked through the first weekend of April. We are getting to the point where the “There’s nothing to do in Toledo” excuse will go away.

4) Toledo seems to be responding. Season tickets for the Walleye are pretty close to where the team wanted (so I am told) and events like the Trans Siberian Orchestra are close to being a sellout.

Now comes the balance for any new venue. Will the fans come out for the events, so bigger events start coming? That is paired with, can the arena staff get big enough events that people want to go see?

The balancing act, like the circus that comes with it, can be found under the new Lucas County Big Top.