Readers respond with ideas to make The Arena a better place

Last week in this column I heaped praise and compliments on The Arena and deservedly so. I mentioned only one complaint and that was the noise from the concourse area during the Gaither concert.

Several of our readers have responded to the article. While all of them were complimentary of The Arena, they also had some suggestions. This is good. Nobody is offended with constructive criticism.

The remark made most often was the lack of section signs on the concourse level. Previously I had seats on the floor for other events and I was not aware of this problem.

At the circus we were in Sec. 111. I asked an usher where that section was and she responded that it was either this one or that one. She wasn’t sure. I had to walk down to the floor area to view the section number.

But don’t think the word had not already been received by those in charge. A city commissioner told me that they were going to address this problem and others.

It can be very easily corrected with signs with section numbers placed behind each section.
The second biggest complaint I received were the long lines that formed before the doors open. One person told me they were not going back until this was corrected. I’m sure they will work this out also.

The circus was good, but from where I was seated it was difficult to see and hear some of the acts. A projection system, like those used at the concerts,  would eliminate this. Some acts bring their own. With the action taking place on one end of the arena during the circus, those on the other end were too far away to get the full enjoyment of what was happening and this left many upset.

Projection screens and sound were discussed with the architects in the planning stages but because of cost screens were not included in the original plans.  Maybe down the road money will be available for them.

One of the most difficult problems all facilities have is producing good sound. For the Gaither concert it was excellent.  Most concert events provide their own sound. At other events this is a concern.

It is growing pains and soon most of the problems will be resolved. Those I have talked with welcome suggestions on how to improve the operation. Don’t write it off if you were displeased, tell someone.

Regardless, The Arena is the best things that has come along for southeastern Kentucky in years.

•For the groups that are planning a clean-up program in the Corbin area later this month, Williamsburg set the bar high with it huge turnout last Friday.

Our congratulations to Mayor Harrison and the City of Williamsburg for its emphasis on Spring Clean Up. It will take the efforts of all our citizens to keep our area free from litter. Please do your part and join the effort.