Arena Designs - Which do you prefer?

[The Mad Hatter]

I lived in Los Angeles for 7 years, so my opinions on parking are not just from someone unaccustomed to the 'big city'. The worst idea in the world is just to do nothing about parking. If you don't plan these things out, inevitablly there will be problems, and I fear that the council is just crossing their fingers and hoping a) there will be enough parking and b) it will be well marked and clear to visitors where they are supposed to park. If they really have planned it all out, crunched the numbers, etc. and found out that additionaly parking is not needed, then fine. But if they are just leaving it to chance they are begging for problems.

[rjl]

Looking at it more, Option C could be the most architecturally inspiring of the choices. You've just got to imagine it as a pedestrian on the ground, and not a watercolored arial view.

The airfoil inspired shape is reminescent of the Kansai Airport in Osaka, Japan, widely renowned as an visual masterpiece.

Maybe not as striking, but something similar would be nice.




I think the problem may be the direction the city council is giving the designers. "Make it blend in with oldtown", which basically says make it look just like the boring red brick blocks and don't take any liberties with the design.

[rjl]

Some people would rather drive around for 30 minutes trying to find a close spot than park a little bit away and walk 10 minutes to the arena.

If you're that opposed to walking anywhere, maybe "big-city-livin" aint for you.

Personally, I don't find any of the three choices particularly inspiring. If I had to choose, it would be option C. But that would be like having to choose which of three brands of vanilla ice cream I wanted. Sure, it's vanilla ice cream, which is better than nothing.... but it's still just plain 'ol vanilla.

[SubGod22]

I don't spend a lot of time downtown, but I've never had a problem with parking. I don't know enough about that area to really chime in here though. I know I was worried when I went to Riverfest a couple of years ago because of the way everyone always talks about parking and traffic. But I was very happy with both and didn't think it was too bad at all.

[kawwsu77]

I just don't want it to be like the Coliseum where there is 2 huge lots and only 2 exits.

I think if people see where there is parking they will not have to drive everywhere.

I guess I am the only one who thinks parking is not a problem downtown.

[The Mad Hatter]

I agree engr. Having parking specifically designated for the arena is a must. Depending upon existing parking garages, etc. causes too much uncertainty. People will not know which parking is appropriate for them to use. In addition I am not confident that existing parking would be adequate for the number of cars that would be on hand for any given event.

[engrshock]

When I go to WSU I know where the parking is located and where I will try to park. Notice that there are lots of parking lots specifically for WSU however. Towne East and West have lots of parking and sometimes you do ahve to walk.

I do not mind walking but I do mind driving around from spot to spot to find a parking spot along with 4 or 5000 other cars doing the same thing. Shuttles from Lawrence Dumont would be OK as well. I have never had a problem finding parking for Old Town the few times I have went but but the numbers of people are not nearly the same as if there was a big event. A sure killer for the arena will be people not knowing where they will be able to park. It is time to figure out the parking situation and not just keep saying it will work out..

[kawwsu77]

Also too add, most events will be on weekends or evenings and most of these parking lots will be open during those times.

It is just like saying that WSU does not have enough parking they do but people don't realize it.

[kawwsu77]

I think the county should provide a map of parking lots around downtown and give it to every household in the county and make them available around the city.

I love how people think there is no parking in downtown. They all want parking garages and big lots. We have torn down plenty of buildings in downtown for parking. There is a huge lot near Protection One that can be used and how about all the parking in the rear of Union Station. Cox is moving out anyways. This city needs to realize that walking is OK. There is a parking garage across from the transit center, a parking garage on William and Market, and the parking lot where the Allis Hotel used to be just to name a few. I just don't think parking is that bad in downtown Wichita. Another idea is to get a trolley system going to cart people to the arena.

[engrshock]

Also Bricktown appears to have some thought given as to parking when it was built. Malls, stores and buildings have to provide some basis for parking before they are built. We are well past deciding to build the place and I think it is now the time to address the parking issue. I know that I am not the only person who has wondered about the available parking

[engrshock]

I do not expect to park at the front door. However, I have been downtown for various things and parking is not easy now. To go to an event you need to ahve some idea as to where to go to park. Driving around for an hour with 5000 other drivers to try and find a parking spot is not going to work. When I leave my house I will want to have some reasonable expectation that I can drive to a certain street or lot and find a parking spot. Since you think it will be so easy it should not be a problem for someone to provide a map as to where all of this parking is located.

[kawwsu77]

engrshock,
There is parking but you have to walk a couple of blocks. I went to OKC and parked in Bricktown to go see a baseball game. I parked and walked 3 blocks to the stadium and I survived. Wichitans need to realize that you can not expect to park at the front door of buildings for events.

[RoyalShock]

C reminds me a lot of 1960s modern architecture, which not only did not look great at the time, but also ages horribly.

That was my first impression, too, upon seeing the front entrance view.

[engrshock]

Are there a lot of parking areas? The place sets 20000 so I would think so. I would love to see a layout of the available parking areas around the new arena. I always parked at the hotel and walked or road the metrolink to Savvis.

[SubGod22]

I always park near the Savvis at one of the many parking areas there. It's not free, but it's not that bad either.