8,000+ Supporters showed up for open house

TOLEDO, OH -- Thousands flooded downtown Saturday for the official opening of the Lucas County Arena.

NBC24 caught the ribbon cutting and the reaction from visitors.

There was a lot of debate surrounding this new arena: the price tag, the location, the overall need.

But the folks at the opening were all supporters and they were pleased with their first look inside.

The word we heard most as folks set foot in the arena for the first time was "wow."

"This is one of the top of the line stadiums. This competes with all the big cities," said VaShawn Robinson, who plans to try out for the Bullfrogs Arena Football team.

"It's new, it's big!" said four young fans.

"It's beautiful actually. I loved the idea of it being on the East Side like a lot of people but parking is not bad, it's right here, I parked the garage," said Michelle Jacobs, Walleye season ticket holder.

The open house invited visitors to check out all areas of the arena. Concessions and gift shops are up and running and many took the opportunity to pick out the perfect seats.

"Our seats are on the glass, right in the corner. I can't wait!" said Jacobs.

For many hockey fans the best part of their arena visit was the section they left open so that they could actually reach down and feel the ice.

If there were naysayers about the arena, they certainly did not show up Saturday.

"This is, I think suitably, known as the house that WE built. We don't have a corporate sponsor yet. It's called the Lucas County Arena. I think that's fitting because we had a tremendous workforce here that built this. We have tremendous partnerships with local businesses who helped buy the suites to fund the arena and we have a beautiful facility for the people of Lucas County and surrounding communities to use for years to come," said Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop.

Opening day visitors agreed, the arena was a great idea.

"It brought a lot of jobs to downtown and I ended up getting one of them," said Aaron Swartz, arena employee.

"This is going to bring money to Toledo so this is a good investment," said Robinson.

But the youngest fans could care less about the location, cost or controversy. They just can not wait for the games to begin.

"Go Walleye!"

You can also check out the arena free of charge on Sunday from noon until four. The Walleye Hockey players will be take the ice for practice from one until four.

The first big event at the arena is next Friday as Comedian Jeff Dunham takes the stage.

For a complete list of events at the Lucas County Arena click here!