Arena free preview Oct 3-4

DOWNTOWN TOLEDO - It's finally here. After two years of construction the Lucas County Arena is set to open its doors to the public next weekend in a special free preview.

The free two-day party, dubbed "Party ad the Pond," will take place Oct. 3-4 at the new arena from noon to 4 p.m.

The two-day open house at the arena will feature live music and fans will have access to just about every area of the arena, including the locker rooms. Players from the Walleye hockey club will also be in attendance.

The Walleye will even be painting their piano for the Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Foundation's Pianos for ART project.

More than 20 events are scheduled for the next two months, including the So You Think You Can Dance tour, comedian Jeff Dunham, Lynard Skynard, American Idol finalist Chris Daughty, Ringling Bros. and Barnham and Bailey Circus and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

"It's important for us, from a building perspective as promoters, so that they see the buzz there," said Steve Miller, arena manager. "So, we can show them that we are capable of a lot of different events and sell a lot of tickets. They are going to be interested in coming to the facility."

The Lucas County Arena's first set of events are Oct. 9-11 - comedian Jeff Dunham, FOX Television's So You Think You Can Dance tour stop, and World Wrestling Entertainment RAW LIve.

The Walleye begin their inaugural ECHL campaign the following weekend, Oct. 16-18, against the Florida Everblades.