During a recent interview, Blaum, who served until last year as chairman of the quasi-public authority that oversees the arena, recalled some of his favorite arena memories. "I think standing there during a big-time goal or on Dec. 12, 1999 – our first concert, Neil Diamond – and you see all of our people from Northeastern Pennsylvania jumping up and down and screaming and happy. Those are the poignant moments that keep you two feet off the ground, (seeing) how much it has changed their lives" Blaum said. The arena is successful, Blaum believes, because the right people were involved in the project, including the first manager, Andy Long, of Ogden Entertainment. Full Article at Wilkes-Barre Weekender