This picture showed up on my Facebook news feed and it intrigued me because of what it represents.

It was taken in Lincoln, Neb. It depicts the kind of rally that could occur in a venue being considered for downtown Amarillo.

Another picture showed up as well. It came with some text about the upcoming Amarillo Chamber of Commerce barbecue, set for Sept. 10. It’ll take place along Polk Street in front of the chamber office. It’ll be choked with thousand of people. Advance Amarillo thinks the chamber event could be relocated to the proposed event venue planned for downtown.

Hmm. Interesting, yes?

Here’s another thought. The city’s annual Block Party, which feature food and music along several downtown blocks? Perhaps organizers could change the name of that event and move it as well into the MPEV.

At issue is the multipurpose event venue that is up for an advisory vote on Nov. 3. Amarillo residents will be asked whether they support the MPEV as it’s been presented. Yes means yes; no means no.

But I’m beginning to see some creative thought by those who see uses for the MPEV that go far beyond it being a ballpark venue for whatever minor-league baseball team decides to play ball at the $32 million site.

I keep hoping we can get beyond the visceral negativity that seems to be driving much of the municipal debate concerning the MPEV. Critics don’t believe the city’s residents are able or willing to attend events at the MPEV.

I keep scratching my head and keep wondering: Why are some of us so wiling to dismiss the possibilities without first examining what they might include?