Over the past several months, I have read letters to the editor claiming the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston is not generating enough money. I don’t agree.

I read about a recent study in Bangor that showed the huge increase in business at local restaurants and hotels, due to the all the people coming to Hollywood Slots.

I bet that if Lewiston and Auburn did such a study, it would find that the Colisee also brings in a lot of money to area businesses.

My family and friends have made the hourlong journey down to watch the Maineiacs since their first season at the Colisee. In addition to all the money we spend at the arena, we always go shopping at local stores and malls and have a fine meal at local restaurants – every time we go. We go between 10 and 15 times per season, as do many people from surrounding towns, spreading our money throughout the area.

People need to broaden their focus beyond the Colisee, to see the positive impact of the money being brought in, just like in Bangor.

Also, some expect the Colisee to set aside a huge amount of free time to area hockey teams and other groups. How can people expect it to give away loads of free ice time and then complain it isn’t making money?

People can’t have it both ways. They should stop badmouthing their gift horse before it runs off.

Larry Loring, Farmington