Since your writer is technically on vacation, I am entitled to going out and about. And a little part of that mission is taking a look at a recently-completed, brand-new, state-of-the-art arena, with the exterior giving a nod to the past.

Meet Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

What I already like about the architecture is its gothic, old-time feel, with two trusses on its north end to blend in nicely with the Will Rogers Memorial Center. That's...