OMAHA, Neb., April 1, 2008:  City of Omaha and MECA have signed an agreement that will allow construction of a new ballpark on Lots C & E of the Qwest Center.

Mayor Mike Fahey

I am pleased to announce that the City of Omaha and MECA have signed an agreement last night that will allow construction of a new ballpark on Lots C & E of the Qwest Center.

My goal has always been to secure a long-term contract with the NCAA that keeps Omaha as host of the Men’s College World Series for many years to come. Building this new baseball stadium will accomplish that goal.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the City and MECA addresses parking, traffic, stadium financing and future land use, and paves the way for a formal contract. It also provides us with an important agreement as we continue our talks with the NCAA.

David Sokol

We’ve reached an outline of an agreement. I think the important thing is it really meshes the aspirations of the city, MECA, the NCAA and the College World Series in a way that everyone is going to achieve what their expected goals are and no one has had to relinquish any expectations. We found a unique mix.

I appreciate the Mayor and his staff of the city as well as the baseball committee’s work in formulating this outcome. We’re excited about it and I think it will end up with a great relationship with the NCAA.