Omaha Stadium Proposal - College World Series of Omaha Inc. Board Approves Resolution Supporting New Downtown Stadium

College World Series of Omaha Inc. Board Approves Resolution Supporting New Downtown Stadium

Unanimous Vote Endorses Qwest Center Parking Lots C & E

(OMAHA, Neb. – April 18, 2008) – The College World Series (CWS) of Omaha Inc. Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a resolution calling for a new downtown stadium to be constructed on the site of Qwest Center parking lots C and E, according to Jack Diesing Jr., president and treasurer. The resolution passed during the April 17 meeting of the Board, which hosted representatives of eight Omaha service clubs that sponsor the college baseball teams that advance each year to the Series.

“As the organizing committee for the Men’s College World Series, our Board has been committed to securing a long-term agreement with the NCAA to keep the championship Series in Omaha,” Diesing noted. “Our Board recognizes that a state-of-the-art downtown stadium represents the best option to achieve such an agreement and to improve the championship experience for the NCAA student-athletes, member institutions and fans.”

Each Board member received the resolution in advance of the meeting to allow them time to carefully study the issues involving the location, design and financing of the new ballpark. The vote followed a formal presentation of preliminary plans for the stadium presented by Diesing and Bruce Carpenter, AIA, project principal architect with HDR.

According to the adopted resolution: The NCAA will maintain the“Road to Omaha” legacy of Omaha as the home of the College World Series for almost 60 years and benefit from Omaha’s unique ability to bring large and enthusiastic crowds to games throughout the nearly two-week event. The City of Omaha will benefit from the approximately $40 million in annual economic activity generated throughout the community and the priceless public relations generated when the media spotlight shines on Omaha during this championship.

RESOLVED that we support the recommendation of the Mayor’s Stadium Selection Oversight Committee of a new stadium being constructed on the site of Qwest Center parking lots “C” and “E” and the accompanying financing plan. We further resolve to help generate public support through our outreach to Omaha-area citizens and the national baseball community

“This vote was all about the future of the College World Series and the importance of creating a new legacy for the Road to Omaha in our community,” Diesing added.

About College World Series of Omaha Inc.
College World Series of Omaha Inc., the local organizing committee, is a non-profit organization formed in 1967. The mission of its all-volunteer board of directors is enlisting community support for the College World Series from business, government, civic organizations and individuals.

This year, CWS of Omaha Inc. celebrates 59 years of College World Series games in Omaha—an honor unparalleled among NCAA championship sites. Guiding the activities of the local contributors and the many volunteers involved in the series is the executive committee of the College World Series of Omaha board. This group of dedicated individuals meets each month to develop policies and plans that assure the success and growth of each year's Series.

About HDR
HDR is an employee-owned architectural, engineering and consulting firm with more than 6,600 professionals in more than 150 locations worldwide. All of them are committed to helping clients manage complex projects and make sound decisions.