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Due to time constraints some written questions submitted during the public meetings did not get answered during the meeting. To ensure every question receives an answer we have posted the questions and answers. If the same question was asked more than once it will only appear one time.
Chamber of Commerce Meeting
What is the economic impact of the Men’s College World Series on Omaha?
The Men’s College World Series represents a definite economic engine for the City of Omaha. According to an economic impact study prepared by Ernie Goss, Ph.D., an economics professor at Creighton University, between 2008 and 2018, the Men’s College World Series will add nearly $515 million to the Omaha economy. In 2007, spending by Men’s College World Series patrons added an estimated $41 million to the Omaha economy, $4.6 million to total state and local tax collections and $1.8 million to city tax coffers. In addition, the Series adds $25.7 million to city tax coffers, and a total of $66.5 million to state and local tax collections. Stadium costs are not included in this estimate and will generate new jobs and a positive economic impact in the community.
Have committee members met with the Save Rosenblatt people in South Omaha?
Design engineers did meet with advocates of Rosenblatt Stadium early in the analysis process and were informed that a primary goal of their group was to keep the Men’s College World Series in Omaha. In the event that a new stadium is constructed downtown, neighborhood association members wanted to be assured that the Rosenblatt property would be replaced with a quality development.
Is the NCAA forcing Omaha to build a new stadium in order to keep the College World Series?
Omaha and CWS of Omaha Inc. have a well-established relationship with the NCAA. Due to the tradition of the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, the NCAA has expressed its interest in working with Omaha long-term and making sure a new contract agreement works for all involved parties. Any suggestion that the NCAA is bullying Omaha into building a new stadium is completely inaccurate.
What fan-friendly amenities will the stadium provide?
Some amenities include 360-degree walk-around open concourse design with picnic areas for families and game areas for children. The stadium will also feature wider seats, more legroom and improved sight lines to the field for a more intimate-feeling ballpark. The recommended site provides considerable space for the Fan Fest experience and places the stadium within a five-minute walk from five hotels and numerous entertainment venues including the InPlay complex, the Qwest Center, the Film Streams independent movie theater, the Saddle Creek Records complex and the Old Market. Other downtown amenities include Heartland of America Park, the Old Market, Lewis & Clark Landing, the Pioneer Courage and Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness sculpture parks and Eugene Leahy Mall, to name a few.
What do you envision can occur in the stadium in addition to baseball over the course of the year? Does the NCAA place any restrictions on what we can do in the stadium?
There have been discussions about using the stadium for outdoor concerts. Three such events each year were envisioned by the stadium’s design team in their pre-planning studies. The NCAA does not place any restrictions on public use of the stadium, although activities that could damage the playing surface, such as rodeos, would not be permitted.
How do you deal with the emotional attachment to Rosenblatt Stadium and change the perception that this is the College World Series and not the South Omaha World Series?
In terms of student-athlete experience, fan enjoyment and stadium amenities, Renovation Stadium renovation was a good idea, but a new downtown stadium was the best idea, according to Jack Diesing Jr., president of College World Series of Omaha Inc. While Diesing admits a sentimental attachment to Rosenblatt Stadium, he emphasizes the decision for a new downtown stadium offers the best potential for securing a long-term agreement with the NCAA for hosting the Men’s College World Series.
Why is the College World Series important to Omaha?
The College World Series has done a lot of things for Omaha, including creating a foundation for all of the sports initiatives such as Olympic swimming, NCAA basketball and volleyball. Other significant amateur events surround the CWS and add to its importance. In 2008, the SlumpBuster tournament, sponsored by Triple Crown Sports, will draw 400 teams and nearly 12,000 players, coaches and fans in 2007 to Omaha, bringing further economic benefit to the city.
What is the potential that the new stadium will host professional baseball exhibitions?
These are the kinds of questions that would be considered by the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (MECA) as the manager and operator of a new downtown stadium.
North Omaha MeetingWill the railroad tracks to the Omaha World-Herald be removed to improve public safety and traffic flows?
The spur that serves Omaha World Herald will remain. Hours of operation for this track is restricted to between midnight and 6 a.m. Is the demolition cost of Rosenblatt Stadium included anywhere?
The demolition costs of Rosenblatt Stadium is not included in the Project Costs. If the Henry Doorly Zoo acquires the property, it is assumed they would work out arrangements for the demolition.
Will the Mayor guarantee that property taxes will not be used to pay for the new stadium?
Property taxes are not included in stadium funding plan. With the help of public and stadium finance experts, a funding plan was created to utilize private donations, stadium revenuse and public funds to pay for this project. Public funds will be made up of a 1 percent increase in the hotel/motel tax, a $2 per rental increase in rental car fees, and keno funds.
Would taxes increase if the Men’s College World Series left Omaha?
The City and State would have to make up for the lost revenue that is generated by this event by either reducing services or raising taxes.
If the city cuts the county’s Keno funds, won’t that result in the country raising property taxes?
The current agreement that shares Keno funds between the City and the County ends in 2011 and will not be renewed under any circumstances. The County has other options to consider aside from raising property taxes and has three years to determine how best to handle the situation.
What amenities in the new stadium most impressed the NCAA?
NCAA officials were impressed with the overall concept. They have stated previously that they are looking for amenities that improve the student-athlete experience, the fan experience and the membership experience. These are the areas that the CWS Stadium Oversight Committee focused on in the presentation. Being downtown greatly improves the fan experience; the proximity to Qwest Center enhances the membership experience and the ability for players to move directly from the bus to the locker rooms, to the field and to media conference areas improve the student-athlete experience.
What are the current amenities at Rosenblatt Stadium?
Rosenblatt Stadium currently features two 3,200-square-foot locker rooms compared to four 4,000-square-foot locker rooms planned for the new stadium. The downtown stadium also features four indoor batting and pitching facilities, which are in closer proximity to the locker rooms than those at Rosenblatt. Current seating capacity at Rosenblatt is 23,145, compared to 24,000 seats planned for the new stadium. Both Rosenblatt and the proposed downtown stadium will offer similar seating counts, although the downtown stadium provides the opportunity for people to upgrade to premium seating located on a cantilevered view-level balcony extending below the 28 suites that are planned. Currently, there are no suites available at Rosenblatt. The concourse at Rosenblatt is under the grandstands, while the new stadium design features open concourses that enable views of the playing field from concession and picnic areas.
Who can guarantee that the existing area surrounding and including Rosenblatt Stadium will actually go toward the Zoo instead of condos or strip malls?
The Rosenblatt property will be obtained by Henry Doorly Zoo for its future growth and development.
How much is the Zoo willing to pay to acquire Rosenblatt parking?
The Rosenblatt debt of nearly $12 million would be retired with private funds to enable the Henry Doorly Zoo to acquire control of the Rosenblatt property and would free up that debt, which would be applied to funding the new stadium.
At street level by the river in humid summer, won’t the air close to the ground be wet and attract mosquitoes?
Turf maintenance will be managed by professional groundskeepers who are experienced in keeping fields in optimum playing condition.
Do Jack Diesing and his wife chair of the membership committee for Henry Doorly Zoo and isn’t that a conflict of interest?
Five years ago, the Diesings served as membership drive co-chairmen for the Henry Doorly Zoo for one year. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Diesing is currently involved with the Zoo, other than belonging as members.
Is the cost of traffic signs included anywhere?
The plan includes $5 million for “traffic/streetscape” renovation costs in the budget. More details are available on www.omahastadium.com.
Where were the other sites considered?
Eight downtown sites were graded and scored on a number of factors, including parking, traffic, environmental issues, utilities and proximity to existing hotels and restaurants. As the analysis progressed, some sites were eliminated due to significant negative issues such as the cost of property, the size of the site and accessibility, traffic and parking issues. In the final comparison of downtown sites, the Qwest Center parking lots C & E scored the highest.
Why not put the stadium further west so other residents of Nebraska can have closer access?
Ballparks and sports venues in major cities are all being located in their downtown areas due to availability of parking, hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Such fan-friendly features are lacking in suburban areas.
Are Omaha taxpayers paying for the CWS Oversight Committee’s analysis?
All costs for paid consultants were covered by private funds, not city funds. The analysis also utilized the help of several local professional volunteers with a variety of expertise.
Why does it have to be on Qwest Center parking lots C & E? Why not on land to the north?
In the final comparison of downtown sites, the Qwest Center parking lots C & E scored the highest. The most important factors favoring this site were: no cost of property acquisition, proximity to parking, no major infrastructure issues and proximity to the Qwest Center.
Why don’t you pick another contractor?
No contractor will be selected until the project is ready to bid.
Where will the funding come from when the NCAA has more requests for improvements?
A new stadium will be much easier to maintain than a 60-year old stadium with its structural limitations.
Is a new contract with the NCAA incumbent upon a new stadium being constructed?
The NCAA asked for a single proposal. The CWS Oversight Committee presented its best proposal, which is for a new stadium downtown. The new stadium is designed to secure a 20+ year contract for Omaha to host the NCAA Men’s College World Series.
How much income does the NCAA receive from the Men’s College World Series?
From tickets and concessions, the NCAA's current 2008 estimate will be about $3.6 million. College World Series of Omaha Inc. has nothing to do with programs or TV or merchandise, so those numbers are not known.
What part of the stadium revenue would the NCAA receive from a new stadium that they are not receiving now?
Depending on how the ultimate debt coverage works for making sure that the debt coverage is more than adequate to pay for the cost of building a new stadium, the NCAA may share in some of the naming rights, suite and club seat revenue.
Do we have a commitment from both Creighton and the Omaha Royals to play in a new stadium?
Representatives of Creighton University and the Omaha Royals participated on the CWS Oversight Committee, which voted to recommend the new downtown Omaha stadium. It is anticipated that both the Bluejays and Royals will use the new ballpark for their home games under similar arrangements to the ones they have now at Rosenblatt Stadium.
Who are the donors for the new stadium?
Heritage Services, a local private fund-raising group, has taken the lead in raising the funds among Omaha corporations and individuals for the stadium. Heritage Services has a proven record in raising private funds for significant projects, including $100 million for the Holland Center and $75 million for the Qwest Center.
How much will Creighton University and the Omaha Royals pay in rent at the new stadium?
The terms of those arrangements have not been finalized.
Will the Omaha Royals’ request for removable seats and extra office space be considered during finalization of the new stadium’s plans?
CWS Stadium Oversight Committee design team members will meet with representatives of the Omaha Royals and the Creighton Bluejays to determine their facility needs so they can be incorporated in the final stadium design. The goal is to ensure the stadium design is in sync with their expectations for the stadium.
Why can’t the Omaha Royals and Creighton Bluejays share where Creighton plays and rebuild Rosenblatt?
Conflicts with practice and game schedules would make such an arrangement impractical.
Does Mayor Fahey see Ken Stinson’s position with Kiewit Construction as a conflict of interest?
No.
How long have the plans for the Henry Doorly Zoo concerning Rosenblatt property existed?
For more than 20 years, the Henry Doorly Zoo has had a cooperative relationship with the City of Omaha concerning use of the Rosenblatt Stadium parking lots. The origins of this agreement trace back to when several friends of the Zoo raised private dollars to pay for paving of the North, South and East lots. Due to the tremendous increase in Zoo attendance over the past two decades, continued access to parking on Rosenblatt Stadium parking lots is vital to the Zoo’s continued economic well-being. Acquiring control of the 43 acres of property currently occupied by Rosenblatt Stadium site would provide for the long-term expansion needs of Nebraska’s No. 1 tourist attraction.
Why were representatives from Save Rosenblatt excluded from the new development stadium review committee?
The CWS Stadium Oversight Committee was representative of all community interests and members of Save Rosenblatt was given the opportunity to share their thoughts during the process.
Why not put the request for a new stadium on the ballot and let the voters make this decision?
Local ordinances dictate when and if a vote of the people is required. This project has been conducted in a manner that is consistent with the manner that other projects of this type have been handled.
How much will street renovation around the proposed new stadium cost?
The plan includes $5 million for “traffic/streetscape” renovation costs in the budget. More details are available on www.omahastadium.com.
How do disabled and retired citizens afford all of the property tax increases and continue paying for projects like the new stadium?
The City of Omaha has not raised its property tax rate in the past six years. The amount of public funding for a new stadium is exactly the same as it would be for a Rosenblatt Stadium renovation and does not include a property tax increase.
How do we repair and replace an infrastructure (sewer and water) that is in bad shape?
There are no major sewer infrastructure issues at the site of the new stadium.
How can you say with confidence that taxes won’t be raised?
With the help of public and stadium finance experts, a funding plan was created to utilize private donations, stadium revenue and public funds to pay for this project. Public funds will be made up of a 1 percent increase in the hotel/motel tax, a $2 per rental increase in the rental car fee, and keno funds.
Who will profit?
Realizing a once in a lifetime opportunity to solidify a 20+ year contract with the NCAA will benefit Omaha economically and improve the championship experience of this family friendly event. Equally important, Omaha’s image will be enhanced as an exciting, vibrant community to work and live in when the national spotlight focuses on The Road to Omaha during the lead-up to and including the Men’s College World Series.
How is the cost to the public the same for a new stadium and a renovated Rosenblatt Stadium?
When you subtract the private contributions and stadium revenues from the total dollars required, the remaining amount needed from public funding is virtually the same for both a new stadium and for a Rosenblatt renovation – around $59 million. And where that money comes from and the amount needed for the public funding for a new stadium are nearly the same as what it would be for a Rosenblatt renovation.
Did the committee consider how removing Rosenblatt from the I-80 corridor will affect the impressions of those driving through?
Acquisition of the Rosenblatt Stadium site by Henry Doorly Zoo will increase the visibility of Nebraska’s No. 1 tourist attraction, while providing for the long term expansion needs of the Zoo, which is open year-round.
Why is there no minority representation on the CWS Oversight Committee?
The CWS Stadium Oversight Committee was representative of all community interests
Who pays for contamination cleanup on the downtown stadium site?
Site remediation is included in the project costs.
Is the economic impact on the local economy based on the multiplier? Are those real dollars?
In 2007, spending by Men’s College World Series patrons added an estimated $41 million to the Omaha economy, according to an economic impact study prepared by Ernie Goss, Ph.D., an economics professor at Creighton University. The estimate was obtained by using Omaha specific multipliers. Specifically, $1 of new spending in Omaha resulted in approximately $1.80 of total impact.
South Omaha Meeting
Why don't you secure a short-term contract with the NCAA at Rosenblatt, and during that time do a complete comprehensive study on the best option for the city and the citizens of Omaha to secure a long-term contract?
A comprehensive study has been completed. More than $800,000 have been spent, expert consultants such as HDR/HOK have been engaged and financial consultants have been used to evaluate financing alternatives. Eight sites downtown were evaluated, as well as three options at Rosenblatt. The CWS Stadium Oversight Committee has reached a unanimous recommendation on the best site for a downtown stadium to host the College World Series for decades into the future. Discussions are also in progress with MECA and a contract has been planned with MECA to operate and maintain the stadium. It is the right time to come to an agreement with the NCAA so a new stadium can be ready for the 2011 College World Series.
Do you have a written agreement with the NCAA for a 20-year contract to keep the CWS in Omaha if the new stadium is built?
College World Series of Omaha Inc. received a letter from the NCAA that says they will consider a 10-, 15- or up to a 20-year agreement. They understand the need for the city of Omaha to have a long-term contract to pay for bonds and obtain private donations.
Why weren't there more common folks on this committee?
The committee was made up of people representing all interests of Omaha, including the Omaha Royals, Creighton University, the College World Series of Omaha Inc. and representatives of the local, private fund-raising group that attracted private donations of $75 million for the Qwest Center, and $100 million for the Holland Performing Arts Center.
We know a vote is not required, but why not let the people vote?
Local ordinances dictate when and if a vote of the people is required. This project has been conducted in a manner that is consistent with the way other projects of this type have been handled.
Has a crime study been completed concerning the location where the new stadium will be built? Have there been any major problems near the Qwest Center since it opened?
Crime statistics are available through the Omaha Police Department (OPD). The OPD has a special unit – the Downtown/Riverfront patrol – that is responsible for addressing issues in the area. There are no major concerns.
Finance – there is so much uncertainty. Can Harrah's, Horseshoe or Ameristar help with the funding?
All projections have a degree of uncertainty. Our projections were created by experts in the fields of finance and sports revenues. As for the casinos, the Iowa West Foundation, the charitable arm of the casinos, donates towards public improvements throughout the metro area.
Doesn’t the CWS want a neutral site and not a college home field (for Creighton)?
The proposed new stadium would not be Creighton's home field. It is anticipated that Creighton would play more games there, but with the Omaha Royals as a tenant, there aren't enough open dates for the new stadium to be Creighton's home field.
Westside Meeting
What’s going to happen to city employees at Rosenblatt when the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (MECA) takes over?
City employees will retain jobs with the City of Omaha.
Why was there a push all at once to get this done?
The current contract for the Men’s College World Series expires in 2010. It will almost three years to complete design work and final construction plans. For a stadium to be ready for the 2011 season, it is imperative to begin immediately. Also, a new contract must be negotiated and the NCAA has indicated a willingness to consider a 20-year contract, assuming the preferred proposal addresses issues concerning the student-athlete experience, fan enjoyment, state-of-the-art stadium amenities and the creation of a venue fitting the No. 2 NCAA championship.
Are there any plans for Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (MECA) to operate Rosenblatt Stadium before the new stadium is built? It seems it would be wise for MECA to begin building a relationship with the NCAA.
The City and MECA have begun negotiations on the management agreement and no details have been determined at this point.
The Coca-Cola Ballpark is expected to have a 44 percent increase over its estimated cost. What were the cost overrun percentages for the new stadium in your analysis?
The new stadium design and financing plan were created by experts in their respective fields. While some cushion has been placed into the budget, there will be no increase to the amount of public money allocated for the project. Cost estimates include almost $20 million in contingencies.
Who will select the design for the new stadium?
The final design will be created using input from all the tenants of the stadium.
What kind of revenue from the Omaha Royals are you looking at?
It is anticipated that $650,000 in additional revenue will come from the Omaha Royals, Creighton University and other sources. The terms of those arrangements have not been finalized.
Will Ken Stinson, as chairman of Peter Kiewit & Sons, bid for the right to build the stadium?
The bidding process will be open to all qualified construction companies.
What’s wrong with Rosenblatt now?
Rosenblatt is 60 years old. Even with considerable renovation, it won't provide the same state-of-the-art amenities and student-athlete experiences that a new stadium will. There will be more parking downtown. The cost to the public to build a new stadium is the same as a renovated Rosenblatt. A new state of the art facility will enable College World Series of Omaha Inc. to negotiate a 20-year contract and to create a vision for the future of the CWS. Tthe enjoyment of the next generation of fans is a statement about the future of the College World Series in Omaha, not the past.
How will the ticket prices change?
Right now, there is no plan to change ticket prices other than to evaluate prices every two years or so, as is the current practice. General admission ticket books will still be availabl,e as will general admission tickets at the ticket windows.
Will there be separate parking for season ticket holders that now hold parking passes, and how much will that parking be per day?
There is no plan to change the practice of season ticket holder parking (first come, first served basis). The price will be around $10, but in two to three years, it is possible that could change a little.
Since we will be parking on city property, how will this affect tailgating?
Right now, there has been no discussion to change any of the historical tailgating opportunities. Rosenblatt is also city-owned property.
Is the proposed stadium on a Superfund site?
No.
Does the City of Omaha have to receive approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 to develop the site for use as a stadium?
There is a covenant with the City of Omaha to develop the site and the EPA would need to agree to the development.
Will the new stadium offer play areas for children?
There are many spaces on the concourse of the new stadium that could be developed as play areas for children.
Can elements of the Rosenblatt Stadium, such as bleachers, be used in the new one?
A facility assessment of all the equipment and elements at Rosenblatt was completed in December 2007, as the stadium committee’s design team began its study. Any items that can be used would be considered. The "Road to Omaha" sculpture will be prominent on the new site. If the opening of the new stadium is in 2011, many items such as the electronic score board, sound system and concessions equipment will have only another three years of use. This is in addition to the approximately two to four years of use after their installation and they will likely be reaching the end of their useful life. The bleachers would need to be studied to determine whether the current configuration can be used in the new plan. The design plan currently calls for concrete treads and risers for the seating in lieu of the aluminum structure now at Rosenblatt.
Are there any reasons other than cost why the Union Pacific site was not selected?
The site is in an industrial area with truck traffic coming from the north that creates access issues. Many other properties would need to be acquired and relocated to accommodate the stadium and to allow for new development adjacent to the stadium. One of these properties is a Superfund site. The site is also quite a bit farther north from the Old Market area, so there is not a lot of convenient access to restaurants and entertainment.
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