From www.ketv.com/news/: OMAHA, Neb. — An NCAA spokeperson said Wednesday Omaha, does not need to build a new stadium to keep the College World Series.
- $43 million from private donations:
The mayor said there had been no firm commitments of donations, but he was confident that money is available. Fahey also said the renovation of Rosenblatt Stadium would generate far less in private donor money.Ken Stinson, chairman of the stadium committee said a major portion of the private funding is coming from zoo donors who are not necessarily interested in seeing a downtown stadium, but in having the Rosenblatt site available for future expansion. The committee said it would create the opportunity for the zoo to acquire the 43 acres at Rosenblatt and provide for long-term expansion for the next 100 years. - $37 million from stadium revenue:
The stadium committee estimates nearly one-third of the cost can be made up with proceeds from the naming rights to a new stadium, plus parking revenue, premium seating fees, seat taxes and concessions. Renovation of Rosenblatt would provide no additional money for naming rights, and a total of $9.48 million in other stadium revenue for the city. - Hotel tax and car rental fees:
The financing plan calls for a 1 percent increase in the city of Omaha’s lodging tax. The mayor believes this will generate an additional $1.36 million per year for new stadium construction. The mayor also proposes a $2 increase in the city’s fee for car rental services. That would create an additional $632,000 per year, according to the mayor’s estimates. - Keno revenue:
The city expects to collect $2.13 million per year in keno proceeds. The mayor proposes taking more than $2 million that now goes to Douglas County. Douglas County Board members have told KETV NewsWatch 7 that the loss of this revenue may leave the board with no alternative but to increase property taxes.
Construction Outlines Revealed
The stadium itself would seat 24,000, with the ability to expand to a capacity of 35,000. It would be built in parking lots Northwest of Qwest Center Omaha, in an area bordered from 10th to 13th streets, Cuming to Webster streets.The design would have the stadium facing southeast so that standing at home plate and looking toward the outfield would have a view of the Qwest Center. The field itself would be at street level with entrances to the stadium on every corner. The 24,000 seats would be larger than those at Rosenblatt. No removable seating is planned.The stadium would have an open concourse, 23 feet above street level. The concourse would circle the stadium, with views of the playing service amid the concession areas. Much of the concourse would be covered to provide some shelter when it rains.During the CWS, the fans who currently line up on a sidewalk on the side of Rosenblatt would be cued in the Fan Fest area instead.The stadium would also host as many as 28 suites, including eight large suites. Suites would have indoor and outdoor seating and private party decks.
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