Critics of a new College World Series ballpark in downtown Omaha say it’s not integrated with the NoDo and won’t be the economic-activity generator promised by the mayor, as retail has been dropped from the project and there’s a real chance the ballpark won’t be used much beyond the CWS.
Critics of a new College World Series ballpark in downtown Omaha say it’s not integrated with the NoDo and won’t be the economic-activity generator promised by the mayor, as retail has been dropped from the project and there’s a real chance the ballpark won’t be used much beyond the CWS.
The issue, really, is one of expectations. When first proposed way back in 2005, a new North Downtown ballpark was pitched as a vital addition to an area of Omaha rife with potential, and entrepreneurs rushed in with investments in area businesses.
But the current CWS ballpark design now lacks any retail — and given the economy that’s not likely to change. With no other tenants lined up, there’s the very real chance the ballpark could sit empty for most of the year, save the occasional concert or special events. The Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) already bailed after Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (which will run the ballpark for the city) officials couldn’t put together a financial plan to keep the team as a tenant. Ballpark officials say they’re talking with the independent American Association about placing a team in Omaha, but we’re told by AA owners their interest is minimal, at best.
The bad guys? College World Series advocates and city officials who plowed ahead with the proposal and assumed the O-Royals and Creighton University would just line up for the opportunity to play in a new ballpark. Given the financials of the deal, virtually every available dollar generated by the ballpark will go to debt relief — and that doesn’t leave much left over for anyone else.
Meanwhile, local business owners continue to rail against the deal, arguing the ballpark could actually dampen development in the NoDo area.
More from Omaha.com.
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