Werner Park - Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

West Omaha, Sarpy and Nebraska metro counties.

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Big E
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Post by Big E »

Sarpy sends Brashear packing

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100413/N ... ar-packing
The pitchman who helped Sarpy County score a home run by bringing the Omaha Royals to the suburbs is being sent to the showers as his total pay nears the million-dollar mark.
Brashear originally estimated that his billings could reach a high of $500,000. His fees do not include payments to architecture and engineering firms.

Former Omaha Mayor P.J. Morgan had offered to do the work for a flat fee of $150 an hour.

Instead, the board hired Brashear and gave him an open-ended contract. Brashear charged the county $350 an hour for his own work. Three of his law firm partners charged between $230 and $250 an hour.
“Kermit Brashear more or less told us he had a good chance to get us financing for this thing,” Jansen said. “He told us he had an in down at the Legislature. That he would get one, two, three or four different things done, and it kind of backfired, I guess. It just never worked.”

Various bills put before the Nebraska Legislature during the past two years failed to win state lawmakers' support for awarding state sales tax subsidies to Sarpy's baseball stadium partnership with the Royals.

Brashear and Polikov have both said the county could build the stadium without the state's funding but said having a state sales tax subsidy would make it even less likely that property taxes would be tapped to pay stadium debt.
Stable genius.
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Seth
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Post by Seth »

So much for the downtown stadiums and development projects for having a monopoly on corruption and waste!
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Stargazer
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Post by Stargazer »

Aw heck... I'm looking forward to enjoying entertainment in Sarpy County at the expense of it's tax payers for a change.
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Greg S
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Post by Greg S »

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Post by HskrFanMike »

Greg S wrote:Costs have gone up in Sarpy.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100418/N ... s-creep-up

Greg
[sarcasm on]I am absolutely shocked that Sarpy County can't build a AAA ballpark for $20 million.[/sarcasm off]

I love this quote from the Sarpy County attorney who's trying to negotiate these construction contracts (replacing Kermit Brashear, who was dismissed for running up a $1 million bill, yet failing to get these deals done)
“We are not building a practice facility. We still need to have a first base, a second base, a third base. Bathrooms. Walls to go over for home runs. There is only so much you can cut.”
Welcome to Econobox Park. They already cut everything just to make the $20 million figure... :shock:  :shock:  :shock:
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Greg S
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Post by Greg S »

These type of things really don't surprise me.  When building stadiums or arena's many times they will give best case not necessarily realistic cost expectations or funding.  Our own Qwest Center Omaha's funding that we were promised never materialized as advertised.  I remember being promised at a meeting that in no way shape or form would the city of Omaha's taxpayers be needed.  Sure enough just a few years in Fahey had to start jacking around on the bond payments and going to Lincoln to get the bills redone to get the funds to pay for it because the funding mechanisms we were promised fell short of what we were promised.

Will be interesting to see if the DT stadium's funding goes according to plan over the next 30 years....

Greg
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Post by Stargazer »

Heck, you could probably pay for a good chunk of the Sarpy ballpark with the cost overrun on the Hilton alone.
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Greg S
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Post by Greg S »

Was listening to Martie Codero the Royals GM and they are reporting that they are within 100 current season ticket holders of having 100% of their season tickets renew for next year.  Looks good for the move.

Greg
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mcarch
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Post by mcarch »

Corruption and waste... Sarpy county is full of it.  Good'ol'boys is how things are run down here... heck the surveyor who screwed the 96 street project out of state funds b/c he was too lazy (excuse me... he just forgot) to file the paperwork is trying to get reelected.  I see signs everywhere for him.

Anyways... yes the stadium is probably the size it is b/c its all we can afford...  so they say taxes so far will not pay for it... but in the long run, just like everything else... its not free, and when it come down to it, taxes will be used.
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Post by Erik »

Am I wrong to think $31 million as way too high for a park of this magnitude?
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Post by icejammer »

IIRC, this would now be comparable in cost to similar sized AAA stadiums.
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Greg S
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Post by Greg S »

I think anything under $50 million is great.  If they can keep it at $31 million I'll be surprised.

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Post by Bugeater »

Erik wrote:Am I wrong to think $31 million as way too high for a park of this magnitude?
No, you are absolutely right. It makes way more sense to spend $140M for a park that will only be used for two weeks a year than to spend $31M for one that will be used all summer long.
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Post by HskrFanMike »

Bugeater wrote:
Erik wrote:Am I wrong to think $31 million as way too high for a park of this magnitude?
No, you are absolutely right. It makes way more sense to spend $140M for a park that will only be used for two weeks a year than to spend $31M for one that will be used all summer long.
Especially when you consider the number of visitors that come to town over those two weeks.

Or were you trying to be sarcastic (and tripping over a big can of FAIL :lafcry:  :lafcry:  :lafcry: )???
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Post by Stargazer »

Actually, I think it has been pretty well established that a big chunk of those so-called visitors... are from right here in the metro.  Economic impact over rated... not that I'm not happy it is here.

Meanwhile, the Royals are drawing a larger attendance than the CWS, nicely distributed over a AAA schedule's worth of time.

I think I'll enjoy both.  It's just sad that there will be this behemoth of stadium sitting largely unused the rest of the year.  I guess it at least looks better than a parking lot which preceded it.
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S33
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Post by S33 »

Perhaps I'm lost on everyone's sarcasm at this point, but a stadium which draws revenues nearing 40 million in two weeks rather than the dismal earnings from the Royals organization, is well worth sitting empty all but two weeks a year.

The percent of in-town versus out-of-town earnings from the Royals and the CWS is not even comparable. The CWS, by far, is the better investment.

I'm also thinking everyone is forgetting we now have a new super duper professional football team which will occupy the stadium, as well. That said, it is a shame the stadium couldn't be used more often to start out, but at least it will pull it's own weight and spur other development.
Last edited by S33 on Tue Jun 01, 2010 2:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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S33
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Post by S33 »

Stargazer wrote:Actually, I think it has been pretty well established that a big chunk of those so-called visitors... are from right here in the metro.  Economic impact over rated... not that I'm not happy it is here.
Hotel occupancy, car rental, and airline ticket sales may conflict with your statement. Most ARE from the metro, but the out of town revenue impact is definitely a boost every year for the city.

Finding a hotel room in the metro during the CWS is next to impossible.
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Post by Stargazer »

That was sort of my point in saying I would enjoy both.  I think there is still some bitterness from one faction about the Royals thumbing their nose at the downtown stadium.

I'm sure both stadiums/organizations will do just fine.
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Post by Coyote »

Sarpy County stadium will have a 'unique' outfield wall
Rob White WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER wrote:Rather than bending out in a gentle arc from the right-field corner to center field as is typical in most parks, a portion of the wall in right center bows back in toward the playing field. Before starting its concave portion, closer to straightaway right field, the wall will have a sharp angle. After the concave portion of the wall, it bends out again before a straight section spans center field.
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Seth
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Post by Seth »

Does that mean there is an easy "sweet spot" for home runs right down center field where its shorter to the outfield wall?  I also have to wonder how outfielders will feel about an unexpected bulge when they're running backwards chasing a fly ball.
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Post by Greg S »

I don't think we should build everything in this metro area for out-of-town visitors.  Royals stadium will attract a higher percentage of Omaha area families than the CWS, I understand that.  Providing a reasonable cost form of entertainment for local families is not a bad thing...

Greg
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Post by Brad »

Seth wrote:Does that mean there is an easy "sweet spot" for home runs right down center field where its shorter to the outfield wall?  I also have to wonder how outfielders will feel about an unexpected bulge when they're running backwards chasing a fly ball.
No different than a hill in cf in Houston or a weird corner in RF in Boston or a wall on the foul line in Dallas.  They are pro athletes... They can deal with it.
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Post by thenewguy »

Greg S wrote:I don't think we should build everything in this metro area for out-of-town visitors.  Royals stadium will attract a higher percentage of Omaha area families than the CWS, I understand that.  Providing a reasonable cost form of entertainment for local families is not a bad thing...

Greg

I'd be curious to see the actual numbers.  Over an entire season, yes, it'd be outweighed....but by how much, really?  If they hit 300-350k, that's approximately what the CWS has been averaging the last 4 years.  

I know the percentage is greater, but i'd like to see the figures anyway.
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Post by cdub »

I can't wait to see a game in this stadium.  I hope it is as good as advertised.  I visited Rosenblatt last Thursday for the first time this year and everytime I am reminded what a dump that place is.
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Post by Brad »

The Sandlot 20th Anniversary Tour is playing tonight at Werner Park!

http://omaha.stormchasers.milb.com/news ... p&sid=t541
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by Coyote »

Werner Park gets the 2015 AAA All Star game.
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Greg S
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by Greg S »

They are doing such a great job out there. I'm looking forward to the UNO/NU baseball game this year at Werner.

Greg
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Greg S
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by Greg S »

One of the new additions to Werner Park that's nice this year is the BBQ sandwich area that's been added to the Downdraught area under the scoreboard. Nice to have some food options while you are out there.


Also noticed they are starting to frame the new grade school right behind the ballpark. The development and rooftops are on their way.
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by Coyote »

Greg S wrote:Also noticed they are starting to frame the new grade school right behind the ballpark.  The development and rooftops are on their way.
Greg
That development is: North Shore (120th & Lincoln)
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Greg S
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by Greg S »

This was good to see. They are doing such a great job out there. The location is a perfect fit for Werner. Now with ground breaking on the developments around the park, going to be interesting to watch.

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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by guitarguy »

This will be the entertainment area that 370 needed to fill out the southern edge of town.. instead of developing north where there is no easy access to commuter roads Omaha will continue to develop along 80 going forward.
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by iamjacobm »

http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/Wern ... 04022.html
PETA's rankings of the Top Five Vegetarian-Friendly AAA Minor League Ballparks have just been released with Omaha's Werner Park in the spotlight at number one. This is the first time Werner Park has even made the lineup.
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by Coyote »

Werner Park Nabs Top Spot on PETA’s List of Vegetarian-Friendly AAA Ballparks
PETA wrote:“Werner Park grabbed PETA’s attention this year with its delicious lineup of meat-free concessions that let health-conscious and vegetarian fans enjoy a great meal while cheering on the Storm Chasers,” says PETA Associate Director Ryan Huling. “PETA’s motto includes the words ‘Animals are not ours to eat,’ and so we’re happy to see more and more vegan options offered at stadiums across the country, proving that baseball fans are, indeed, on the ball.”

Storm Chasers faithful have a powerful lineup of meat-free fare to choose from. The concession stands offer black-bean burgers with all the traditional toppings (vegans, hold the cheese), salad shakers, the Philly Cheese Phake with Gardein beef-free and chicken-free strips (vegans, hold the cheese), and teriyaki-marinated tofu dogs topped with a Thai slaw.

Rounding out the winners are Coca-Cola Field (Buffalo Bisons) in New York, McCoy Stadium (Pawtucket Red Sox) in Rhode Island, Cheney Stadium (Tacoma Rainiers) in Washington, and Herschel Greer Stadium (Nashville Sounds) in Tennessee. Honorable mentions go to AutoZone Park (Memphis Redbirds) in Tennessee and Raley Field (Sacramento River Cats) in California.

In the major leagues, AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, took top honors, thanks in part to its delicious Field Roast frankfurter and portobello mushroom sandwich.
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by skinzfan23 »

Although the retail development is slow, it is great to see all the interest in housing in the area. With all the homes and apartments, that area could easily have around 5,000 residents within the next 3-5 years. With the proximity to I-80 to the west, I could see development start building that way as well.
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by Al Buterol »

http://www.alchemydevelopment.com/news/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by Louie »

That is some serious development.
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by Trips »

1,000 houses and 1,000 apartments. It would be nice to see the apartments mixed in with the retail. If they had the first two floors retail with 2-4 floors of apartments I think it would be a better mix. I really like what the railyard in Lincoln has going on.
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Re: DISCUSSION: Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by RNcyanide »

Trips wrote:1,000 houses and 1,000 apartments.  It would be nice to see the apartments mixed in with the retail.  If they had the first two floors retail with 2-4 floors of apartments I think it would be a better mix.  I really like what the railyard in Lincoln has going on.
Sarpy county doesn't have the urban planning motivations that Omaha does. While it's a nice thought, that probably won't be the case.
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