Werner Park - Sarpy County/Royals Stadium

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 5:16 pm

POLL ADDED!

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 6:26 pm

I don't know what the heck that poll is going to prove.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 7:54 pm

the1wags wrote:I don't know what the heck that poll is going to prove.

Just seeing how it would affect things.

dandr1229 · Post by **dandr1229** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:01 am

For those in the poll that select "I would Never Go" it would be interesting to understand how many even went this last year... I would assume none did, so not sure of the point of that answer.

LaVista is still in the Omaha Metro, so I would see no reason for them to change their name.

I live in the suburbs have been going downtown a lot more so do understand what's there but I would still probably go to an Omaha Royals game at the LaVista stadium several times more a year than I would if it were at the Downtown stadium.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:05 am

Shatel had a good column on the 4th. Confirms my belief that MECA is not really going to go all out to get the Royals downtown. I hope Sarpy County does. I would hate for Omaha to lose professional baseball.

Greg

Ingersoll1978 · Post by **Ingersoll1978** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 4:40 pm

dandr1229 wrote:For those in the poll that select "I would Never Go" it would be interesting to understand how many even went this last year... I would assume none did, so not sure of the point of that answer.

I voted "never"...and your right...I never go to Rosenblatt now. I have gone to an Iowa Cubs game here this year...and will be going again later this week when I drive down to get my nephew in Glenwood for the weekend. :D

About the baseball team moving, it would be REALLY REALLY sad if the team moved to another city. I would hope that Omaha area officials will do everything possible to keep that from happening.

About the Royals moving to the new Downtown Stadium, I don't blame the Royals for looking at alternatives. In 2007, the Royals had an attendance of 326,627 (average of 4,634 per game). The top PCL team, the Sacramento River Cats, had 710,235 (average 10,003 per game). The new stadium gives the Royals the same issues as Rosenblatt (a huge venue they will never fill without the 4th of July fireworks...and with higher costs). No other professional baseball, besides the MLB, will fill this stadium (the top average attendance in NCAA Div 1 baseball was just over 7,000 in 2006). AAA provides the best alternative if you have the right-sized field. Even with the highest average attendance of 10,000 fans, this stadium will always feel half-full. With the current Royals attendance, it's always going to feel "empty". The Royals need a AAA stadium that fits them...where ever it may be.

My question...when is Omaha going to get AF2? It would be a great rivalry! :)

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 5:09 pm

As many games as I've been to the size of the stadium has never bothered me. Yes sometimes it sucks when there's not that many people there, but what I don't like about the stadium isn't that it seems empty, it's that it's a dumpy stadium.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 5:18 pm

Now if every day were the fourth of July the Royals would average 22,287

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:49 am

Marty Cordero, Omaha Royals GM, was on Sports Soundoff with Travis this weekend. Interesting conversation. The Royals did finally receive the proposal from MECA last week. Alan Stein and Co. are in the process of reviewing it. While Marty wouldn't comment on specifics of the proposal, or the Royals' view of it, it sounds like the biggest sticking point continues to be parking charges. If MECA remains firm on the $6 parking fee, it has the potential to cost more to park your car than to attend the game. The Royals are scared that this will discourage fans from attending, or at the least, cut down on discretionary spending at the park. MECA doesn't want to budge, as if they give the Royals free or discounted parking, they fear that it'll become a bargaining tool for conventions looking for discounts.
On the plus side, Cordero said that they are strongly committed to the Omaha market, and view any move out of town as a last resort. While they admit there are positives and negatives to the downtown park, MECA has their attention, and it seems like if they can work something out to play there and be profitable, it'll most likely be their choice. The Sarpy option was discussed at length (Travis is a fan of this), and Cordero did say that it has many benefits (appropriate # seats, proximity to many attendees w/ disposable incomes, not having to leave town in June, etc), but that no further talks are scheduled with Sarpy until the Royals have had a chance to digest the MECA proposal and see if this is a viable solution. The Royals are also finalizing the results from a survey they've been doing examining their fanbase, their preferences, locations, etc.

One last note - on timing of a decision. Cordero, Stein and the Royals have all made it clear that this is a top priority for them, and that decisions must be made quickly. The Royals should have an official stance on the MECA proposal within a couple of weeks. The self imposed deadline is that by the end of PCL baseball this year (mid-September) a contract needs to be signed with whatever direction they're going, as construction needs to get underway (either downtown, Sarpy or any new out of town park) in order to meet the Rosenblatt shutdown deadline.

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:15 am

Uh oh... a survey. If you want the downtown ballpark... that's the last thing you want... as I suspect the majority of sports entertainment paying patrons are in the suburbs like Travis... and would love to see them play in Sarpy County.

I believe the Royals said at one point that they would be willing to contribute $3 to parking, so it's not as if they aren't trying to make downtown work. I suspect this is going to be a real problem.

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:22 pm

Stargazer wrote:I believe the Royals said at one point that they would be willing to contribute $3 to parking, so it's not as if they aren't trying to make downtown work. I suspect this is going to be a real problem.

I hate to say this, but parking *IS* an issue. People in Omaha expect free parking, and I'm sure that having to pay several dollars for parking will dissuade some and affect the turnout at games.

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:33 pm

How many other AAA ballparks have free parking? We're told over and over again how the new stadium (and Rosenblatt) are too big compared to other AAA parks. I know that Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, and Des Moines all charge $5-$6 for parking.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:54 pm

\waiting for the "but the saltdogs have free parking" to begin...

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:20 pm

almighty_tuna wrote:waiting for the "but the saltdogs have free parking" to begin...

I really don't think it's the fact that somebody has free parking or somebody else has paid parking, but the culture around here.

People around here, especially those who live and work in the 'burbs, are used to free parking and expect it. Outside of meters and pay lots, which are used mostly during 8-5/M-F, paid parking in Omaha the the exception to the rule.

I'm very sure that paid parking in Southport would never fly!

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:32 pm

I know that Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, and Des Moines all charge $5-$6 for parking.

Their management don't need any incentives to be convinced to play in an over-sized ball park... not suitable for minor league play.

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:41 pm

Tell them you support downtown. From the Omaha Royals Website

(Mods, if you think it worthwhile maybe you could repost this info into the stadium thread as well if it might get more views there)

http://omaha.royals.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t541

Mailing Address

1202 Bert Murphy Ave

Omaha, NE 68107

Administrative Phone, Fax and e-mail

Phone - 402-734-2550

Fax- 402-734-7166

[email protected]

Marketing and Sponsorship Opportunities

Rob Crain - Director of Marketing

402-738-5132

[email protected]

Baseball Operations

Kyle Fisher - VP of Baseball Operations

402-738-5101

[email protected]

General Manager

Martie Cordaro

402-738-5108

[email protected]

dandr1229 · Post by **dandr1229** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:45 pm

omahahawk wrote:Tell them you support downtown. From the Omaha Royals Website

(Mods, if you think it worthwhile maybe you could repost this info into the stadium thread as well if it might get more views there)

http://omaha.royals.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t541

Thanks, some friends and I were just talking over the 4th about calling to let them know how much we support a move to Sarpy County - will be sure to pass on the contact information.

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 5:23 pm

omahahawk wrote:Tell them you support downtown.

Probably the most effective way to show your support is to show up at games. I know I'll be at the YPC Purely Social event / Thirsty Thursday this week, and will be telling anyone that listens that (both from the young professionals and Royals employees) that downtown is the way to go... This is one key demographic that the Royals will lose in significant numbers if they move to Sarpy.

I know that there are several others of you that fit the "young professional" demographic. If you're interested in coming, go to http://omahachamber.org/chamber/EventDe ... teID=11922 to register for the YPC pre-game event.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:04 pm

Thanks for posting the emails and the highlights from Sports Soundoff. I did email the Royals with my preference for DT (I am in the 'burbs). I did put though that I'd rather have them in Sarpy County than another market altogether.

Anybody know the best email address to express an opinion with at Qwest? The only ones I found were either general info or sales.

I will be at the game on Thursday.

Greg

SarahEatsOmaha · Post by **SarahEatsOmaha** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:10 am

Ben wrote: I know I'll be at the YPC Purely Social event / Thirsty Thursday this week, and will be telling anyone that listens that (both from the young professionals and Royals employees) that downtown is the way to go... This is one key demographic that the Royals will lose in significant numbers if they move to Sarpy.

I'll be there, should be a good time.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:46 am

Article with a video about the Sarpy county plan on KM3 --- http://www.km3news.com/

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:48 am

it's just too far, in my opinion, for many people to attend regularly. Right now, I'm much more prone to going to games nearer to the center of Omaha (like we have with Rosenblatt, or the new downtown stadium). If you look at the metro as a whole, downtown is much closer to the center than South Port. Maybe that's just me...but I'd probably never attend a game if it was out there.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:04 am

thenewguy wrote:it's just too far, in my opinion, for many people to attend regularly. Right now, I'm much more prone to going to games nearer to the center of Omaha (like we have with Rosenblatt, or the new downtown stadium). If you look at the metro as a whole, downtown is much closer to the center than South Port. Maybe that's just me...but I'd probably never attend a game if it was out there.

It is just a guess but I bet that the Sarpy location is closer to their fan base, what little there is, than a DT location. I also bet it is closer to there POTENTIAL fan base.

Don't get me wrong, I think they should play DT but I don't think it is going to happen. IT is like an arraigned marriage, not likely to work. If Sarpy Co comes up with a tailored plan that fits the Royals like a glove then that is my bet on where they will play.

icejammer · Post by **icejammer** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:50 pm

nebugeater wrote:It is just a guess but I bet that the Sarpy location is closer to their fan base, what little there is, than a DT location. I also bet it is closer to there POTENTIAL fan base.

I'll take that first bet, if you're referring to the current fan base.

On the second, I think the big draw there is a greater median income for the surrounding area which would draw, meaning more in concession sales, and probably a little more at the box office as well...

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 3:26 pm

I think we can all agree on this..

priorities for where the royals should play

1. Downtown Omaha
2. La Vista or another location in the metro
3. Nowhere else, they should disband because if they cannot survive here, they probably cannot survive anywhere else!

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 3:32 pm

I'll agree with the first 2. Number 3 is laughable. Yeah I bet the Royals wouldn't make it in Vancouver.

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:33 pm

the1wags wrote:

I'll agree with the first 2. Number 3 is laughable. Yeah I bet the Royals wouldn't make it in Vancouver.

Do people in Canada even know what a baseball looks like, lol :;):

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:13 pm

Erik wrote:
the1wags wrote:

I'll agree with the first 2. Number 3 is laughable. Yeah I bet the Royals wouldn't make it in Vancouver.

Do people in Canada even know what a baseball looks like, lol :;):

YES

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:26 pm

The Vancouver Canadians (Oakland A's) are in the Northwest League

Hoop · Post by **Hoop** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 11:49 am

I'm hearing they will definitely not be playing in the DT stadium and there will be a deal with Sarpy County coming soon with the Southport sight as the preferred location.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 12:08 pm

I think that's accurate. I don't think MECA sees the Royals as an a vital tenant. Too bad, no way they can replace the 70 place dates the Royals would give them.

Greg

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 1:38 pm

I've heard the South Port spot isn't going to happen. I hear that people in charge don't want to have the stadium because they don't feel it will be as profitable as more retail would be. I can't say I don't blame them since it's only during the summer that it would draw. During the other months it wouldn't generate as much revenue as more retail would.

That's not to say that they couldn't look at another spot in Sarpy County.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:48 am

It will be interesting to see what site emerges in Sarpy then. They've come too far not to plan B and plan C's line up.

Greg

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:44 pm

This is what I don't get about the County pushing this stadium. If it was going to go to South Port/LaVista, wouldn't some of the other cities in Sarpy want to get the stadium as a way to boost their own local economies? Plus if LaVista doesn't want to pay to build it, who else is going to?

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:34 pm

I don't believe the Royals will play in Sarpy County, period.

I think the proposed Southport location is too far out of the metro area for most people. Yes, it's very convenient for folks in Papillion, Gretna, and Millard. But I drove out to Cabelas on Saturday...it's only about 5 minutes closer than downtown for me, and I live in West Omaha. KMTV reported last week that Sarpy is considering other sites, but they are all along I-80, basically from Harrison southwest to 370. That's getting even further out of town.

I also don't think the economic impact of a stadium is going to make a Sarpy County stadium feasible. The Royals couldn't make it work downtown. Going out west might result in slightly lower costs for land, but at the same time, I think it also lessens some of the economic advantages.

That being said, if someone wants to make a multi-million dollar donation to build a stadium, then anything's possible. Likewise if some government entity decides to subsidize a stadium by dipping into tax revenues and not expecting it to be recover through other development resulting from the stadium, it's also possible.

But I don't see that happening. I still expect professional baseball to be played downtown...and hopefully it's the Royals, not an independent league team.

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 1:03 pm

I'm really starting to think that Vancouver is their new destination..

I really believe that they would play in the downtown stadium, but MECA just isn't making it viable for them, and with that Vancouver in all other aspects is better for the Royals than Omaha so we are beginning to look uphill on this one, I believe..

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:22 pm

According to the poll on the Royals website... 62% of respondents would attend more games if the stadium were located in Sarpy County.

if someone wants to make a multi-million dollar donation to build a stadium, then anything's possible.

You need only look at one local sponsor which has become increasingly more involved in support of the Royals to see one major prospect.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:25 pm

I think they've always wanted a true minor league ballpark DT. Unfortunately the new one poses the same problems as the 'blatt. MECA does not seem motivated to make it workable with the lease. I think they'll end up in Sarpy. Still think it ends up near Cabela's. If not I could see Coventry (the often rumored landing pad of the Lancers) or somewhere else not too far from I-80.

Greg

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:32 pm

... yeah, maybe we'll end up with a mini Truman sports complex out on Highway 6.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:35 pm