Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Jan 14, 2020 1:49 pm
Just curious when the bonds will be paid off. I want to say they were 20 year bonds but I could be wrong.
I thought it started out as 20 also, but I can't remember if that changed when Fahey took over for Daub, and if changed again when the ballpark was built?
There was a time when we were only paying the interest (when we first realized the funding was not matching up and went back to legislature along with the city's general fund). I think we also refinanced the bonds at one point, but don't know if either extended the repayment period.
Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Jan 14, 2020 1:49 pm
Just curious when the bonds will be paid off. I want to say they were 20 year bonds but I could be wrong.
I thought it started out as 20 also, but I can't remember if that changed when Fahey took over for Daub, and if changed again when the ballpark was built?
If its 20 years, we only have 4 years left!
The mayor was on the radio this morning and said 7 more years.
Parking going up for CWS from $10 to $15. At CHI, garage will now cost $15. Surface lots from $8 to $10 for CHI. Money going to pay for security barricades.
Greg S wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2020 9:41 am
Parking going up for CWS from $10 to $15. At CHI, garage will now cost $15. Surface lots from $8 to $10 for CHI. Money going to pay for security barricades.
Greg
So when those are paid for it goes back down?
For the record NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER !!!!!!!
Greg S wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2020 9:41 am
Parking going up for CWS from $10 to $15. At CHI, garage will now cost $15. Surface lots from $8 to $10 for CHI. Money going to pay for security barricades.
Greg
That's not much cheaper than the casinos in Las Vegas. Most of them have a $15 - $20 per day maximum fee.
Greg S wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2020 9:41 am
Parking going up for CWS from $10 to $15. At CHI, garage will now cost $15. Surface lots from $8 to $10 for CHI. Money going to pay for security barricades.
Greg
That's not much cheaper than the casinos in Las Vegas. Most of them have a $15 - $20 per day maximum fee.
I still think it's crazy they started charging for parking at the Vegas casinos.
Reece Ristau, OWH wrote:The pandemic took a big bite out of the CHI’s 2019-20 profits. The Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority on Wednesday reported that the convention center and arena generated a $178,000 profit in the fiscal year that ran from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020 — a sharp decrease from the $4.6 million profit reported the previous year. The reported profit is the figure before depreciation and amortization.
Reece Ristau, OWH wrote:The pandemic took a big bite out of the CHI’s 2019-20 profits. The Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority on Wednesday reported that the convention center and arena generated a $178,000 profit in the fiscal year that ran from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020 — a sharp decrease from the $4.6 million profit reported the previous year. The reported profit is the figure before depreciation and amortization.
Even with staffing cutbacks and other cost avoidances or delays, I am supprised they were not in the negative.
For the record NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER !!!!!!!
Reece Ristau, OWH wrote:The pandemic took a big bite out of the CHI’s 2019-20 profits. The Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority on Wednesday reported that the convention center and arena generated a $178,000 profit in the fiscal year that ran from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020 — a sharp decrease from the $4.6 million profit reported the previous year. The reported profit is the figure before depreciation and amortization.
Even with staffing cutbacks and other cost avoidances or delays, I am supprised they were not in the negative.
Its a July 1-Jun 30 fiscal year and the first 3 quarters were record breakers. Managing the riverfront construction is also helping them
For the second consecutive year, the pandemic took a massive toll on the CHI Health Center’s bottom line. MECA on Monday reported that the convention center and arena generated a $224,000 profit in the fiscal year that ran from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021.
Though comparable to the reported operating income of $178,000 in the 2019-20 fiscal year, the figure represents a sharp decrease from the $4.6 million in operating income reported in the 2018-19 fiscal year.
With numerous health and safety precautions in place, the convention center hosted 73 event days last fiscal year, which included 19 citywide events, various virtual meetings, sports tournaments and a few intimate in-person gatherings. Convention bookings continue to trend toward pre-pandemic levels.
MECA has made a profit on the arena every year since it opened in 2003. Until the last two fiscal years, the arena had recorded at least $2.75 million in profit every year since 2011.
On a side note what a huge weekend for the CHI center, sold out wrestling meets of 18,000 twice daily, over 18,000 for the Creighton game and the annual President’s Day volleyball tournament in the convention part all weekend. Must have been over 135,000 people in the building since Thursday.
Why are they putting up Jersey Curbs all along 10th Street on the CHI center side? Seems way too soon for the CWS and when I drove by at noon they looked to just be finishing up the "install"
For the record NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER !!!!!!!
nebugeater wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 12:24 pm
Why are they putting up Jersey Curbs all along 10th Street on the CHI center side? Seems way too soon for the CWS and when I drove by at noon they looked to just be finishing up the "install"
I agree with Jacob, Berkshire. That said, I can't wait for them to get the new/permanent bollards all finished. They are doing some by the ballpark right now. They look 1000 times better than the Jersey Barrier.
nebugeater wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 12:24 pm
Why are they putting up Jersey Curbs all along 10th Street on the CHI center side? Seems way too soon for the CWS and when I drove by at noon they looked to just be finishing up the "install"
I agree with Jacob, Berkshire. That said, I can't wait for them to get the new/permanent bollards all finished. They are doing some by the ballpark right now. They look 1000 times better than the Jersey Barrier.
Yeah I been thinking that for years. The jersey barrier looks kind of trashy and last min, the new permanent barriers look sharp and serve their purpose.
nebugeater wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 12:24 pm
Why are they putting up Jersey Curbs all along 10th Street on the CHI center side? Seems way too soon for the CWS and when I drove by at noon they looked to just be finishing up the "install"
I agree with Jacob, Berkshire. That said, I can't wait for them to get the new/permanent bollards all finished. They are doing some by the ballpark right now. They look 1000 times better than the Jersey Barrier.
Yeah I been thinking that for years. The jersey barrier looks kind of trashy and last min, the new permanent barriers look sharp and serve their purpose.
Why did they finally decide to install these? Did someone get wiped out coming down the stadium stairs or something? Seems like it takes a casualty of sorts before these types of things get funded (ie, Farnam street / Blackstone pedestrian vs. vehicle incidents).
nebugeater wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 12:24 pm
Why are they putting up Jersey Curbs all along 10th Street on the CHI center side? Seems way too soon for the CWS and when I drove by at noon they looked to just be finishing up the "install"
I agree with Jacob, Berkshire. That said, I can't wait for them to get the new/permanent bollards all finished. They are doing some by the ballpark right now. They look 1000 times better than the Jersey Barrier.
Yeah I been thinking that for years. The jersey barrier looks kind of trashy and last min, the new permanent barriers look sharp and serve their purpose.
Why did they finally decide to install these? Did someone get wiped out coming down the stadium stairs or something? Seems like it takes a casualty of sorts before these types of things get funded (ie, Farnam street / Blackstone pedestrian vs. vehicle incidents).
If I remember right they started doing the temporary barriers after there were a number of deliberate attacks driving vehicles into crowds in like 2017ish. I think most were in Europe, but I remember one in Times Square too. They were worried about lines of people outside during CWS, Berkshire, Swim Trails etc. They have been putting permanent bollards in more recently. Like Brad said they look a lot better.
I don't know if there is a thread specifically about the convention center, but the mayor mentioned that with everything happening downtown, there might be an opportunity/need to expand it in the future. What does that even look like? Where/how would they expand the convention center?
Louie wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 10:16 am
I feel like I recall this green space to the north being billed as future expansion. But that was nearly 20 years ago.
Ah, I see. I thought at one point, that green space was marked for a possible garage if Lot B was developed. I am making that up? Anyway, I guess that would make the most sense to extend in the direction. I was thinking maybe they could build on top of the garage, but it would be pretty disconnected space.
Louie wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 10:16 am
I feel like I recall this green space to the north being billed as future expansion. But that was nearly 20 years ago.
Ah, I see. I thought at one point, that green space was marked for a possible garage if Lot B was developed. I am making that up? Anyway, I guess that would make the most sense to extend in the direction. I was thinking maybe they could build on top of the garage, but it would be pretty disconnected space.
The part directly north of the convention was mentioned early on for Schwab Field. This was before MECA was involved and was fighting the ballpark. If you remember, Roger Dixon said putting the baseball stadium near the arena/convention center would be like putting a gas station next to your house. MECA said not to use that land because it was earmarked for future expansion of the convention center.
Once the city gave MECA full control over the ballpark, suddenly MECA's opinion went 180 degrees and they supported it and it ended up where it is now.
Louie wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 10:16 am
I feel like I recall this green space to the north being billed as future expansion. But that was nearly 20 years ago.
Ah, I see. I thought at one point, that green space was marked for a possible garage if Lot B was developed. I am making that up? Anyway, I guess that would make the most sense to extend in the direction. I was thinking maybe they could build on top of the garage, but it would be pretty disconnected space.
The part directly north of the convention was mentioned early on for Schwab Field. This was before MECA was involved and was fighting the ballpark. If you remember, Roger Dixon said putting the baseball stadium near the arena/convention center would be like putting a gas station next to your house. MECA said not to use that land because it was earmarked for future expansion of the convention center.
Once the city gave MECA full control over the ballpark, suddenly MECA's opinion went 180 degrees and they supported it and it ended up where it is now.
Greg
Thanks for the additional information. I wasn't around when that was all happening, so I appreciate the history lesson. So, Lot D was a possible location of the baseball stadium?
The north lawn was always reserved for expansion of the convention center. From the first renderings. Not for a parking garage but expanding convention and meeting space. That was however many decades ago but whatever happens at least it's available for something.
Louie wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 10:16 am
I feel like I recall this green space to the north being billed as future expansion. But that was nearly 20 years ago.
Ah, I see. I thought at one point, that green space was marked for a possible garage if Lot B was developed. I am making that up? Anyway, I guess that would make the most sense to extend in the direction. I was thinking maybe they could build on top of the garage, but it would be pretty disconnected space.
The part directly north of the convention was mentioned early on for Schwab Field. This was before MECA was involved and was fighting the ballpark. If you remember, Roger Dixon said putting the baseball stadium near the arena/convention center would be like putting a gas station next to your house. MECA said not to use that land because it was earmarked for future expansion of the convention center.
Once the city gave MECA full control over the ballpark, suddenly MECA's opinion went 180 degrees and they supported it and it ended up where it is now.
Greg
Thanks for the additional information. I wasn't around when that was all happening, so I appreciate the history lesson. So, Lot D was a possible location of the baseball stadium?
I worked for MECA many moons ago. The powers that be were always bitter that the convention center side was a compromise and not built to the size they originally wanted. It just wasn't in the budget in 2003. That green space to the North of the convention center was always referred to as "Hall D" by the directors and vice presidents. They made it sound like it was part of a roughly 10 year plan to get it built and were always complaining that the small size of the convention center along with the lack of 4 and 5 star hotel accommodations were costing the city convention revenue.
I was there from 2004-2009. Around that time was when the city got the Marriott approved and ground broken on the 2nd hotel (since the Hilton was never built large enough for bigger conventions). The Marriott, along with the other smaller hotels in North Downtown were seen as the "next step" and it was thought we were one decent sized hotel away from getting Hall D built.
I have no idea what happened after I left, but clearly, it didn't happen and hasn't seemed to be a priority since. I will say, I was also there in 2009 when all of the infighting among MECA, the Omaha Royals, and Fahey was going on. I left not too long after the ballpark got approved and ground broke. I'm guessing the ballpark being built and the manpower that took, along with the economic crisis that was going on around that time and closing down the Civic distracted MECA leadership and the convention center just wasn't a priority anymore. They also had a few internal scandals that created some upheaval in operations leadership. So, probably another reason they chose to just sit on it.
omaha79 wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 3:40 pm
I worked for MECA many moons ago. The powers that be were always bitter that the convention center side was a compromise and not built to the size they originally wanted. It just wasn't in the budget in 2003. That green space to the North of the convention center was always referred to as "Hall D" by the directors and vice presidents. They made it sound like it was part of a roughly 10 year plan to get it built and were always complaining that the small size of the convention center along with the lack of 4 and 5 star hotel accommodations were costing the city convention revenue.
I was there from 2004-2009. Around that time was when the city got the Marriott approved and ground broken on the 2nd hotel (since the Hilton was never built large enough for bigger conventions). The Marriott, along with the other smaller hotels in North Downtown were seen as the "next step" and it was thought we were one decent sized hotel away from getting Hall D built.
I have no idea what happened after I left, but clearly, it didn't happen and hasn't seemed to be a priority since. I will say, I was also there in 2009 when all of the infighting among MECA, the Omaha Royals, and Fahey was going on. I left not too long after the ballpark got approved and ground broke. I'm guessing the ballpark being built and the manpower that took, along with the economic crisis that was going on around that time and closing down the Civic distracted MECA leadership and the convention center just wasn't a priority anymore. They also had a few internal scandals that created some upheaval in operations leadership. So, probably another reason they chose to just sit on it.
Wonder if it will ever get built now?
I had a friend go work at MECA for a year or two a couple years after you left (I helped place her there). I was surprised by some of the stories I heard. From the outside it seemed like a cool place to work. On the inside the environment and culture did not sound good at all.
The land is still there for the expansion but the further time goes, the less I see a need. I just read an article on CES in Vegas and it seems like conventions will still go on, but probably not at the sizes of pre Covid levels. Maybe it's good the expansion wasn't built.
omaha79 wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 3:40 pm
I worked for MECA many moons ago. The powers that be were always bitter that the convention center side was a compromise and not built to the size they originally wanted. It just wasn't in the budget in 2003. That green space to the North of the convention center was always referred to as "Hall D" by the directors and vice presidents. They made it sound like it was part of a roughly 10 year plan to get it built and were always complaining that the small size of the convention center along with the lack of 4 and 5 star hotel accommodations were costing the city convention revenue.
I was there from 2004-2009. Around that time was when the city got the Marriott approved and ground broken on the 2nd hotel (since the Hilton was never built large enough for bigger conventions). The Marriott, along with the other smaller hotels in North Downtown were seen as the "next step" and it was thought we were one decent sized hotel away from getting Hall D built.
I have no idea what happened after I left, but clearly, it didn't happen and hasn't seemed to be a priority since. I will say, I was also there in 2009 when all of the infighting among MECA, the Omaha Royals, and Fahey was going on. I left not too long after the ballpark got approved and ground broke. I'm guessing the ballpark being built and the manpower that took, along with the economic crisis that was going on around that time and closing down the Civic distracted MECA leadership and the convention center just wasn't a priority anymore. They also had a few internal scandals that created some upheaval in operations leadership. So, probably another reason they chose to just sit on it.
Wonder if it will ever get built now?
I had a friend go work at MECA for a year or two a couple years after you left (I helped place her there). I was surprised by some of the stories I heard. From the outside it seemed like a cool place to work. On the inside the environment and culture did not sound good at all.
The land is still there for the expansion but the further time goes, the less I see a need. I just read an article on CES in Vegas and it seems like conventions will still go on, but probably not at the sizes of pre Covid levels. Maybe it's good the expansion wasn't built.
Greg
It was definitely a pretty toxic environment. Part of it is inherent to the industry. Everything is churn and burn with no work/life balance. But, much of it was just those at the top trying to make a buck for themselves. Either you were in the club, or you were a rank and file worker they just saw as an expense.
LB727, the bill encompassing everything from the Good Life District NEX related legislation, highway bond legislation, and incentives for convention centers. I read the amendment to the convention center provisions. All I am seeing is added tax revenue catchment of "nearby retailers". Previously, the state convention center funds could be collected from sales tax collected from retailers on site, box office sales, and nearby hotels. Nearby retailers are retailers located within 600 feet of the facility, but not including any garages. I could see this benefitting and helping the Lincoln Convention Center, especially if it's near the Haymarket. However, I am not sure how much this helps CHI Health. 600 feet is about 3 city blocks. Currently, the only retail I see that could help fund the expansion is the Capitol District. Everywhere else is parking and Chuck and railroads.
Paul Hammel
Both Omaha and Lincoln are looking to the state to help them attract more, and bigger, conventions.
An omnibus tax bill up for debate Tuesday in the Nebraska Legislature would expand the state’s turnback tax law to help a possible expansion of convention space at Omaha’s CHI Health Center Arena and the construction of a convention center in downtown Lincoln.
There are also proposed turnback tax benefits to help finance and promote Omaha’s new Steelhouse concert venue and the Astro Theater concert complex in La Vista.
Right now, officials say, Omaha is losing out on larger conventions because the 20-year-old CHI Center has only 346,000 square feet of convention space and 16 breakout rooms for smaller meetings.
“The majority of the cities we compete with have well over 500,000 square feet of convention space, so if we want to remain competitive, we need to expand,” said Deb Ward, executive director of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau.
...
Currently, the turnback tax law allows state sales taxes paid at the arenas and at nearby hotels to be “turned back” to help finance the complexes.
But under LB 727, the turnback would be broadened in Omaha and Lincoln to capture state sales taxes paid on meals, drinks and other retail purchases within 600 yards of the arenas. (The Ralston Arena already gets this retail turnback, unlike Omaha and Lincoln.)
In Omaha, the expansion would capture sales in portions of the Old Market area, as well as at bars and restaurants in the “North Downtown” area north of downtown Omaha.
...
When asked about using turnback funds to upgrade existing facilities at the CHI Center, Engdahl said that about $20 million in improvements, including new seats, have been made in the past six years. The facility, she said, still gets rave reviews, but the bill would allow turnback funds for upgrades.
...
Expanding the convention center in Omaha, Ward said, would allow the city to compete for larger conventions.
Right now, officials say, Omaha is losing out on larger conventions because the 20-year-old CHI Center has only 346,000 square feet of convention space and 16 breakout rooms for smaller meetings.
Any mention what kind of conventions we are missing out on?
Right now, officials say, Omaha is losing out on larger conventions because the 20-year-old CHI Center has only 346,000 square feet of convention space and 16 breakout rooms for smaller meetings.
Any mention what kind of conventions we are missing out on?
Great question. I was surprised at this. I know the convention business has actually been down quite a bit since covid and was only recently rebounding.
Right now, officials say, Omaha is losing out on larger conventions because the 20-year-old CHI Center has only 346,000 square feet of convention space and 16 breakout rooms for smaller meetings.
Any mention what kind of conventions we are missing out on?
Great question. I was surprised at this. I know the convention business has actually been down quite a bit since covid and was only recently rebounding.
Grow Omaha had someone from Visit Omaha a few weeks ago. I think she said they book conventions a couple years out, so we're talking about missing conventions for a couple years from now.
Also, something to note, the article mentioned that we are losing out to conventions centers that have more than 500k sq. ft. At just under 350k sq. ft., they must be considering a much larger expansion than was discussed in this forum, ie. bringing up the convention space to Meca Drive, essentially developing the remaining greenspace on that block. My google maps estimate is maybe that adds another 40-50k sq. ft. Bringing out convention space up at least another 150k sq. ft. means what, going into Lot D? Nevermind, baby bob's there. Hmmm.
Right now, officials say, Omaha is losing out on larger conventions because the 20-year-old CHI Center has only 346,000 square feet of convention space and 16 breakout rooms for smaller meetings.
Any mention what kind of conventions we are missing out on?
Great question. I was surprised at this. I know the convention business has actually been down quite a bit since covid and was only recently rebounding.
Grow Omaha had someone from Visit Omaha a few weeks ago. I think she said they book conventions a couple years out, so we're talking about missing conventions for a couple years from now.
Also, something to note, the article mentioned that we are losing out to conventions centers that have more than 500k sq. ft. At just under 350k sq. ft., they must be considering a much larger expansion than was discussed in this forum, ie. bringing up the convention space to Meca Drive, essentially developing the remaining greenspace on that block. My google maps estimate is maybe that adds another 40-50k sq. ft. Bringing out convention space up at least another 150k sq. ft. means what, going into Lot D? Nevermind, baby bob's there. Hmmm.
To Ita's point, if they're looking at doubling existing space to compete with 500k sqft facilities, I don't see that happening without expansion into Lot B or lot D.
So that leaves:
- Expanding north into Lot D, incorporating access to Baby Bob and the pedestrian path into the overall design
- Expanding west into Lot B over 10th Street (thinking about the parking garage over 17th Street at Douglas, but much larger)
- Building a completely separate building on Lot B with more skywalks to connect the existing convention center with the new space.
Or really getting creative and:
- Expanding east to the railroad tracks and relocating the load-in/out docks & HVAC infra somewhere else.
- Build an entire new convention wing where Lot A currently exists.
