Gretna Goodlife District

[Habits76]

I think the property east of Turner park/480 and between Dodge st and Farnam st. would be a great spot for an NHL arena. Also, do the cap over 480 with a large park to help tie midtown to the downtown core.

[nebport5]

I think the property east of Turner park/480 and between Dodge st and Farnam st. would be a great spot for an NHL arena. Also, do the cap over 480 with a large park to help tie midtown to the downtown core.

That idea doesn't suck either.

[iamjacobm]

Would love for some of this to come to fruition, but this reads to me as "look at what we could pursue if you pass this bill" not "this is what is coming if you pass this bill." Hope cool stuff happens out here, but this is approaching the European Village levels to me at the moment.

[Athomsfere]

Would love for some of this to come to fruition, but this reads to me as "look at what we could pursue if you pass this bill" not "this is what is coming if you pass this bill." Hope cool stuff happens out here, but this is approaching the European Village levels to me at the moment.

Well Oklahoma City wants to build their 1800+ footer. Maybe we need an equally absurd plan too.

[Brad]

Rod Yates will be on Grow Omaha today.

[nebport5]

The plan sounds like it would be to combine the USA Volleyball facility and the NHL team. That would be the combined arena at Nebraska Crossing.

Yeah, that's the impression I got as well.

That was confirmed by Yates on Grow Omaha. I wasn't aware that the possibility of USA Volleyball coming would have to include an arena rather than just training facilities. I guess people come to watch practices or exhibition matches?


For those that didn't listen to the show a few highlights:


-The USA Volleyball facility would include relocating and housing olympic athletes at NCVD.

-Yates and Pillen met with NHL comish yesterday and reportedly left him very impressed.

-The Hockey/volleyball arena would be built of mass timber estimated @ around $1 billion.

-The hockey team name would be the Nebraska Knight Owls.

-While NHL expansion isn't currently active Yates's goal is to have the facility open by 2027.

-The future of the NHL is said to be looking toward the model Yates & Co. are using with The Good Life District as entertainment destinations beyond the sport itself.

-Drew Bress is involved with not just Margaritaville but also working towards the goal of bringing the NHL...along with another unnamed NFL QB.

-Nex is pursuing 2 other resorts besides the aforementioned Margaritaville resort.

[Brad]

A very preliminary rendering of a proposed 18,000-seat arena that could house USA volleyball and a professional hockey team at Nebraska Crossing in Gretna.

IMG_8480.jpeg

[NEDodger]

Would love for some of this to come to fruition, but this reads to me as "look at what we could pursue if you pass this bill" not "this is what is coming if you pass this bill." Hope cool stuff happens out here, but this is approaching the European Village levels to me at the moment.

Well Oklahoma City wants to build their 1800+ footer. Maybe we need an equally absurd plan too.

I’m guessing one of the things Gary Bettman didn’t say was “Oh, noes! But your plan doesn’t include mass transit to it!”

If, against all odds, this does succeed…you’re under no obligation to attend. Just don’t |expletive| on it for the people who WOULD enjoy this.

[Coyote]

A very preliminary rendering of a proposed 18,000-seat arena that could house USA volleyball and a professional hockey team at Nebraska Crossing in Gretna.

Very impressive!

[nebport5]

Would love for some of this to come to fruition, but this reads to me as "look at what we could pursue if you pass this bill" not "this is what is coming if you pass this bill." Hope cool stuff happens out here, but this is approaching the European Village levels to me at the moment.

Well Oklahoma City wants to build their 1800+ footer. Maybe we need an equally absurd plan too.

I’m guessing one of the things Gary Bettman didn’t say was “Oh, noes! But your plan doesn’t include mass transit to it!”

If, against all odds, this does succeed…you’re under no obligation to attend. Just don’t |expletive| on it for the people who WOULD enjoy this.

My first thought on this succeeding is there'd be an even more compelling argument for commuter rail from Eppley through here to Lincoln.

[NEDodger]

Would love for some of this to come to fruition, but this reads to me as "look at what we could pursue if you pass this bill" not "this is what is coming if you pass this bill." Hope cool stuff happens out here, but this is approaching the European Village levels to me at the moment.

Well Oklahoma City wants to build their 1800+ footer. Maybe we need an equally absurd plan too.

I’m guessing one of the things Gary Bettman didn’t say was “Oh, noes! But your plan doesn’t include mass transit to it!”

If, against all odds, this does succeed…you’re under no obligation to attend. Just don’t |expletive| on it for the people who WOULD enjoy this.

My first thought on this succeeding is there'd be an even more compelling argument for commuter rail from Eppley through here to Lincoln.

I think that’s a fair argument. But a “this is so stupid unless it’s somewhere that has mass transit!” is a very “cut nose / spite face” point of view. A major pro team here would be image changing for the area and a massive, massive opportunity. It goes where there is a plan that works with what the NHL wants. Not the time to die on a cross of mass transit.

[Doctor Fate]

That was confirmed by Yates on Grow Omaha. I wasn't aware that the possibility of USA Volleyball coming would have to include an arena rather than just training facilities. I guess people come to watch practices or exhibition matches?


For those that didn't listen to the show a few highlights:


-The USA Volleyball facility would include relocating and housing olympic athletes at NCVD.

-Yates and Pillen met with NHL comish yesterday and reportedly left him very impressed.

-The Hockey/volleyball arena would be built of mass timber estimated @ around $1 billion.

-The hockey team name would be the Nebraska Knight Owls.

-While NHL expansion isn't currently active Yates's goal is to have the facility open by 2027.

-The future of the NHL is said to be looking toward the model Yates & Co. are using with The Good Life District as entertainment destinations beyond the sport itself.

-Drew Bress is involved with not just Margaritaville but also working towards the goal of bringing the NHL...along with another unnamed NFL QB.

-Nex is pursuing 2 other resorts besides the aforementioned Margaritaville resort.

Thanks for sharing this! So with Drew Brees being involved with the NHL and resorts, sounds like he is pretty involved. I assume he would be part of the investment group for the expansion team. Wonder who the other QB is?

[NEDodger]

Maybe Peyton Manning? He IS closely associated with “Omaha! Omaha!” and would have the bank account/celeb cache to get involved in development.

[MadJack]

Maybe Peyton Manning? He IS closely associated with “Omaha! Omaha!” and would have the bank account/celeb cache to get involved in development.

HINT: Think of a YOUNGER quarterback who recently won a Super Bowl.

[nebport5]

Would love for some of this to come to fruition, but this reads to me as "look at what we could pursue if you pass this bill" not "this is what is coming if you pass this bill." Hope cool stuff happens out here, but this is approaching the European Village levels to me at the moment.

Well Oklahoma City wants to build their 1800+ footer. Maybe we need an equally absurd plan too.

I’m guessing one of the things Gary Bettman didn’t say was “Oh, noes! But your plan doesn’t include mass transit to it!”

If, against all odds, this does succeed…you’re under no obligation to attend. Just don’t |expletive| on it for the people who WOULD enjoy this.

My first thought on this succeeding is there'd be an even more compelling argument for commuter rail from Eppley through here to Lincoln.

I think that’s a fair argument. But a “this is so stupid unless it’s somewhere that has mass transit!” is a very “cut nose / spite face” point of view. A major pro team here would be image changing for the area and a massive, massive opportunity. It goes where there is a plan that works with what the NHL wants. Not the time to die on a cross of mass transit.

Definitely. While I previously agreed I'd rather see NHL in a more urban setting the presence of mass transit of course shouldn't a deal breaker. That said, as hard as it would be to wrap one's head around NHL in Gretna of all places, this development if fully realized makes a greater case for commuter rail than if located in a more urban setting. Wherever it's most likely to succeed we should be ecstatic for the opportunity.

I'm quietly laughing at the folks on the Grow Omaha FB making arguments one way or another about driving distances. Having to drive "all the way downtown" or "all the way to Gretna" is silly either way. People here do not know how good they have it with drive times and distances compared to your average NHL city.

[Brad]

Maybe Peyton Manning? He IS closely associated with “Omaha! Omaha!” and would have the bank account/celeb cache to get involved in development.

HINT: Think of a YOUNGER quarterback who recently won a Super Bowl.

Drew Brees is pictured on the Just Data website and he was a guest on Grow Omaha show once with the Nebraska crossing folks.

[CBJason]

Thanks for sharing all the info. This doesn’t strike me as something that has been put together haphazardly. Everything seems well thought out and backed up with serious might. Hope it works out. While the idea(s) and plans are amazing, the PR campaign is going to have to be just as grand and well thought out so the vote passes. I just might have to start persuading my wife to move there!

[Linkin5]

A very preliminary rendering of a proposed 18,000-seat arena that could house USA volleyball and a professional hockey team at Nebraska Crossing in Gretna.

IMG_8480.jpeg

I see they’re going for the Tropicana Field/cookie cutter dome revival look.

[CBJason]

-The hockey team name would be the Nebraska Knight Owls.

This name is the only thing about any of this that I don’t like.

[CBJason]

I think that’s a fair argument. But a “this is so stupid unless it’s somewhere that has mass transit!” is a very “cut nose / spite face” point of view. A major pro team here would be image changing for the area and a massive, massive opportunity. It goes where there is a plan that works with what the NHL wants. Not the time to die on a cross of mass transit.

Thank you for stating this!

[almighty_tuna]

Helluva update today. Drew Brees' increased role and the mystery QB backing is very interesting. This isn't just a thing, it's a THING!! Wow. Definitely some money behind this, and frankly with something like this money is just about all that matters. I'm cautiously intrigued.

[djc311]

There's NO WAY this is real.... can't be! Not within the next 3-5 years anyway!

[Dusty]

If Omaha is not chosen for an NHL expansion team, is there a backup plan? Will they pursue other sports related attractions as the anchors? Keep in mind, they want to build an entertainment district around it. I have said over and over I want something like Disney Springs or Universal Citywalk. I think if they could build an entertainment district like this around a NHL/Volleyball center, it would be a huge hit!

Are they aiming for 3 resorts in total or asking 3 if they are interested in the hopes one will commit?

[Garrett]

It’s wild to see Nebraska Crossing fail to get a LEGO store to whatever the heck the last week has been

[ita]

It’s wild to see Nebraska Crossing fail to get a LEGO store to whatever the heck the last week has been

This. I am out of town on vacation and am barely keeping up. To not be a downer on the victory lap some are taking, all I will say is good luck, sincerely.

[Doctor Fate]

They said on Grow Omaha that the NHL wants to have their arenas around entertainment districts. What is the benefit to the NHL, would they get some of the revenue?

[mgoett]

Ah heck build it at crossroads

[Garrett]

They said on Grow Omaha that the NHL wants to have their arenas around entertainment districts. What is the benefit to the NHL, would they get some of the revenue?

In general I can imagine having a district around your stadium is better for attendance overall than just a series of parking lots. It's Camden Yards vs Guaranteed Rate Field sort of situation.

[F0R_L1F3]

Listen, I know a lot of people have mixed opinions but my two cents is I think this is great for the area.

The area is really progressing and while I think the entire concept of "Mall of America" might not be achieved directly, I think that there's still a possibility to grow Nebraska Crossing. If even doing something as small as get a meeting and leave a positive remark, I think it opens up a chapter for the future. Personally, I think the arena is cool especially if it can host USA Volleyball. The intentions for development such as a village district around it might be able to be done correctly if they carefully study it, which might even bring in more for the area. And who knows, maybe if this all goes according to plan, there's a possibility the Lego store might decide to change their decision by ghosting Omaha.

[Athomsfere]

I think that’s a fair argument. But a “this is so stupid unless it’s somewhere that has mass transit!” is a very “cut nose / spite face” point of view. A major pro team here would be image changing for the area and a massive, massive opportunity. It goes where there is a plan that works with what the NHL wants. Not the time to die on a cross of mass transit.

It isn't that exactly for me.

Gretna: I really don't care what they do.

But, if something as game changing as an NHL team happens, I want it to have every chance to succeed. Gretna ain't that. Building a train line is at least a step in the right direction.

[Athomsfere]

Listen, I know a lot of people have mixed opinions but my two cents is I think this is great for the area.

The area is really progressing and while I think the entire concept of "Mall of America" might not be achieved directly, I think that there's still a possibility to grow Nebraska Crossing. If even doing something as small as get a meeting and leave a positive remark, I think it opens up a chapter for the future. Personally, I think the arena is cool especially if it can host USA Volleyball. The intentions for development such as a village district around it might be able to be done correctly if they carefully study it, which might even bring in more for the area. And who knows, maybe if this all goes according to plan, there's a possibility the Lego store might decide to change their decision by ghosting Omaha.

Ghosting Omaha? They have already pulled out of the region and went with West Des Moines.

Besides, why would anyone want anything in Gretna? No one goes to the suburbs for their leisure time and money, they go to the city. The suburbs always have been, and always will be parasites if I can find a generous term for them.

[Stargazer]

The concept for the area sounds very similar to what was built up around the arena that was originally built for the Coyote in Glendale, AZ. In fact, the Tanger outlet mall is almost a mirror image of what Yates built already.

[Coyote]

NHL and Big Plans at Nebraska Crossing - February 2024

[Stargazer]

Impressive.. seems like this has some legs.

[jsheets]

Love the idea of finally marketing Omaha + Lincoln population together to try to swing for the fences on some things

[djc311]

Love the idea of finally marketing Omaha + Lincoln population together to try to swing for the fences on some things

I agree completely - I'm surprised there's not more of a "let's make it happen no matter where it would land in the Omaha area" on here... there are many with a firm stance of downtown/midtown and the those with the Gretna area in mind.

IMO it's makes a lot more logistical sense to place something like this closer to an Omaha/Lincoln area than try and stuff it downtown amongst everything else. You'll bring in more fans from Lincoln than any other surrounding metro, it's basically on the interstate and they would have almost a completely clean slate to develop the area as needed, to the best fit possible.

None of it would be retrofit/conversion of any kind so why not utilize the space that already exists?

If it landed downtown I'd still think it's an amazing grab for the area. However I'm surprised at how many people are basically against the idea of being between Omaha and Lincoln.

One thing I would say is even if the SAC museum struggles to survive, IF you have an actual NHL team in our state I think that brings in people regardless of where it's going to be. If midtown Omahans drive to Lincoln every Saturday for Husker football then why wouldn't that same potentially apply to a venue that houses a professional sports team.

BTW, between Lincoln and Omaha probably makes the most logistical sense for a place like IKEA, Great Wolf and an amusement park if that could ever happen. Take advantage of the area while it's still available.

[Bob from Omaha]

Yes! Swing for the fences! I get it if there are those who scoff at such ideas. But Lego Store, a massive development, an NHL team, whatever. I know there are those who hated what Harper did with Jobbers Canyon but for those decades those employees didn't work in Knoxville or way the h e l l north off 680. They were downtown & that area got cleaned up & families went back downtown. Mutual betting big on a tower downtown. So this guy has big ideas? Good.
When the convention center/arena was proposed the owh comments section was loaded with naysayers. I don't know the numbers but MECA brought world class events there.

It takes gutsy dreamers to do big things. I've never heard of a doubter successfully doing something big.

By the way, here are the population numbers:
25 mile radius- 976,671
50 mile radius- 1,389,691
75 mile radius- 1,569,671
100 mile radius- 1,930,189
125 mile radius- 2,422,647
150 mile radius- 3,683,332

One thing. IF Omaha/Lincoln were do pull this off, combined with OKC getting an NBA team, the only thing i can say is it sucks to be KC. Sprint(Whatever) Center and all.

[Athomsfere]

Love the idea of finally marketing Omaha + Lincoln population together to try to swing for the fences on some things

I agree completely - I'm surprised there's not more of a "let's make it happen no matter where it would land in the Omaha area" on here... there are many with a firm stance of downtown/midtown and the those with the Gretna area in mind.

IMO it's makes a lot more logistical sense to place something like this closer to an Omaha/Lincoln area than try and stuff it downtown amongst everything else. You'll bring in more fans from Lincoln than any other surrounding metro, it's basically on the interstate and they would have almost a completely clean slate to develop the area as needed, to the best fit possible.


One thing I would say is even if the SAC museum struggles to survive, IF you have an actual NHL team in our state I think that brings in people regardless of where it's going to be. If midtown Omahans drive to Lincoln every Saturday for Husker football then why wouldn't that same potentially apply to a venue that houses a professional sports team.

BTW, between Lincoln and Omaha probably makes the most logistical sense for a place like IKEA, Great Wolf and an amusement park if that could ever happen. Take advantage of the area while it's still available.

An NHL game is an event enough that no one would not drive from Lincoln to Gretna that wouldn't also drive from Lincoln to downtown.

Or midtown, or Council Bluffs, as these are all better locations than Gretna. For two main reasons.

1. Infrastructure, access, and hospitality.
2. It increases sprawl: Something we should be fighting at every turn.

For a lot of land uses, it would be fine. Want a 500 acre themepark? Absolutely build it in the middle of nowhere. But for a sports venue that we want to keep: Put it somewhere better than Gretna.

[Louie]

2. It increases sprawl: Something we should be fighting at every turn.

This is a huge part of what worries me. Sprawl is inherently bad, economically and environmentally. And this would accelerate it like nothing we've seen in the metro before.

[ita]

An NHL game is an event enough that no one would not drive from Lincoln to Gretna that wouldn't also drive from Lincoln to downtown.

Or midtown, or Council Bluffs, as these are all better locations than Gretna. For two main reasons.

1. Infrastructure, access, and hospitality.
2. It increases sprawl: Something we should be fighting at every turn.

For a lot of land uses, it would be fine. Want a 500 acre themepark? Absolutely build it in the middle of nowhere. But for a sports venue that we want to keep: Put it somewhere better than Gretna.

I am with athmosfere here, particularly on point one. We are so concerned about whether Omaha need another stadium; what about whether or not we need another 8-12k parking lots this project will need, just for the arena? The several hotels being contemplated? Downtown has all that and bringing a pro team there would only help the businesses there and be able to utilize existing parking and transportation infrastructure, and future ones built around the streetcar. Additionally, logistically, if we are selling this as a regional team, the north downtown area is closer to bigger population centers like dsm and kc than Nebraska crossing. Granted it's a 20-30 minute difference, but it's there. Anyway, that's it from me, other points have already been brought up.