CHI Health Center (10th & Cass Street)

[Brad]

Anyone know they were adding another bar on the Arena Level?

I believe this is on the south end of the arena under the seats. A little used storage area.

We’re elevating our arena experience by adding a new courtside lounge to serve drinks to our guests on the floor! Anticipated completion is in 2024. We’ll have a cold one ready for you.

CHI-01.jpg

[Brad]

CHI Says its in a space that use to be a locker room?

[nebport5]

Omaha, MECA eye $175 million convention center expansion to lure more visitors

A possible $175 million expansion of Omaha’s convention center has been quietly moving forward, with the board of the CHI Health Center recently approving millions of dollars in contracts for a project that could boost Omaha’s flourishing riverfront.
The project would add 24 more meeting rooms and enhance the appearance of the Missouri River side of the facility.

The addition has the potential to enhance the view of the convention center and arena from the riverfront, the Luminarium, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Iowa beyond. The addition is imagined as a glassy structure more akin to the 10th Street side of the facility, a step up from the largely plain back walls that face the river now. The addition has the potential to enhance the view of the convention center and arena from the riverfront, the Luminarium, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Iowa beyond. The addition is imagined as a glassy structure more akin to the 10th Street side of the facility, a step up from the largely plain back walls that face the river now.

The project would add 24 more meeting rooms and enhance the appearance of the Missouri River side of the facility.

Stothert and Dixon both see the project ultimately attracting a third anchor convention hotel to the CHI Health Center, joining the Hilton and Marriott hotels that sit across 10th Street.

If all goes as hoped, MECA could break ground by fall, with an opening date of 2027.

[F0R_L1F3]

Now, where might that hotel be? I think it's time for the reconsideration of redeveloping Lot B.

[Garrett]

Now, where might that hotel be? I think it's time for the reconsideration of redeveloping Lot B.

Yeah it’s gotta be the lot B area.

[Brad]

Now, where might that hotel be? I think it's time for the reconsideration of redeveloping Lot B.

Yeah it’s gotta be the lot B area.

Could it be in Lot D, attached to the convention center and rumored future parking garage? Could also have a skywalk to the ballpark too?

[ita]

Now, where might that hotel be? I think it's time for the reconsideration of redeveloping Lot B.

Yeah it’s gotta be the lot B area.

Maybe Omni with their recent-ish focus on convention centers would be the hotel partner.

Also, we all knew an expansion has been in the cards, but I really like their plan to essential change the backside, improving the view from the riverfront. Hoping this moves forward.

[nebport5]

Now, where might that hotel be? I think it's time for the reconsideration of redeveloping Lot B.

Yeah it’s gotta be the lot B area.

Could it be in Lot D, attached to the convention center and rumored future parking garage? Could also have a skywalk to the ballpark too?

Would that negate the ability to expand to north(in another 20ish years)? I imagine the size of the hotel may be a factor.

[Garrett]

Now, where might that hotel be? I think it's time for the reconsideration of redeveloping Lot B.

Yeah it’s gotta be the lot B area.

Could it be in Lot D, attached to the convention center and rumored future parking garage? Could also have a skywalk to the ballpark too?

Hmmm possibly. I’ve just always seen Lot D as the last lot to develop given previous comments on expansion potential, though given this announced expansion, Baby Bob and the Union stadium, it might be different

[skinzfan23]

Great news, I don’t see how this doesn’t move forward.

[Greg S]

First and foremost I think this is great.

That being said, and I hate to be that guy, but anyone else surprised this will be $175 million and only add a net 40k sq feet? I know inflation and construction costs have increased, but the whole thing arena/convention center was built for $291 million.

Again, love that we are doing this and it will look better from behind and especially the additional small meeting rooms, just surprised at the overall expense vs size gained.

[thenewguy]

First and foremost I think this is great.

That being said, and I hate to be that guy, but anyone else surprised this will be $175 million and only add a net 40k sq feet? I know inflation and construction costs have increased, but the whole thing arena/convention center was built for $291 million.

Again, love that we are doing this and it will look better from behind and especially the additional small meeting rooms, just surprised at the overall expense vs size gained.

your post got me wondering what $291M in 2003 would be today based on what the dollar could buy you then vs now, and it blows my mind. This would have cost $475,785,000 now and probably would not end up being done. I'm really glad that people had a vision and got it done

[Brad]

Anyone know they were adding another bar on the Arena Level?

I believe this is on the south end of the arena under the seats. A little used storage area.

We’re elevating our arena experience by adding a new courtside lounge to serve drinks to our guests on the floor! Anticipated completion is in 2024. We’ll have a cold one ready for you.

CHI-01.jpg

For those wondering, this bar was built where the original Creighton locker room was located on the south end. Looks like Creighton built a new locker room where the original UNO Hockey Locker Room was located. Also, the Supernovas locker room is in the South East Corner of the arena. So if you are at center court facing south, Creighton is out the right tunnel, Supernovas out the left tunnel, and this bar is in between.

[ita]

First and foremost I think this is great.

That being said, and I hate to be that guy, but anyone else surprised this will be $175 million and only add a net 40k sq feet? I know inflation and construction costs have increased, but the whole thing arena/convention center was built for $291 million.

Again, love that we are doing this and it will look better from behind and especially the additional small meeting rooms, just surprised at the overall expense vs size gained.

Good point about the cost per square foot. In 2024 dollars, the whole arena/convention center cost a touch over $500 million to construct. I don't know how to calculate the added increased material and labor costs though. Comparatively, The Hawks Pavilion addition to the Joslyn, costs $100 million for 42k sq. foot. Maybe the fact it will be elevated above the loading area will contribute to the added costs? The reported glass facade? I don't know. OWH reports $10M to architecture and engineering and $130M to construction and materials. There's a possible $25M renovation of the existing convention space, but I don't know if that including in the $175M price tag.

On another note, this may be yet another thing to look forward to in 2026-27, if everything goes well.

[almighty_tuna]

I hate to be that guy, but anyone else surprised this will be $175 million and only add a net 40k sq feet?

Idk, depends on the details of the project. The convention side sure does need a refresh and, compared to other recent conventions I've attended, seems fairly undersized in terms of breakout spaces and midsize presentation spaces to get some premier events. In terms of 40k sq feet of overall expansion, for scale the current grand ballroom is ~31k sq feet. Assuming the additional space is evenly distributed, each of the new 24 meeting rooms would be 1,667sqft/ea.

My guess is that this remodel will be concentrated on the southern half of the convention center where the load-in area and external stairways are. Though, beautification of the eastern loading docks seems to be quite the challenge while keeping the load-in elevation at the same level as the main convention floor. We'll see I guess.

Because I know MECA takes many of its ideas from these forums , I'll say that for my ideal expansion/upgrade I'd sure like to see the load-in facilities and apron enclosed and capped and the convention space expanded over that footprint. Then, cap the tracks and have an east lawn & promenade of the convention center space for outdoor features that leads to Riverfront Drive. But, I digress...

[ita]

I hate to be that guy, but anyone else surprised this will be $175 million and only add a net 40k sq feet?

Idk, depends on the details of the project. The convention side sure does need a refresh and, compared to other recent conventions I've attended, seems fairly undersized in terms of breakout spaces and midsize presentation spaces to get some premier events. In terms of 40k sq feet of overall expansion, for scale the current grand ballroom is ~31k sq feet. Assuming the additional space is evenly distributed, each of the new 24 meeting rooms would be 1,667sqft/ea. .

First glance, I thought that was insanely small, but based on current measurements, the 16 existing rooms compose 62k sq. ft., or 3875 sq. ft./room. That's still more than double your estimate, but maybe they just need more, smaller spaces.

[mcarch]

I just hope the new hotel isn't small like the first one we built... disappointing.

It is great news to hear of the expansion.

[ita]

I just hope the new hotel isn't small like the first one we built... disappointing.

It is great news to hear of the expansion.

That's why I want an Omni. They tend to build tall.

[skinzfan23]

That's why I want an Omni. They tend to build tall.

I would love some more height, but depending on where they build it, it may look out of place, unless its on lot B.

[Louie]

That's why I want an Omni. They tend to build tall.

I would love some more height, but depending on where they build it, it may look out of place, unless its on lot B.

I dunno, I think Lot D close enough to the core to have a substantial vertical presence. It would also encourage more height on the Lot B development.

[GrowUpFrances]

Because I know MECA takes many of its ideas from these forums , I'll say that for my ideal expansion/upgrade I'd sure like to see the load-in facilities and apron enclosed and capped and the convention space expanded over that footprint. Then, cap the tracks and have an east lawn & promenade of the convention center space for outdoor features that leads to Riverfront Drive. But, I digress...

That would be amazing.

[Coyote]

Omaha’s CHI Health Center in early planning stages for convention space expansion



There’s a lot going on at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha. From Creighton hoops to concerts to professional women’s volleyball, it seems there’s an event happening here every night, but those events are one night only. It’s the multi-day gatherings that aren’t happening often in Omaha, which city leaders are looking to address. “We knew we were deficient in meeting space so we’ve been talking about this since 2017,” said Roger Dixon, the president of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority.

Dixon says it’s past time for Omaha to be a major player for larger conventions. “We needed more breakout rooms,” Dixon said. “We’re at the bottom of the pack in our competitive set. When you talk about competitive sets in the industry, it’s Minneapolis/St. Paul, Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver, to some extent, Louisville, Wichita, even Des Moines. They all have more meeting space than we do, so it kind of limits us in what we can do and what we can offer. You get the conventions, they come in and they need hotel rooms. They stay in here and that’s usually people from outside our community, even outside our state.” So now, discussions of expansion are in the early stages. No formal plans or agreements have been reached, but the idea is to potentially expand the convention center on the east side of the CHI Health Center. “Building another 40,000 net square feet of meeting space and the only place to do that is to go out over the loading dock areas,” Dixon said.

[Brad]

“Building another 40,000 net square feet of meeting space and the only place to do that is to go out over the loading dock areas,” Dixon said.

Well that’s cool!

[GenX]

“Building another 40,000 net square feet of meeting space and the only place to do that is to go out over the loading dock areas,” Dixon said.

Well that’s cool!

Is that to leave the area to the north for a hotel?

[Renovator2559]

This expansion has to be done, we are behind all other Midwest cities in meeting space, even smaller city Des Moines has many more meeting spaces.

I looked at the rough plans to expand the backend area, and it reaches right next to the tracks.

I know it's unlikely, but what if they extended the upper floor above and past the train tracks and allow for another exit, mini plaza into lewis and Clark landing?

[Doctor Fate]

That's why I want an Omni. They tend to build tall.

I would love some more height, but depending on where they build it, it may look out of place, unless its on lot B.

I dunno, I think Lot D close enough to the core to have a substantial vertical presence. It would also encourage more height on the Lot B development.

In the Urban Core Strategic Planning doc from two years ago, they had a highrise on Lot A.

[halgy]

That's why I want an Omni. They tend to build tall.

I would love some more height, but depending on where they build it, it may look out of place, unless its on lot B.

I dunno, I think Lot D close enough to the core to have a substantial vertical presence. It would also encourage more height on the Lot B development.

In the Urban Core Strategic Planning doc from two years ago, they had a highrise on Lot A.

Isn't that where the streetcar maintenance garage is going to be?

[Doctor Fate]

That's why I want an Omni. They tend to build tall.

I would love some more height, but depending on where they build it, it may look out of place, unless its on lot B.

I dunno, I think Lot D close enough to the core to have a substantial vertical presence. It would also encourage more height on the Lot B development.

In the Urban Core Strategic Planning doc from two years ago, they had a highrise on Lot A.

Isn't that where the streetcar maintenance garage is going to be?

Yes, I believe it is at the southern part of Lot A. Partially under the 480. Maybe someone else can confirm.

Either way, that leaves most of Lot A still open.

[GenX]

This expansion has to be done, we are behind all other Midwest cities in meeting space, even smaller city Des Moines has many more meeting spaces.

I looked at the rough plans to expand the backend area, and it reaches right next to the tracks.

I know it's unlikely, but what if they extended the upper floor above and past the train tracks and allow for another exit, mini plaza into lewis and Clark landing?

What “rough plans”? They stated they didn’t have any plans or renderings yet.

[Renovator2559]

In one of the announcement videos, there was an outline sketch of the proposed expansion, no details just the proposed size of the expansion

[skinzfan23]

Not that it is bad but I wonder if they are still planning on upgrading the video board anytime in the next few years. The old one was replaced after 10 years bc they stated that technology needs to be updated about that often to keep up. I have seen a ton of other arenas get massive boards and think that they could make ours bigger too. I know there was mention of it a few years ago but it has been 11 years already with this one and just wondering if they still are planning on a replacement.

[Greg S]

I hate to be that guy, but anyone else surprised this will be $175 million and only add a net 40k sq feet?

Idk, depends on the details of the project. The convention side sure does need a refresh and, compared to other recent conventions I've attended, seems fairly undersized in terms of breakout spaces and midsize presentation spaces to get some premier events. In terms of 40k sq feet of overall expansion, for scale the current grand ballroom is ~31k sq feet. Assuming the additional space is evenly distributed, each of the new 24 meeting rooms would be 1,667sqft/ea. .

First glance, I thought that was insanely small, but based on current measurements, the 16 existing rooms compose 62k sq. ft., or 3875 sq. ft./room. That's still more than double your estimate, but maybe they just need more, smaller spaces.

Mine wasn't an estimate. The 40k sq feet was the number mentioned in the article announcing the possible expansion.

[windsor]

So glad to hear they are building above the docks. I know loading docks are extremely necessary for a convention center, but they always look like wasted space from Riverfront Drive.

[skinzfan23]

Didn't know where to put this, but has CHI ever inquired about hosting the Big 10 conference basketball tournament or the women's regional? They have hosted the men's 5 times, including the regional once.

The Big 10 seems to rotate between Chicago, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis, but Omaha would be another great host city that has the hotel capacity and the arena.

I noticed that the regional for tonight's women's game is in Albany, NY (which is a pretty dumpy town, at least when I drove through in 2010) Albany is about 8% larger than Albany's metro, so something that Omaha is totally capable of.

For women's basketball, this would have been a great year, Caitlin Clark/Iowa are going up against Angel Reese/LSU tonight. Viewership is probably going to break all-time records. Would have been nice to be in Omaha.

[ita]

Didn't know where to put this, but has CHI ever inquired about hosting the Big 10 conference basketball tournament or the women's regional? They have hosted the men's 5 times, including the regional once.

This is from the most recent MECA board minutes.

Mr. Tom O’Gorman reported all bids have been submitted for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball and volleyball events for the years 2026 – 2028.

Negotiations have begun for the Big Ten contract at Charles Schwab Field Omaha (CSFO).

I looked back the last year and didn't see anything specifically for B10 basketball.

[Bob from Omaha]

I always thought that the land just to the north would be first in line for expansion. It could be an easy over 50,000 square foot expansion not counting a second floor.

[MadJack]

I always thought that the land just to the north would be first in line for expansion. It could be an easy over 50,000 square foot expansion not counting a second floor.

Not sure if it's still the case but originally that land was reserved for adding on more trade show/flat show space if needed.

[Greg S]

I always thought that the land just to the north would be first in line for expansion. It could be an easy over 50,000 square foot expansion not counting a second floor.

Not sure if it's still the case but originally that land was reserved for adding on more trade show/flat show space if needed.

Yeah I remember when there was talk about putting the baseball field there. Roger Dixon drew a line in the sand and said that's where the expansion of the convention center would be.

[Greg S]

Didn't know where to put this, but has CHI ever inquired about hosting the Big 10 conference basketball tournament or the women's regional? They have hosted the men's 5 times, including the regional once.

The Big 10 seems to rotate between Chicago, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis, but Omaha would be another great host city that has the hotel capacity and the arena.

I noticed that the regional for tonight's women's game is in Albany, NY (which is a pretty dumpy town, at least when I drove through in 2010) Albany is about 8% larger than Albany's metro, so something that Omaha is totally capable of.

For women's basketball, this would have been a great year, Caitlin Clark/Iowa are going up against Angel Reese/LSU tonight. Viewership is probably going to break all-time records. Would have been nice to be in Omaha.

During the Big 10 basketball tournament they did a montage where they asked all the Big 10 basketball coaches where the Big 10 basketball should try next for a location. One of them (and not Hoiberg) said "Omaha." It was too fast for me to see who said it though.

What I am surprised at, is that we don't seem to be going after the NCAA Wrestling Championships anymore. They just had these in March in KC and drew huge crowds. The same weekend that was going on at TMobile Center, they had the NAIA National Championship basketball going on at Municipal Stadium in downtown KC as well. The entire downtown was packed. Very impressive.

Greg

[Ryan j]

Thought: Omaha was scheduled to host the MLB draft when it was cancelled in 2020. I have often wondered when/ if they would go after that event again? I think at the time it was scheduled for the Holland but it would not surprise me to learn that hosting the draft might require a war room/ meeting space for each team. There are 30 MLB teams, so.... Maybe it's possible that one of the many reasons for expanding the CHI is to go after the draft again. Moving from 16 to 40 rooms would certainly allow for every team to have a conference room.