If Charles Schwab Field Were To Be Expanded…

[mrsticka]

Hypothetical scenario: If Charles Schwab Field was to be expanded to add more seating, what would it look like?

Just so you know, there are no plans to expand it. But maybe sometime in the future, there will be.

[nebugeater]

Hypothetical scenario: If Charles Schwab Field was to be expanded to add more seating, what would it look like?

Just so you know, there are no plans to expand it. But maybe sometime in the future, there will be.

My speculation is that there will be an expansion and it will be tied to a contract extension with the NCAA

[riceweb]

I doubt there'd be any real expansion of general admission seating. I could imagine a wall of suites/club seats in left field... something focused on high-margin seats that would also be simple a build that would leave everything open during construction.

Along with that, updated and additional video screens seem likely.

[nebugeater]

I doubt there'd be any real expansion of general admission seating. I could imagine a wall of suites/club seats in left field... something focused on high-margin seats that would also be simple a build that would leave everything open during construction.

Along with that, updated and additional video screens seem likely.

The video screen and a second one in the left field will happen after this series is over for next year. IN addition, there will be ribbon screens added

https://www.ketv.com/article/new-scoreb ... d/63831075

[mrsticka]

My thinking was/is if they were to add more seats, they'd probably added another level above the second one. But just that one. Maybe there would be another level of seating by the east and south sides of the stadium?

[Brad]

I don't see expansion anytime in the near future.

[Garrett]

I don't see expansion anytime in the near future.

What type of upgrades, if any, do you think the NCAA would ask for for a contract renewal?

[Brad]

I don't see expansion anytime in the near future.

What type of upgrades, if any, do you think the NCAA would ask for for a contract renewal?

The contract isn't up until 2036. Things could be completely different then. That said, the current trend isn't for larger stadiums, its for better amenities.

[Greg S]

Hypothetical scenario: If Charles Schwab Field was to be expanded to add more seating, what would it look like?

Just so you know, there are no plans to expand it. But maybe sometime in the future, there will be.

My speculation is that there will be an expansion and it will be tied to a contract extension with the NCAA

Yeah I remember when it was first built they mentioned it was designed to be expanded. I got see GA coming back (or something close to it) it you add a third deck to the main concourse (which would most likely be a combo of more seats, club seats and suites).

I also assume it will be tied in with a new contract. I know the existing one doesn't run out until 2036 but that doesn't mean they necessarily will wait that long to extend. Especially if demand for tickets continues to increase. The NCAA as we know will ask for more to renew. The more they ask for, the longer the extension. Obviously we are nearing the point where it's essentially sold out for every single game and there still appears to be a decent season ticket waiting list.

A buddy of mine is one of the original architects (he also did Central's stadium and the UNO baseball/softball stadium). If I run into him have been meaning to ask about where the possible expansion was planned to go. He brought me and my family as a guest to the first game at the ballpark where Nebraska played Creighton. Was cool sitting with the HDR crew that designed it.



Greg

[nebugeater]

Hypothetical scenario: If Charles Schwab Field was to be expanded to add more seating, what would it look like?

Just so you know, there are no plans to expand it. But maybe sometime in the future, there will be.

My speculation is that there will be an expansion and it will be tied to a contract extension with the NCAA

Yeah I remember when it was first built they mentioned it was designed to be expanded. I got see GA coming back (or something close to it) it you add a third deck to the main concourse (which would most likely be a combo of more seats, club seats and suites).

I also assume it will be tied in with a new contract. I know the existing one doesn't run out until 2036 but that doesn't mean they necessarily will wait that long to extend. Especially if demand for tickets continues to increase. The NCAA as we know will ask for more to renew. The more they ask for, the longer the extension. Obviously we are nearing the point where it's essentially sold out for every single game and there still appears to be a decent season ticket waiting list.

A buddy of mine is one of the original architects (he also did Central's stadium and the UNO baseball/softball stadium). If I run into him have been meaning to ask about where the possible expansion was planned to go. He brought me and my family as a guest to the first game at the ballpark where Nebraska played Creighton. Was cool sitting with the HDR crew that designed it.



Greg

I was on the waiting list for a long time, starting in 99 or 2000, and I do not think there is a waiting list anymore for all session tickets. Maybe there is, and it is entirely different. When they removed the general admission tickets, I received a letter offering season tickets, but I didn't take them because I didn't want to sit in the outfield. I remember the letter stating that there would not a list moving forward. I likely scanned it, so I will have to check when I am at home

I also have this memory that the stadium could be expanded to around 35K, with some of the thoughts with the original design. Anyone else remember this? I will have to put the Google machine to work tonight and see if I can find anything.

[iamjacobm]

I could swear there was a rendering of the potential expansion which pulled the upper deck on the third base line over to the lights in left field, but I have never been able to find it when I have looked in the past so I might have imagined it...

[Busguy2010]

I could swear there was a rendering of the potential expansion which pulled the upper deck on the third base line over to the lights in left field, but I have never been able to find it when I have looked in the past so I might have imagined it...

I never saw a rendering. Doesn't mean you didn't. Anyhow, its built to expand to 35,000 seats. I always imagined it would be an extension of the second and third decks from third base over to the first outfield light tower, and over the outfield concessions. I can't imagine they'd ever build stands on the south end due to the view of Downtown.

[Linkin5]

As Brad and riceweb stated, I doubt there would be any type of capacity increase expansion, and you’d likely only see amenities and box seating expanded if it happens. The current trend in stadium building and upgrades prioritize experience and the high dollar tickets over capacity. I’m not a fan of it personally but I understand it makes the most money.

[Brad]

As Brad and riceweb stated, I doubt there would be any type of capacity increase expansion, and you’d likely only see amenities and box seating expanded if it happens. The current trend in stadium building and upgrades prioritize experience and the high dollar tickets over capacity. I’m not a fan of it personally but I understand it makes the most money.

Wonder if they would ever eliminate the 300 level and extend the suites all the way down. That would add 16 more suites (8 on each side).

[Linkin5]

As Brad and riceweb stated, I doubt there would be any type of capacity increase expansion, and you’d likely only see amenities and box seating expanded if it happens. The current trend in stadium building and upgrades prioritize experience and the high dollar tickets over capacity. I’m not a fan of it personally but I understand it makes the most money.

Wonder if they would ever eliminate the 300 level and extend the suites all the way down. That would add 16 more suites (8 on each side).

I could see them doing that but would not be a fan of taking away general seating. I wonder if they would consider outfield suites like at Dudy Noble Field. Would look something like this, obviously the design would be a little different to match Charles Schwab Field.

[Brad]

I could see them doing that but would not be a fan of taking away general seating. I wonder if they would consider outfield suites like at Dudy Noble Field. Would look something like this, obviously the design would be a little different to match Charles Schwab Field.

I would not be a fan of it either. Besides taking away regular seating, it would remove the only good place to get a high angle stadium shot during the CWS. Unless you can find an empty radio booth, there is really nothing in the press box, and on the 200 level, you just have to two ends.

[Gobears27]

Would expanding the capacity to 35,000 make the venue more attractive to non cws events. Concerts etc? Also wouldn’t a larger capacity lead to more out of town visitors during the cws?

[Garrett]

Would expanding the capacity to 35,000 make the venue more attractive to non cws events. Concerts etc? Also wouldn’t a larger capacity lead to more out of town visitors during the cws?

Aren’t the majority of the CWS attendees Omahans? I’m not sure on this, but I doubt that a larger stadium would attract more out of town people.

[nebugeater]

Would expanding the capacity to 35,000 make the venue more attractive to non cws events. Concerts etc? Also wouldn’t a larger capacity lead to more out of town visitors during the cws?

Aren’t the majority of the CWS attendees Omahans? I’m not sure on this, but I doubt that a larger stadium would attract more out of town people.

This is what the Google AI result says when I search: "how many cws fans are from out of state"
While this data can be suspect it us as good as a guess




While specific numbers fluctuate each year, information about College World Series (CWS) attendance and economic impact provide insight into the prevalence of out-of-state fans:
Significant Economic Impact: The CWS has a considerable economic impact on Omaha, Nebraska, with a large portion of attendees coming from outside the state.
Out-of-State Visitors: A 2019 study indicated that almost 60% of attendees came from out of state, significantly contributing to the local economy.
Thousands of Visitors: A 2024 study suggests that of the 371,818 total attendees, 106,230 were visitors from over 60 miles outside the Omaha metro.
"Bucket List" Destination: Many fans from out of state view attending the CWS as a "bucket list" experience.
College Baseball Fan Bases: College teams, particularly those from the SEC, often have dedicated fan bases who travel to Omaha for the CWS, contributing to out-of-state attendance.
In summary, while exact numbers vary, data indicates that a significant percentage of CWS fans are from outside of Nebrask

[Louie]

"Out-of-State Visitors: A 2019 study indicated that almost 60% of attendees came from out of state, significantly contributing to the local economy.
Thousands of Visitors: A 2024 study suggests that of the 371,818 total attendees, 106,230 were visitors from over 60 miles outside the Omaha metro."

Those are drastically different mister gemini lol

[Greg S]

Not sure which is correct but judging on the availability and prices of hotels during the CWS, a lot of attendees are from out of town.

Unless they want to go to games, we make sure not to schedule out of town employees to come to Omaha during the CWS because of the cost of rooms (and availability).

[Gobears27]

Also would the additional 11,000 seats make the ballpark more attractive to concerts and possibly attract acts that would otherwise skip Omaha?

[Louie]

Also would the additional 11,000 seats make the ballpark more attractive to concerts and possibly attract acts that would otherwise skip Omaha?

Does MECA pitch it often as a concert venue?

[Brad]

Also would the additional 11,000 seats make the ballpark more attractive to concerts and possibly attract acts that would otherwise skip Omaha?

Does MECA pitch it often as a concert venue?

I talked to someone at MECA about it several years ago and they said most bands that do outdoor shows want 80,000 seat football stadiums. If they are only selling 18,000-20,000 seats, the would rather be indoors. They also said bands that play outdoors in stadiums usually charge more too.

[riceweb]

Also would the additional 11,000 seats make the ballpark more attractive to concerts and possibly attract acts that would otherwise skip Omaha?

Does MECA pitch it often as a concert venue?

I talked to someone at MECA about it several years ago and they said most bands that do outdoor shows want 80,000 seat football stadiums. If they are only selling 18,000-20,000 seats, the would rather be indoors. They also said bands that play outdoors in stadiums usually charge more too.

And on that note, I'm sure the folks behind the Memorial expansion have figured that Memorial will be much more attractive for concerts after the renovation? So in terms of "Nebraska arenas that can host concerts", presumably Memorial will have that market cornered?

[Louie]

Also would the additional 11,000 seats make the ballpark more attractive to concerts and possibly attract acts that would otherwise skip Omaha?

Does MECA pitch it often as a concert venue?

I talked to someone at MECA about it several years ago and they said most bands that do outdoor shows want 80,000 seat football stadiums. If they are only selling 18,000-20,000 seats, the would rather be indoors. They also said bands that play outdoors in stadiums usually charge more too.

And on that note, I'm sure the folks behind the Memorial expansion have figured that Memorial will be much more attractive for concerts after the renovation? So in terms of "Nebraska arenas that can host concerts", presumably Memorial will have that market cornered?

I'm pretty sure that project was paused indefinitely.

[nebugeater]

Also would the additional 11,000 seats make the ballpark more attractive to concerts and possibly attract acts that would otherwise skip Omaha?

Does MECA pitch it often as a concert venue?

I talked to someone at MECA about it several years ago and they said most bands that do outdoor shows want 80,000 seat football stadiums. If they are only selling 18,000-20,000 seats, the would rather be indoors. They also said bands that play outdoors in stadiums usually charge more too.

And on that note, I'm sure the folks behind the Memorial expansion have figured that Memorial will be much more attractive for concerts after the renovation? So in terms of "Nebraska arenas that can host concerts", presumably Memorial will have that market cornered?

I'm pretty sure that project was paused indefinitely.

Paused. Yes
Seems to be back on track with a revised schedule and scope, and a higher budget. Not all approved yet by the Board or Regents but that will be a rubber stamp

[riceweb]

Memorial Stadium project will move forward, just a matter of time and getting the right vision/funding.

[Linkin5]

Memorial Stadium project will move forward, just a matter of time and getting the right vision/funding.

Yeah, just with a $750 million+ price tag this time.

[riceweb]

Memorial Stadium project will move forward, just a matter of time and getting the right vision/funding.

Yeah, just with a $750 million+ price tag this time.

Well, yeah. Texas A&M renovation+rebuild was almost $500m back in 2015. Significant work at Memorial could easily approach or eclipse $1b.

[mrsticka]

I wasn’t suggesting making Charles Schwab Field like a huge MLB stadium. I just merely suggested adding more seating.

[almighty_tuna]

I wasn’t suggesting making Charles Schwab Field like a huge MLB stadium. I just merely suggested adding more seating.

The Chuck is the biggest baseball stadium in the country not associated with an MLB team. The max capacity it was designed for with expansions was 35-36k IIRC, which would be larger in capacity than the Cleveland Guardians' stadium and only a couple thousand behind Kauffman. It already is a huge MLB stadium for most intents and purposes.

[CBJason]

I wasn’t suggesting making Charles Schwab Field like a huge MLB stadium. I just merely suggested adding more seating.

The Chuck is the biggest baseball stadium in the country not associated with an MLB team. The max capacity it was designed for with expansions was 35-36k IIRC, which would be larger in capacity than the Cleveland Guardians' stadium and only a couple thousand behind Kauffman. It already is a huge MLB stadium for most intents and purposes.

Correct! Plus, the Rays and A’s new stadiums are only supposed to be designed for 30-35k capacity. I think this will actually be the trend going forward as well, most small-mid market teams will probably have new stadiums designed for less than 40k capacity.

[mrsticka]

I wasn’t suggesting making Charles Schwab Field like a huge MLB stadium. I just merely suggested adding more seating.

The Chuck is the biggest baseball stadium in the country not associated with an MLB team. The max capacity it was designed for with expansions was 35-36k IIRC, which would be larger in capacity than the Cleveland Guardians' stadium and only a couple thousand behind Kauffman. It already is a huge MLB stadium for most intents and purposes.

But they have larger baseball diamonds.

[almighty_tuna]

But they have larger baseball diamonds.

Nope, The Chuck is comparable is pretty much every way. 90 feet between bases and the outfield wall is in line with other MLB stadiums or even larger in some instances; Dodger Stadium for example.

[mrsticka]

But they have larger baseball diamonds.

Nope, The Chuck is comparable is pretty much every way. 90 feet between bases and the outfield wall is in line with other MLB stadiums or even larger in some instances; Dodger Stadium for example.

Really? I'll check it out on Google Maps.

UPDATE: Okay, I looked at 3 MLB stadiums. Dodger Stadium in LA, Target Field in Minneapolis and T-Mobile Park in Seattle. I compared them to the diamond at Charles Schwab Field and the one at Dodger Stadium is slightly larger. But the other 2 are roughly the same size as the diamond at Charles Schwab.

[Brad]

Not baseball, but still stadium expansion related talk. I just learned Nashville is building a New Nissan Stadium for the Titans. Current stadium seats 69,000. The new stadium currently under construction is only going to seat 55-60K. So +/-10,000 fewer seats. However it will have about the same number of luxury suites and club seats.

[riceweb]

Yep, that's pretty typical. Which is why I've said any changes to Charles Schwab Field will only cater to corporate and luxury buyers.

[Busguy2010]

Not baseball, but still stadium expansion related talk. I just learned Nashville is building a New Nissan Stadium for the Titans. Current stadium seats 69,000. The new stadium currently under construction is only going to seat 55-60K. So +/-10,000 fewer seats. However it will have about the same number of luxury suites and club seats.

Its crazy how quick the turnover is for new NFL Stadiums. That one is only 26 years old and especially considering they're the smallest NFL fan base, and they suck, I'm a bit surprised they're building a new stadium there and not jumping to a new city.

[PWL73316]

Not baseball, but still stadium expansion related talk. I just learned Nashville is building a New Nissan Stadium for the Titans. Current stadium seats 69,000. The new stadium currently under construction is only going to seat 55-60K. So +/-10,000 fewer seats. However it will have about the same number of luxury suites and club seats.

Its crazy how quick the turnover is for new NFL Stadiums. That one is only 26 years old and especially considering they're the smallest NFL fan base, and they suck, I'm a bit surprised they're building a new stadium there and not jumping to a new city.

That's why the city is paying $1.25 billion for it, so the Titans stick around. Plus, Nashville is growing like crazy, it's not a bad city to be in.

Stadiums are a very expensive game to get into. Even Kansas City, KS and MO are all getting played by the Chiefs about a new stadium.