Mid-America Center

[Greg S]

I just wonder what the plans are for the MAC going forward? It just isn't needed or relevant anymore.

Not sure if they could repurpose/renovate it into a youth sports facility like they did with Kemper in KC?

Greg

[skinzfan23]

Do they hold any major events there anymore?

I know that they do use it for high school graduations and for the CB school district meetings occasionally.

On second thought, I just looked it up. They have arenacross scheduled for Jan, Shrine circus for Feb and rodeo for March.

[Brad]

I thought when Ceasers took over they were going to book shows there? Seems like Pre-Covid I made it to at least one event there every year.

Overall its a good complex. Good access and parking. Nice conventions spaces/meeting areas, etc. The overall flow of the concourse outside the arena is nice. The arena capacity itself is a good size too. The one thing they did wrong in my opinion was locating the club level and suites way up at the top. The should have been in a prime area, closer to the action. These feel like an after thought. If they ever landed a main tenant, I think they could easily remodel, lower the bowl capacity and put in suites on the main level.

[jag42]

For awhile I thought this would be a good spot if the Omaha area ever had a shot at another AHL hockey team

[Greg S]

For awhile I this would be a good spot if the Omaha area ever had a shot at another AHL hockey team

I would love for Omaha to get another shot at an AHL team. The Knights were just getting their footing when the crew from the Quad Cities came up with the offer to buy them.

Greg

[Coyote]

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience Coming to Council Bluffs
June 23 - August 14, 2022

This summer, the stunning Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is coming to the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. “An imaginative and fully-immersive adventure, Beyond Van Gogh takes on the challenge of breathing new life into Van Gogh’s vast body of work. Through the use of cutting-edge 3D projection technology and music to illuminate all of his genius, guests can experience the artist with all their senses,” says Mathieu St-Arnaud, Normal Studio.

[Coyote]

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience - Omaha, NE



Gregory Hagglund

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
OPENS: June 23, 2022
MID-AMERICA CENTER

[Coyote]

Immersive 'Beyond Van Gogh' art exhibit now open

“Beyond Van Gogh,” the traveling, immersive art experience, opens today at the Mid-America Center. The exhibit features more than 300 of the Dutch master’s paintings -- brought to colorful, swirling life through high resolution digital projections -- in a multimedia narrative of the painter’s life.

Adult ticket prices (ages 16 and up) start at $39.99 per person, and tickets for children ages 5-15 starts at $23.99. Children ages 4 and younger can enter for free when accompanied by an adult with a ticket. Tickets are available for purchase only at vangoghomaha.com. Tickets are not being sold onsite. The exhibit will be open through Aug. 14.

[ricko]

This show just left the DC area. Didn’t go, but a friend of mine and fellow art nerd said it was amazing.

[Coyote]

[Coyote]

Anime NebrasKon 2022
Mid-America Center
Fri, Oct 21 - 23
Noon to 2am Friday, 9am to 2am Saturday, 9am to 5pm Sunday



Anime NebrasKon is a Japanese Animation and pop culture convention that is held in Omaha Metro Area.

What is it about Anime NebrasKon that sets us apart? All of us here are dedicated to making our convention the most accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable event in the country. We are passionate about getting the details right, but even more than that we are obsessed with making sure all of our attendees have fun. We make a point of collecting feedback, of listening to your suggestions. We love making you all happy, and this year will be no different. Come join us for another great weekend of fun and friends October 21st- October 23rd, 2022. We can't wait to see you!

[jag42]

Looks like The MAC has a big announcement on Tuesday 2-17-2026. Personally I'd like to see it being about an AHL franchise moving there but pretty sure that won't be it.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/187DvU5hfH/

[Brad]

I thought when Ceasers took over, they were going to get a bunch of shows there, but that never really materialized.

I think the suites and club lounge would all need to be completely re-configured /relocated before a permanent sports franchise moved in. Never seen an arena where the worst seats in the building were the club seats and suites.

[Louie]

I thought when Ceasers took over, they were going to get a bunch of shows there, but that never really materialized.

I think the suites and club lounge would all need to be completely re-configured /relocated before a permanent sports franchise moved in. Never seen an arena where the worst seats in the building were the club seats and suites.

Whats bad about them? I havent been in the facility in years.

[WiinterU]

As long as they can get an AFL team that stays for at least a month, that will break the previous record held by the Iowa Rampage.

[Brad]

I thought when Ceasers took over, they were going to get a bunch of shows there, but that never really materialized.

I think the suites and club lounge would all need to be completely re-configured /relocated before a permanent sports franchise moved in. Never seen an arena where the worst seats in the building were the club seats and suites.

Whats bad about them? I havent been in the facility in years.

Its been a really long time since I have been there too, but all I remember is that they are up in the rafters. They seem oddly detached from the rest of the arena. After the first season or two, I don't remember seeing many people using them.

[nebugeater]

Of all the arenas in the area, this is the one I have never been inside. Not avoiding it at all, but probably says something about what they host

[BIGO88]

The owner of Big Kels and Wings who is also running in these elections has been saying that the city of council bluffs is waiting until after the elections to announce this but says there is going to be a new $200 million development here knocking down the Mid America Center and replacing it with a new Ampitheater.

[Linkin5]

The owner of Big Kels and Wings who is also running in these elections has been saying that the city of council bluffs is waiting until after the elections to announce this but says there is going to be a new $200 million development here knocking down the Mid America Center and replacing it with a new Ampitheater.

I mean it makes sense due to this arena never really working out but good lord what a waste of money for a fairly new facility.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

[nebport5]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

[omaha79]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

[Louie]

Didn't realize how many people hate Stir Cove, I actually like it as a venue...

[nebugeater]

So, is this teardown more than an unsubstantiated rumor at this point?

[Greg S]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

Stir Cove is fine for the right draws. Omaha needs an additional amphitheater in the 18-20k range for the bigger draws/shows.

It's crazy that we don't already have one. Markets like KC and Minneapolis have more than one in that range. Every summer I end up having to travel to places in the Midwest because we don't have a bigger amphitheater.

[thenewguy]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

Stir Cove is fine for the right draws. Omaha needs an additional amphitheater in the 18-20k range for the bigger draws/shows.

It's crazy that we don't already have one. Markets like KC and Minneapolis have more than one in that range. Every summer I end up having to travel to places in the Midwest because we don't have a bigger amphitheater.

I mean, according to a quick google search, westfair amphitheater is 9k-12k. In relative terms, it seems like it wouldn't be difficult to expand into the 15k range

[omaha79]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

Stir Cove is fine for the right draws. Omaha needs an additional amphitheater in the 18-20k range for the bigger draws/shows.

It's crazy that we don't already have one. Markets like KC and Minneapolis have more than one in that range. Every summer I end up having to travel to places in the Midwest because we don't have a bigger amphitheater.

I mean, according to a quick google search, westfair amphitheater is 9k-12k. In relative terms, it seems like it wouldn't be difficult to expand into the 15k range

9k-12k isn't 18-20k. And, it would take a ton of infrastructure investment to nearly double the size of that facility including access roads. It's just not economically viable.

Even in its heyday, no one wanted to drive all the way out to Westfair. You'd need it to be closer to a bulk of Omaha. It's 14 miles from downtown. meaning, it's a good 30 miles from the bulk of West, Southwest, Northwest Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna. the Westies won't drive to downtown Omaha because it's too far. Now, try tacking another 14 miles onto that. Westfair may as well be in Des Moines for anyone in the 100+ block of Omaha and surrounding outposts.

And, I stand on my statement that Stir is hot garbage. Can't stand that place.

[nebport5]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

Stir Cove is fine for the right draws. Omaha needs an additional amphitheater in the 18-20k range for the bigger draws/shows.

It's crazy that we don't already have one. Markets like KC and Minneapolis have more than one in that range. Every summer I end up having to travel to places in the Midwest because we don't have a bigger amphitheater.

I mean, according to a quick google search, westfair amphitheater is 9k-12k. In relative terms, it seems like it wouldn't be difficult to expand into the 15k range

9k-12k isn't 18-20k. And, it would take a ton of infrastructure investment to nearly double the size of that facility including access roads. It's just not economically viable.

Even in its heyday, no one wanted to drive all the way out to Westfair. You'd need it to be closer to a bulk of Omaha. It's 14 miles from downtown. meaning, it's a good 30 miles from the bulk of West, Southwest, Northwest Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna. the Westies won't drive to downtown Omaha because it's too far. Now, try tacking another 14 miles onto that. Westfair may as well be in Des Moines for anyone in the 100+ block of Omaha and surrounding outposts.

And, I stand on my statement that Stir is hot garbage. Can't stand that place.

As unexciting as most parts of Council Bluffs are, you have a point. That extra $20 in gas to get to Westfair has to make one question how much they want to see said artist. Even as a downtown resident I can't that jazzed for going to an amphitheater situation between casinos and toxic industrial land but at least the uber/lyft ride would be more reasonable than a random outpost off of I-80 an 1/8 of the way to Des Moines.

[nebugeater]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

Stir Cove is fine for the right draws. Omaha needs an additional amphitheater in the 18-20k range for the bigger draws/shows.

It's crazy that we don't already have one. Markets like KC and Minneapolis have more than one in that range. Every summer I end up having to travel to places in the Midwest because we don't have a bigger amphitheater.

I mean, according to a quick google search, westfair amphitheater is 9k-12k. In relative terms, it seems like it wouldn't be difficult to expand into the 15k range

9k-12k isn't 18-20k. And, it would take a ton of infrastructure investment to nearly double the size of that facility including access roads. It's just not economically viable.

Even in its heyday, no one wanted to drive all the way out to Westfair. You'd need it to be closer to a bulk of Omaha. It's 14 miles from downtown. meaning, it's a good 30 miles from the bulk of West, Southwest, Northwest Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna. the Westies won't drive to downtown Omaha because it's too far. Now, try tacking another 14 miles onto that. Westfair may as well be in Des Moines for anyone in the 100+ block of Omaha and surrounding outposts.

And, I stand on my statement that Stir is hot garbage. Can't stand that place.

As unexciting as most parts of Council Bluffs are, you have a point. That extra $20 in gas to get to Westfair has to make one question how much they want to see said artist. Even as a downtown resident I can't that jazzed for going to an amphitheater situation between casinos and toxic industrial land but at least the uber/lyft ride would be more reasonable than a random outpost off of I-80 an 1/8 of the way to Des Moines.

I get the point, but what the heck are you driving that it takes $20 of gas to drive 30 - 60 miles? Even @ 5.00 that would be way overstated

[nebport5]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

Stir Cove is fine for the right draws. Omaha needs an additional amphitheater in the 18-20k range for the bigger draws/shows.

It's crazy that we don't already have one. Markets like KC and Minneapolis have more than one in that range. Every summer I end up having to travel to places in the Midwest because we don't have a bigger amphitheater.

I mean, according to a quick google search, westfair amphitheater is 9k-12k. In relative terms, it seems like it wouldn't be difficult to expand into the 15k range

9k-12k isn't 18-20k. And, it would take a ton of infrastructure investment to nearly double the size of that facility including access roads. It's just not economically viable.

Even in its heyday, no one wanted to drive all the way out to Westfair. You'd need it to be closer to a bulk of Omaha. It's 14 miles from downtown. meaning, it's a good 30 miles from the bulk of West, Southwest, Northwest Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna. the Westies won't drive to downtown Omaha because it's too far. Now, try tacking another 14 miles onto that. Westfair may as well be in Des Moines for anyone in the 100+ block of Omaha and surrounding outposts.

And, I stand on my statement that Stir is hot garbage. Can't stand that place.

As unexciting as most parts of Council Bluffs are, you have a point. That extra $20 in gas to get to Westfair has to make one question how much they want to see said artist. Even as a downtown resident I can't that jazzed for going to an amphitheater situation between casinos and toxic industrial land but at least the uber/lyft ride would be more reasonable than a random outpost off of I-80 an 1/8 of the way to Des Moines.

I get the point, but what the heck are you driving that it takes $20 of gas to drive 30 - 60 miles? Even @ 5.00 that would be way overstated

Perhaps a bit(depending upon current gas prices), but my late model suv driving from downtown to West O and back easily sucks up about a quarter tank. Granted I'm usually making multiple stops vs what a simple down and back to a concert would be.

[thenewguy]

to be fair, i was using the upper limit of westfair @ 12k and rounding to 15k, which puts it roughly the same size as morton amphitheater in kansas city. I would argue there wouldn't need to be much more infrastructure in the sense that there is a lot of open area to expand seating, and adding restrooms and alcohol services is a drop in the bucket compared to the land work it would take to build a brand-new amphitheater out west so that people out west can have easier convenience.

It's all pie in the sky anyway, because neither scenario is going to happen.

[Greg S]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

Stir Cove is fine for the right draws. Omaha needs an additional amphitheater in the 18-20k range for the bigger draws/shows.

It's crazy that we don't already have one. Markets like KC and Minneapolis have more than one in that range. Every summer I end up having to travel to places in the Midwest because we don't have a bigger amphitheater.

I mean, according to a quick google search, westfair amphitheater is 9k-12k. In relative terms, it seems like it wouldn't be difficult to expand into the 15k range

9k-12k isn't 18-20k. And, it would take a ton of infrastructure investment to nearly double the size of that facility including access roads. It's just not economically viable.

Even in its heyday, no one wanted to drive all the way out to Westfair. You'd need it to be closer to a bulk of Omaha. It's 14 miles from downtown. meaning, it's a good 30 miles from the bulk of West, Southwest, Northwest Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna. the Westies won't drive to downtown Omaha because it's too far. Now, try tacking another 14 miles onto that. Westfair may as well be in Des Moines for anyone in the 100+ block of Omaha and surrounding outposts.

And, I stand on my statement that Stir is hot garbage. Can't stand that place.

I got to ask, what's the issue with Stir?

We went there this summer for the first time in years I thought it had never been better. Tons of close free parking, we brought chairs and did the lawn seating (say about 3/4 of the way back behind the side walk the splits it). Sound was good both up close and in the back, decent food options that didn't seem as crazy in price as other venues, and plenty of beverage stands so we never had to wait more than a minute or so. We were there with a group for the Howard Jones/Wang Chun/English Bear/Modern English show. It wasn't sold out but was full.

Don't get me wrong, I think Omaha is in need of a bigger venue but Stir still serves a need and I would not hesitate to go back.

[nebport5]

to be fair, i was using the upper limit of westfair @ 12k and rounding to 15k, which puts it roughly the same size as morton amphitheater in kansas city. I would argue there wouldn't need to be much more infrastructure in the sense that there is a lot of open area to expand seating, and adding restrooms and alcohol services is a drop in the bucket compared to the land work it would take to build a brand-new amphitheater out west so that people out west can have easier convenience.

It's all pie in the sky anyway, because neither scenario is going to happen.

I think there's a real chance that the Gretna amphitheater happens as part of The Good Life District. And assuming they do it right and they're not just competing with CHI for Top 40 country artists I'd make that drive. Of course, I'd rather take a train, but that's another topic.

[nebport5]

9k-12k isn't 18-20k. And, it would take a ton of infrastructure investment to nearly double the size of that facility including access roads. It's just not economically viable.

Even in its heyday, no one wanted to drive all the way out to Westfair. You'd need it to be closer to a bulk of Omaha. It's 14 miles from downtown. meaning, it's a good 30 miles from the bulk of West, Southwest, Northwest Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna. the Westies won't drive to downtown Omaha because it's too far. Now, try tacking another 14 miles onto that. Westfair may as well be in Des Moines for anyone in the 100+ block of Omaha and surrounding outposts.

And, I stand on my statement that Stir is hot garbage. Can't stand that place.

I got to ask, what's the issue with Stir?

We went there this summer for the first time in years I thought it had never been better. Tons of close free parking, we brought chairs and did the lawn seating (say about 3/4 of the way back behind the side walk the splits it). Sound was good both up close and in the back, decent food options that didn't seem as crazy in price as other venues, and plenty of beverage stands so we never had to wait more than a minute or so. We were there with a group for the Howard Jones/Wang Chun/English Bear/Modern English show. It wasn't sold out but was full.

Don't get me wrong, I think Omaha is in need of a bigger venue but Stir still serves a need and I would not hesitate to go back.

TBF, I haven't been to Stir in years. They do well booking current touring bands and legacy acts that people want to see. My issue with the ground is that it's not a proper amphitheater and instead just a grassy mud bowl that forces everyone together via gravity. If there's any silver lining from covid, hopefully people appreciate social distancing a bit more. It's one thing to be in a mosh pit, it's another to feel like a sardine near the rear of a venue with graduated topography.

My other main issue with Stir pertain to being a downtown resident that has to endure the awful sound that reverberates off the hotel.

[omaha79]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

Stir Cove is fine for the right draws. Omaha needs an additional amphitheater in the 18-20k range for the bigger draws/shows.

It's crazy that we don't already have one. Markets like KC and Minneapolis have more than one in that range. Every summer I end up having to travel to places in the Midwest because we don't have a bigger amphitheater.

I mean, according to a quick google search, westfair amphitheater is 9k-12k. In relative terms, it seems like it wouldn't be difficult to expand into the 15k range

9k-12k isn't 18-20k. And, it would take a ton of infrastructure investment to nearly double the size of that facility including access roads. It's just not economically viable.

Even in its heyday, no one wanted to drive all the way out to Westfair. You'd need it to be closer to a bulk of Omaha. It's 14 miles from downtown. meaning, it's a good 30 miles from the bulk of West, Southwest, Northwest Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna. the Westies won't drive to downtown Omaha because it's too far. Now, try tacking another 14 miles onto that. Westfair may as well be in Des Moines for anyone in the 100+ block of Omaha and surrounding outposts.

And, I stand on my statement that Stir is hot garbage. Can't stand that place.

I got to ask, what's the issue with Stir?

We went there this summer for the first time in years I thought it had never been better. Tons of close free parking, we brought chairs and did the lawn seating (say about 3/4 of the way back behind the side walk the splits it). Sound was good both up close and in the back, decent food options that didn't seem as crazy in price as other venues, and plenty of beverage stands so we never had to wait more than a minute or so. We were there with a group for the Howard Jones/Wang Chun/English Bear/Modern English show. It wasn't sold out but was full.

Don't get me wrong, I think Omaha is in need of a bigger venue but Stir still serves a need and I would not hesitate to go back.

It was summed up perfectly with the prior post. Just my opinion, but it's hard to find a good place to be. It's always overly full, too steep at the top, and muddy. Compared to other tiered amphitheaters I've been to, there is very little option for actual seating. It's just not even an amphitheater as I define it. It's just an outdoor venue, really.

It leaves very little room to stretch out, roam around, and get a break from the music without being in an equally loud and jarring casino, but you can't move as you're always guarding your spot.. There is little room for interesting food/beverage options.

I'd also echo the sound vibrating off of the facade of the hotel and class windows. The proximity to the river makes it a mosquito festival during summer nights. And, the whole vibe of the casino makes me feel like I'm transported back to the late 90's, but not in a good way. Admittedly, I've never been a casino guy though.

I'd take Astro any day over Stir. I believe Astro is bigger anyway, but neither are vying for those top end shows. Stir seems to have a better track record of booking than Astro though and that may be due to proximity to downtown, longevity, and casino tie ins. But, I'd certainly rather be at Astro for how it's set up vs. being crammed into Stir and wishing I hadn't gone in the first place.

[Greg S]

Solid idea, but would they be competing with Stir Cove?

Regardless, hopefully a plan is involved that creates more vibrancy around that area. I'm pretty sure the adjacent retail space has some spots that have never had an occupant in the 24 years the buildings have existed.

I hope they take all of Stir's business. Stir is a crappy mud bowl of a venue with obnoxious lights and unpleasant reverberated sound that assaults the residents of urban Omaha.

Stir Cove is absolute hot garbage.

If the metro is going to do an amphitheater, they need to go big like some of the bigger cities have. The type that will bring in the huge summer shows Omaha is missing. That's the one and only main gap in the metros concert portpholio.

But yeah, what a waste the MAC ended up being. In the last 20 years, I think I've maybe been to one Trans Siberian show, a few O Comic Cons, and that's about it.

Stir Cove is fine for the right draws. Omaha needs an additional amphitheater in the 18-20k range for the bigger draws/shows.

It's crazy that we don't already have one. Markets like KC and Minneapolis have more than one in that range. Every summer I end up having to travel to places in the Midwest because we don't have a bigger amphitheater.

I mean, according to a quick google search, westfair amphitheater is 9k-12k. In relative terms, it seems like it wouldn't be difficult to expand into the 15k range

9k-12k isn't 18-20k. And, it would take a ton of infrastructure investment to nearly double the size of that facility including access roads. It's just not economically viable.

Even in its heyday, no one wanted to drive all the way out to Westfair. You'd need it to be closer to a bulk of Omaha. It's 14 miles from downtown. meaning, it's a good 30 miles from the bulk of West, Southwest, Northwest Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna. the Westies won't drive to downtown Omaha because it's too far. Now, try tacking another 14 miles onto that. Westfair may as well be in Des Moines for anyone in the 100+ block of Omaha and surrounding outposts.

And, I stand on my statement that Stir is hot garbage. Can't stand that place.

I got to ask, what's the issue with Stir?

We went there this summer for the first time in years I thought it had never been better. Tons of close free parking, we brought chairs and did the lawn seating (say about 3/4 of the way back behind the side walk the splits it). Sound was good both up close and in the back, decent food options that didn't seem as crazy in price as other venues, and plenty of beverage stands so we never had to wait more than a minute or so. We were there with a group for the Howard Jones/Wang Chun/English Bear/Modern English show. It wasn't sold out but was full.

Don't get me wrong, I think Omaha is in need of a bigger venue but Stir still serves a need and I would not hesitate to go back.

It was summed up perfectly with the prior post. Just my opinion, but it's hard to find a good place to be. It's always overly full, too steep at the top, and muddy. Compared to other tiered amphitheaters I've been to, there is very little option for actual seating. It's just not even an amphitheater as I define it. It's just an outdoor venue, really.

It leaves very little room to stretch out, roam around, and get a break from the music without being in an equally loud and jarring casino, but you can't move as you're always guarding your spot.. There is little room for interesting food/beverage options.

I'd also echo the sound vibrating off of the facade of the hotel and class windows. The proximity to the river makes it a mosquito festival during summer nights. And, the whole vibe of the casino makes me feel like I'm transported back to the late 90's, but not in a good way. Admittedly, I've never been a casino guy though.

I'd take Astro any day over Stir. I believe Astro is bigger anyway, but neither are vying for those top end shows. Stir seems to have a better track record of booking than Astro though and that may be due to proximity to downtown, longevity, and casino tie ins. But, I'd certainly rather be at Astro for how it's set up vs. being crammed into Stir and wishing I hadn't gone in the first place.

I actually felt more claustrophobic at Astro. The way they have set places for chairs. The show I was full. Had long lines for concessions and such. They ended up having to cut the show short because of their 10 o'clock curfew.