Gretna Goodlife District

[skinzfan23]

This is getting crazy. I really hope they focus on one thing and not get blinded by the NHL info. According to everyone on hear the buy in is crazy expensive for the NHL and I just don't see that happening. But the USA volleyball would be a nice addition in the hotbed of volleyball in the country.

[nebugeater]

I get a kick out of people posting on here all the time that someone needs to go after things, go out on a limb, and take a chance. Dream big. Shoot for the moon, etc.

Then, when someone does, they are crazy, stupid, and not based on reality and all that kind of stuff.

Yates didn't get things to work out at Crossroads, but Nebr Crossing has been more than most thought. He has other successes, too. Sure, not on the level of what is proposed.

Sit back and watch and enjoy. Even the world's best baseball hitter doesn't hit 0.400 Never know what might get pulled off. I am sure it will not be everything proposed, but there will be success.

This isn't a Manard proposal that is never more than an idea and a drawing ( sketch) or two.

[skinzfan23]

I 100% would love for this project to work out. I just think that some of us have been jilted by projects that haven't come to fruition (you mentioned Minard, but also the Wallstreet Tower, 30-story Marriott downtown, HDR downtown) That is why I am cautiously optimistic. I am a huge supporter of all-things that Omaha offers and can't wait to tell others, especially people that have never been here or a lot of my friends and family from Iowa that have no clue of all the things that Omaha offers.

Not to detract from this, but I still remember when my wife's best friends came from Cedar Rapids, IA about 4 years ago Backstreet Boys at CHI and we went out to eat in the Old Market and while we were parking at the 11th and Jackson garage, you could hear Blink 182 playing at Stir. They were amazed that we had so much going on at the same time. Granted Cedar Rapids isn't exactly a hotbed for tourists or touring concerts, but they were blown away by Omaha!

This year my mother-in-law if flying out of Eppley with us and I also remember about a year ago she dropped my wife and I off for a flight and couldn't believe how big our airport was (she has only flown out of Des Moines and CR recently) I can't wait to see her reaction in a few years once the Eppley expansion is complete.

[Dusty]

I get a kick out of people posting on here all the time that someone needs to go after things, go out on a limb, and take a chance. Dream big. Shoot for the moon, etc.

Then, when someone does, they are crazy, stupid, and not based on reality and all that kind of stuff.

Yates didn't get things to work out at Crossroads, but Nebr Crossing has been more than most thought. He has other successes, too. Sure, not on the level of what is proposed.

Sit back and watch and enjoy. Even the world's best baseball hitter doesn't hit 0.400 Never know what might get pulled off. I am sure it will not be everything proposed, but there will be success.

This isn't a Manard proposal that is never more than an idea and a drawing ( sketch) or two.

I learned a long time ago if you push bold ideas be prepared for naysayers to jump on your back and call your ideas stupid, outrageous, not practical, etc. If you want to be a gamechanger, you have to push past all that.

As the saying goes "It's better to aim high and fall short, then to aim low and succeed."

It seems every development ends up making cuts to the original renderings/concept. So it's better to aim higher knowing you will settle for something less. Set your standards too low and the community grumbles that you didn't even try.

As for Crossroads, they didn't understand their target market and continued to push the same thing they specialize in which is outlet malls. As I said before, this could have been a larger version of Culdesac Tempe. A mixed urban development that would have helped UNO with student housing.

I would be okay if Yates sold Crossroads as is so he can focus his energy on Nebraska Crossing.

[djc311]

I get a kick out of people posting on here all the time that someone needs to go after things, go out on a limb, and take a chance. Dream big. Shoot for the moon, etc.

Then, when someone does, they are crazy, stupid, and not based on reality and all that kind of stuff.

Yates didn't get things to work out at Crossroads, but Nebr Crossing has been more than most thought. He has other successes, too. Sure, not on the level of what is proposed.

Sit back and watch and enjoy. Even the world's best baseball hitter doesn't hit 0.400 Never know what might get pulled off. I am sure it will not be everything proposed, but there will be success.

This isn't a Manard proposal that is never more than an idea and a drawing ( sketch) or two.

Perhaps I'm one of those referenced here - however, I'm all for the growth and development and would love to see it happen. It's frustrating as a life-long Omahan to see other markets win something that I feel we should have whether it's a restaurant chain, retailer, car manufacturing facility, sports team or whatever it may be.

My interpretation of Crossroads not being developed in the manner Yates wanted it to is due to his inability to get enough govt/city handouts to make it work under his conditions. Right or wrong, I don't believe the city should probably have to foot the bill in excess to make retail happen, especially when they were talking something like $100+ million.

Without getting into a specific discussion of government issues I'm simply saying I think he washed his hands of that site because he couldn't get what he wanted.

IF something major such as an NHL team or even the Olympic volleyball project could happen I'd rather see it land somewhere that's not completely filled in already. I know there are several that believe midtown and downtown is where everything like this should land but I personally don't believe that should be the case. Why invest in what could literally a billion dollars in an area where everything needs to be torn apart in order to start over. Even with the street car, Old Market, Capitol District, etc parking downtown sucks. Why not put something like this where it's nearly a clean slate yet close enough to everyone that it's practical to visit.

I think having different venues spread across our city makes the entire area a better attraction.

NEX has turned into something completely different than I would have ever anticipated. Can he keep it going and land these other projects out there? Not sure. Bumps in the road come up, things happen out of people's control... totally to be expected. It's simply hard to say at this stage whether or not there's a reasonable chance of it becoming a reality.

[orangeboots]

trenton from Grow Omaha was on KFAB this morning. He was talking about this project. He mentioned Drew Brees was a partner in this development. He also said a Margaritaville Hotel was part of these plans. I feel a little confident now that they have Good Life funding.

[CBJason]

With everything the article is reporting, it stuck out to me that he is trying to make this a new Mall of America type destination. This is what I was envisioning when talking about the Bellevue waterpark on that thread being a better fit at NEX. He obviously has different ideas on how to achieve that than I would, but I love that there is someone pushing the envelope of what the Omaha/Lincoln area could be!

[nebugeater]

I get a kick out of people posting on here all the time that someone needs to go after things, go out on a limb, and take a chance. Dream big. Shoot for the moon, etc.

Then, when someone does, they are crazy, stupid, and not based on reality and all that kind of stuff.

Yates didn't get things to work out at Crossroads, but Nebr Crossing has been more than most thought. He has other successes, too. Sure, not on the level of what is proposed.

Sit back and watch and enjoy. Even the world's best baseball hitter doesn't hit 0.400 Never know what might get pulled off. I am sure it will not be everything proposed, but there will be success.

This isn't a Manard proposal that is never more than an idea and a drawing ( sketch) or two.

Perhaps I'm one of those referenced here - however, I'm all for the growth and development and would love to see it happen. It's frustrating as a life-long Omahan to see other markets win something that I feel we should have whether it's a restaurant chain, retailer, car manufacturing facility, sports team or whatever it may be.

My interpretation of Crossroads not being developed in the manner Yates wanted it to is due to his inability to get enough govt/city handouts to make it work under his conditions. Right or wrong, I don't believe the city should probably have to foot the bill in excess to make retail happen, especially when they were talking something like $100+ million.

Without getting into a specific discussion of government issues I'm simply saying I think he washed his hands of that site because he couldn't get what he wanted.

IF something major such as an NHL team or even the Olympic volleyball project could happen I'd rather see it land somewhere that's not completely filled in already. I know there are several that believe midtown and downtown is where everything like this should land but I personally don't believe that should be the case. Why invest in what could literally a billion dollars in an area where everything needs to be torn apart in order to start over. Even with the street car, Old Market, Capitol District, etc parking downtown sucks. Why not put something like this where it's nearly a clean slate yet close enough to everyone that it's practical to visit.

I think having different venues spread across our city makes the entire area a better attraction.

NEX has turned into something completely different than I would have ever anticipated. Can he keep it going and land these other projects out there? Not sure. Bumps in the road come up, things happen out of people's control... totally to be expected. It's simply hard to say at this stage whether or not there's a reasonable chance of it becoming a reality.

Want to be very clear. I was not referring to anyone in particular and not even to this thread alone—just an observation and comment on a general trend. I am guilty of falling into the critic group, too, at times.

[CBJason]

trenton from Grow Omaha was on KFAB this morning. He was talking about this project. He mentioned Drew Brees was a partner in this development. He also said a Margaritaville Hotel was part of these plans. I feel a little confident now that they have Good Life funding.

Drew Brees, the Margaritaville brand….holy @#$%!

[almighty_tuna]

Drew Brees, the Margaritaville brand….holy @#$%!

Unless Drew's involvement has significantly expanded, he is just an investor behind a chain of Walk Ons Sports Bistreaux sports bars that wants to open a location at NEX. This was announced back in March 2023 on Grow Omaha. I mean, yay Drew Brees, but in the end it's a sports bar.

[Garrett]

trenton from Grow Omaha was on KFAB this morning. He was talking about this project. He mentioned Drew Brees was a partner in this development. He also said a Margaritaville Hotel was part of these plans. I feel a little confident now that they have Good Life funding.

Interesting. I do see a Margaritaville going in KCK at the former Schlitterbahn site in a development called “Vacation Village”, their first in the Midwest.

[CBJason]

Drew Brees, the Margaritaville brand….holy @#$%!

Unless Drew's involvement has significantly expanded, he is just an investor behind a chain of Walk Ons Sports Bistreaux sports bars that wants to open a location at NEX. This was announced back in March 2023 on Grow Omaha. I mean, yay Drew Brees, but in the end it's a sports bar.

Yes, I know he's an investor in that chain...thanks though...

[stormchaser]

I can’t imagine there has been a crazier stretch of new development announcements here than the last couple of months?

Exciting times, that’s for sure.

[djc311]

Where's the damn LEGO store???

[Greg S]

I can’t imagine there has been a crazier stretch of new development announcements here than the last couple of months?

Exciting times, that’s for sure.

I was thinking the same thing! Can you imagine if interest rates finally come down.

[skinzfan23]

Where's the damn LEGO store???

Haha, and Giordano's?

But seriously, the string of announcements and things currently under construction is unbelievable for a city of our size. Doubt there is any other city our size with this much in the pipeline.

[Garrett]

I can’t imagine there has been a crazier stretch of new development announcements here than the last couple of months?

Exciting times, that’s for sure.

At this point all we're missing is a full blown theme park announcement and we're set.

[EastCB]

trenton from Grow Omaha was on KFAB this morning. He was talking about this project. He mentioned Drew Brees was a partner in this development. He also said a Margaritaville Hotel was part of these plans. I feel a little confident now that they have Good Life funding.

Interesting. I do see a Margaritaville going in KCK at the former Schlitterbahn site in a development called “Vacation Village”, their first in the Midwest.

I believe they have one already in the midwest at Osage Beach, Missouri on Lake of the Ozarks.

[stormchaser]

"Omaha doesn't make much sense" - https://thehockeywriters.com/bettman-hi ... ibilities/

Came across the above blog post referencing the possibility (or lack there of in this person's opinion anyway) of NHL in Omaha. Unfortunately it makes it painfully obvious they don't really understand the Omaha market IMO.

You'll see my reply in the comments .

[NEDodger]

"Omaha doesn't make much sense" - https://thehockeywriters.com/bettman-hi ... ibilities/

Came across the above blog post referencing the possibility (or lack there of in this person's opinion anyway) of NHL in Omaha. Unfortunately it makes it painfully obvious they don't really understand the Omaha market IMO.

You'll see my reply in the comments .

“Omaha only has 500,000 people.”

I guess pro sports will never fly in Minneapolis, then, with its 430,000 people.

[stormchaser]

"Omaha doesn't make much sense" - https://thehockeywriters.com/bettman-hi ... ibilities/

Came across the above blog post referencing the possibility (or lack there of in this person's opinion anyway) of NHL in Omaha. Unfortunately it makes it painfully obvious they don't really understand the Omaha market IMO.

You'll see my reply in the comments .

“Omaha only has 500,000 people.”

I guess pro sports will never fly in Minneapolis, then, with its 430,000 people.

Lol pretty much what I said in the comments too. Granted the Minneapolis metro has ~3.5 million people but if they're only going to count the city itself...

[Coyote]

Almost Set: USA Volleyball could potentially come to Gretna



In a hearing, Wednesday, on LB 1374, Nebraska Crossing owner Rod Yates told state lawmakers that he's in the final steps of an agreement that would bring USA Volleyball facilities from California to Gretna. Premier Nebraska Volleyball club member Sierra Pokharel eats, sleeps and breathes volleyball. Having a national organization in her backyard would mean everything to her.

[Coyote]

NU volleyball coach says Nebraska Crossing could be new home for Olympic volleyball training center



Backers of turning Nebraska Crossing into a major, regional destination for tourism, shopping and youth sports enlisted help Wednesday from a major state celebrity. But during a public hearing at the Nebraska Legislature on updating the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act,” several people said the bill was likely unconstitutional and needed work. First, the celebrity: John Cook, the University of Nebraska volleyball coach, told state senators they should capitalize on the volleyball momentum in Nebraska and lure USA Volleyball’s training center for its Olympic team to the state.

[Dusty]

USA Volleyball- Exciting
NHL Hockey- Long shot, but still exciting
Youth baseball/soccer fields- Meh

I would cut the push for more baseball/soccer fields. We have too many as it is. I would rather go after that elite sports like the volleyball idea. For example, Olympic swim center or training center for USA Track and Field.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I realize placing this in Gretna helps gain better access to the 350,000 people in the Lincoln area, but I feel like with USA Volleyball and NHL Hockey, Crossroads would be a better location to integrate the facilities into the urban fabric (Ignoring the fact that the CHI Health Center is already the right size for an NHL team). I thought Rod was looking for something to really make new Crossroads impressive. Here it is.

[nebugeater]

I realize placing this in Gretna helps gain better access to the 350,000 people in the Lincoln area, but I feel like with USA Volleyball and NHL Hockey, Crossroads would be a better location to integrate the facilities into the urban fabric (Ignoring the fact that the CHI Health Center is already the right size for an NHL team). I thought Rod was looking for something to really make new Crossroads impressive. Here it is.

Except He has nothing to do with Crossroads anymore and he is all in on NCVD

[Dusty]

Yes, I wish Lockwood would wash their hands with Crossroads and walk away. Another developer could easily use the street grid they laid and make it a spectacular site.

As for Nebraska Crossing, I just hope there is a cohesive plan for it all. I feel like we have heard so many wild ideas. I fear it will become a hodgepodge of things that don't go together.

[NEDodger]

I realize placing this in Gretna helps gain better access to the 350,000 people in the Lincoln area, but I feel like with USA Volleyball and NHL Hockey, Crossroads would be a better location to integrate the facilities into the urban fabric (Ignoring the fact that the CHI Health Center is already the right size for an NHL team). I thought Rod was looking for something to really make new Crossroads impressive. Here it is.

Not nearly enough room at Crossroads’ remaining space for a 10,000+ arena, and you’d need something with close interstate access for it.

[NEDodger]

USA Volleyball- Exciting
NHL Hockey- Long shot, but still exciting
Youth baseball/soccer fields- Meh

I would cut the push for more baseball/soccer fields. We have too many as it is. I would rather go after that elite sports like the volleyball idea. For example, Olympic swim center or training center for USA Track and Field.

+1

[Athomsfere]

Where's the damn LEGO store???

West Des Moines for some reason.

Drew Brees, the Margaritaville brand….holy @#$%!

Gretna can have that. Would anyone actually be excited for one of these?

I realize placing this in Gretna helps gain better access to the 350,000 people in the Lincoln area, but I feel like with USA Volleyball and NHL Hockey, Crossroads would be a better location to integrate the facilities into the urban fabric (Ignoring the fact that the CHI Health Center is already the right size for an NHL team). I thought Rod was looking for something to really make new Crossroads impressive. Here it is.

Absolutely. I'll keep saying it: It makes more sense to use a place with actual amenities and infrastructure over a corn field nestled between two cities. There is a reason KC and other cities are moving arenas INTO the city. Gretna / Omaha would be stupid to follow the old formula at this point.

[jomaha9]

Where's the damn LEGO store???

West Des Moines for some reason.

Drew Brees, the Margaritaville brand….holy @#$%!

Gretna can have that. Would anyone actually be excited for one of these?

I realize placing this in Gretna helps gain better access to the 350,000 people in the Lincoln area, but I feel like with USA Volleyball and NHL Hockey, Crossroads would be a better location to integrate the facilities into the urban fabric (Ignoring the fact that the CHI Health Center is already the right size for an NHL team). I thought Rod was looking for something to really make new Crossroads impressive. Here it is.

Absolutely. I'll keep saying it: It makes more sense to use a place with actual amenities and infrastructure over a corn field nestled between two cities. There is a reason KC and other cities are moving arenas INTO the city. Gretna / Omaha would be stupid to follow the old formula at this point.

Agreed. Even if the NHL were in play, my guess is there will not be an arena at NEX. Most likely, it would be offices and a training facility for an NHL franchise with the games played at CHI. Keep in mind that the practice facilities for a pro sports team are substantial developments by themselves.

[Athomsfere]

Agreed. Even if the NHL were in play, my guess is there will not be an arena at NEX. Most likely, it would be offices and a training facility for an NHL franchise with the games played at CHI. Keep in mind that the practice facilities for a pro sports team are substantial developments by themselves.

Now that would be great. Bring some money and development to Gretna. Maximize the odds of the NHL working out for the city by being somewhere more accessible. Give us a chance even at getting good transit instead to get there instead of just sprawl and giant parking lots.

[CBJason]

Agreed. Even if the NHL were in play, my guess is there will not be an arena at NEX. Most likely, it would be offices and a training facility for an NHL franchise with the games played at CHI. Keep in mind that the practice facilities for a pro sports team are substantial developments by themselves.

You’re correct and I also think this would be the best outcome. However, if what others have been saying is true, that NHL owners need their own arena for financial reasons especially in smaller markets, then I don’t see them at CHI and instead would be out here. Plus didn’t the reporting say this would all be $3.2B worth of development? I have to believe that would be because of a new arena.

[jomaha9]

Agreed. Even if the NHL were in play, my guess is there will not be an arena at NEX. Most likely, it would be offices and a training facility for an NHL franchise with the games played at CHI. Keep in mind that the practice facilities for a pro sports team are substantial developments by themselves.

You’re correct and I also think this would be the best outcome. However, if what others have been saying is true, that NHL owners need their own arena for financial reasons especially in smaller markets, then I don’t see them at CHI and instead would be out here. Plus didn’t the reporting say this would all be $3.2B worth of development? I have to believe that would be because of a new arena.

These are all valid points. In larger cities, NHL teams often have their own arena because of scheduling conflicts with NBA, WNBA, concerts, and other events. The only tenants that would have to work with an NHL team at CHI are Creighton and the Supernovas. The NHL season is a bit longer than college basketball and I wonder how much of a scheduling conflict there would be. There is likely also a financial analysis that is being done to calculate if it makes sense to build an arena or forgo some income to use an existing facility.

[Louie]

Odds are, any new arena for an NHL team would be heavily subsidized by taxpayers. I'm not a fan of that.

[skinzfan23]

Odds are, any new arena for an NHL team would be heavily subsidized by taxpayers. I'm not a fan of that.

Yeah me either...they way I see it, they use CHI and schedule around other events, or its a no go. We don't need another 18,000 seat arena.

If I read correctly on the grow Omaha newsletter, it stated that USA volleyball requires at least a 10,000 seat arena. Wonder if that would still happen, or they could also use current facilities in the metro.

[NEDodger]

Odds are, any new arena for an NHL team would be heavily subsidized by taxpayers. I'm not a fan of that.

Yeah me either...they way I see it, they use CHI and schedule around other events, or its a no go. We don't need another 18,000 seat arena.

If I read correctly on the grow Omaha newsletter, it stated that USA volleyball requires at least a 10,000 seat arena. Wonder if that would still happen, or they could also use current facilities in the metro.

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.


You don’t “tell the NHL to work around” college basketball and women’s volleyball. It’s the other way around. If you want to cram NHL into the CHI Center, bye bye Supernovas.

[almighty_tuna]

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.

[skinzfan23]

That is the way I read it too, but if thats the case...I don't think it will get the support it needs. No way tax payers are going to fund this.

[nebport5]

Where's the damn LEGO store???

West Des Moines for some reason.

Maybe we could settle for an "Ikego"(Ikea+Lego) Build the Ikea out of Legos and it'll have a a grater structural integrity than any of the furniture.

I realize placing this in Gretna helps gain better access to the 350,000 people in the Lincoln area, but I feel like with USA Volleyball and NHL Hockey, Crossroads would be a better location to integrate the facilities into the urban fabric (Ignoring the fact that the CHI Health Center is already the right size for an NHL team). I thought Rod was looking for something to really make new Crossroads impressive. Here it is.

Absolutely. I'll keep saying it: It makes more sense to use a place with actual amenities and infrastructure over a corn field nestled between two cities. There is a reason KC and other cities are moving arenas INTO the city. Gretna / Omaha would be stupid to follow the old formula at this point.

I agree here too. Omaha and Lincoln have been growing toward each other for many years and I can understand the rationale for greater development to help combine the two metros into one market(whatever the TV people think aside). However, in the unlikely event an NHL franchise becomes a reality, I don't buy Gretna as the ideal magical middle point because it would be too far for Linconites to drive. You can get to Lincoln from Gretna in 20 minutes. 40ish minutes driving to urban Omaha is a deal breaker for a Lincoln Hockey Fan? How many Omaha Husker fans skip Nebraska games because it's just too far?! I imagine NHL in the market would even draw from Des Moines.

NeX can expand and be a shopping mecca, etc but I don't think a hockey arena is critical to their success. If it were a difference in happening or not we'd take an NHL arena about anywhere in the metro. In a more perfect world sell off Lot B for the arena, build a large mixed use parking garage on south side of Lot D, and along the Abbott side a restaurant/retail pavilion that bridges with the soccer stadium.


Plan B?

Civic Square if it fails again to materialize.