Downtown Soccer Stadium (11th & Millwork Ave)

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 5:34 pm

If you look at "Storm Chaser" attendance, the attendance in Sarpy County has been consistently well-below the attendance the Royals had at Rosenblatt. (Averaging about 300k total in the post-COVID era, compared to 350k-400k in the final years in south Omaha.) The location selected is simply so far away from everything else in the metro area, and all of the development that the county expected to emerge around it never did. (I live in northwest Omaha, and it's generally faster to go downtown than out to 370.) We're now in the back half of the contract, and you can expect that in the next five to seven years, we'll be hearing about the franchise's desire to move back to Omaha (or maybe Bellevue) to be more centrally located.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 6:18 pm

HskrFanMike wrote: Sun Apr 28, 2024 5:34 pm If you look at "Storm Chaser" attendance, the attendance in Sarpy County has been consistently well-below the attendance the Royals had at Rosenblatt. (Averaging about 300k total in the post-COVID era, compared to 350k-400k in the final years in south Omaha.) The location selected is simply so far away from everything else in the metro area, and all of the development that the county expected to emerge around it never did. (I live in northwest Omaha, and it's generally faster to go downtown than out to 370.) We're now in the back half of the contract, and you can expect that in the next five to seven years, we'll be hearing about the franchise's desire to move back to Omaha (or maybe Bellevue) to be more centrally located.

Interesting! I remember hearing about how great Werner was for the royals as a smaller, “family friendly” venue. When does their contract out there expire?

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 6:49 pm

Don’t know if this should have its own thread, but do you really think that they would abandon all the facilities that they have built up for Werner Park? I could possibly see them wanting to move but can’t imagine them leaving all the investment they have on 370.

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 11:23 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Sun Apr 28, 2024 6:49 pm Don’t know if this should have its own thread, but do you really think that they would abandon all the facilities that they have built up for Werner Park? I could possibly see them wanting to move but can’t imagine them leaving all the investment they have on 370.

What investment? The county owns the ballpark, and the lease runs through 2035. (25 years)

OmahaRedWing · Post by **OmahaRedWing** » Mon Apr 29, 2024 9:04 am

HskrFanMike wrote: Sun Apr 28, 2024 5:34 pm If you look at "Storm Chaser" attendance, the attendance in Sarpy County has been consistently well-below the attendance the Royals had at Rosenblatt. (Averaging about 300k total in the post-COVID era, compared to 350k-400k in the final years in south Omaha.) The location selected is simply so far away from everything else in the metro area, and all of the development that the county expected to emerge around it never did. (I live in northwest Omaha, and it's generally faster to go downtown than out to 370.) We're now in the back half of the contract, and you can expect that in the next five to seven years, we'll be hearing about the franchise's desire to move back to Omaha (or maybe Bellevue) to be more centrally located.

In the first 38 years of the Royals at Rosenblatt (through the 2006 season), the O Royals (and for a brief time known as the Golden Spikes) 4,156. It did go up in the final years of Rosenblatt as nostalgia set in. You also need to remember that the average attendance got inflated a bit by the annual World Herald fireworks night which drew close to 25,000. This market seems to consistently draw in that 4k plus range.

I don't see them moving out of their current location. With all the development and growth in that area, it's more attractive now than when the park was built. They also seem to have a great relationship with Sarpy County (even the county tourism office has now joined them in Werner Park).

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Mon Apr 29, 2024 3:42 pm

OmahaRedWing wrote: Mon Apr 29, 2024 9:04 am
HskrFanMike wrote: Sun Apr 28, 2024 5:34 pm If you look at "Storm Chaser" attendance, the attendance in Sarpy County has been consistently well-below the attendance the Royals had at Rosenblatt. (Averaging about 300k total in the post-COVID era, compared to 350k-400k in the final years in south Omaha.) The location selected is simply so far away from everything else in the metro area, and all of the development that the county expected to emerge around it never did. (I live in northwest Omaha, and it's generally faster to go downtown than out to 370.) We're now in the back half of the contract, and you can expect that in the next five to seven years, we'll be hearing about the franchise's desire to move back to Omaha (or maybe Bellevue) to be more centrally located.
In the first 38 years of the Royals at Rosenblatt (through the 2006 season), the O Royals (and for a brief time known as the Golden Spikes) 4,156. It did go up in the final years of Rosenblatt as nostalgia set in. You also need to remember that the average attendance got inflated a bit by the annual World Herald fireworks night which drew close to 25,000. This market seems to consistently draw in that 4k plus range.

I don't see them moving out of their current location. With all the development and growth in that area, it's more attractive now than when the park was built. They also seem to have a great relationship with Sarpy County (even the county tourism office has now joined them in Werner Park).

In the Bill Gorman era, there were tons of ticket giveaways, Buy one/get one promotions at local grocery stores and banks, along with the inflated attendance of 1-2 big fireworks games a year. They do not do the level of ticket discounts that the Royals had at Rosenblatt, and certainly not during the Gorman era.

The ticket prices are also much higher now at Werner vs. Rosenblatt as inflation has set in. So, even adjusted for inflation, I'd all but guarantee they are making more money on tickets than they ever did during the Rosenblatt era. Combine that with more opportunities for food/drink options, more ability to hose groups who do all you can eat/drink events at the ballpark, they are certainly generating more revenue out West than they ever were in South Omaha.

But yes, I could certainly see in the next 5-7 years them pushing for either huge renovations to Werner or a new facility altogether. Same time, I don't see them getting it. Omaha is unlikely to build another ballpark, and certainly downtown. The Storm Chasers and their ownership group won't work with MECA. There were too many burned bridges and grudges still being held from back in 2009. Many prominent people on both sides are still involved in both organizations like Roger Dixon, Martie Cordaro, etc. This is further evidenced by the fact that the Union stadium will be build basically in the heart of MECA controlled north downtown and MECA won't be involved.

If Omaha wanted to poach the Storm Chasers, they'd probably be looking at building another ballpark out West, and that just shifts the problem. An Elkhorn ballpark or anywhere in NW Omaha isn't really that much more attractive. You still would have the same people east of 90th refusing to go and the people on the South end of the metro would be the ones no longer going vs. those on the North.

No other municipality in Sarpy would play ball if they are leaving Werner. Who has the money to build something better than Werner now? Bellevue? They'd maybe kick the tires and talk big, but it wouldn't come through. And, Bellevue isn't a great family growth zone like Papilion/Gretna. They might threaten to leave Omaha entirely to get Werner renovations, but that might be about it.

Keep in mind, what did Werner cost? I think the sum of around $30 million comes to mind in 2009-2010 dollars. That same stadium, that some still deride as being built "on the cheap" would easily probably be $75 million now.

CBJason · Post by **CBJason** » Mon Apr 29, 2024 4:28 pm

omaha79 wrote: Mon Apr 29, 2024 3:42 pm Keep in mind, what did Werner cost? I think the sum of around $30 million comes to mind in 2009-2010 dollars. That same stadium, that some still deride as being built "on the cheap" would easily probably be $75 million now.

Yep! The new AA stadiums in Knoxville and Chattanooga will each be $115M – 120M, that’s not even AAA. Not sure what the initial estimate of the Knoxville stadium was but the one in Chattanooga was initially planned for $80M. What is this soccer stadium portion expected to cost? $75M?

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Apr 29, 2024 5:03 pm

CBJason wrote: Mon Apr 29, 2024 4:28 pm
omaha79 wrote: Mon Apr 29, 2024 3:42 pm Keep in mind, what did Werner cost? I think the sum of around $30 million comes to mind in 2009-2010 dollars. That same stadium, that some still deride as being built "on the cheap" would easily probably be $75 million now.
Yep! The new AA stadiums in Knoxville and Chattanooga will each be $115M – 120M, that’s not even AAA. Not sure what the initial estimate of the Knoxville stadium was but the one in Chattanooga was initially planned for $80M. What is this soccer stadium portion expected to cost? $75M?

$60 million, per the most recent press release.

halgy · Post by **halgy** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 7:34 am

The problem with Werner Park isn't that it is in Sarpy, but that it is in suburbia (and the edge of suburbia at that). Moving the team to Elkhorn or someplace out west would be much the same, even if it were technically in Omaha again. It especially wouldn't be worth it at $120M+ while the current park workable (and I have no complaints about the park itself).

What would actually be an improvement is if they did some development around Werner Park. Convert some of the empty land into mixed-use with some entertainment options, basically like they're planning on doing with the soccer stadium downtown. A couple of restaurants and a cafe would massively improve the area.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:58 am

halgy wrote: Tue Apr 30, 2024 7:34 am The problem with Werner Park isn't that it is in Sarpy, but that it is in suburbia (and the edge of suburbia at that). Moving the team to Elkhorn or someplace out west would be much the same, even if it were technically in Omaha again. It especially wouldn't be worth it at $120M+ while the current park workable (and I have no complaints about the park itself).

What would actually be an improvement is if they did some development around Werner Park. Convert some of the empty land into mixed-use with some entertainment options, basically like they're planning on doing with the soccer stadium downtown. A couple of restaurants and a cafe would massively improve the area.

It sounds like the initial developers overplayed their hand thinking they had a pot of gold they were sitting on. The asks in terms of money to develop the land were astronomical and there weren't enough houses out there at the time. At one time, the Alamo Drafthouse was supposed to go out there, but the ask was too high on the land. So, they ended up at Southport. Probably a good call considering nothing else has developed around it. The senior living center never developed, but that was always odd. can't imagine they'd love the baseball/soccer noise and fireworks.

Pennant Place was probably always going to be a stretch in 2011, and it's now getting to a point where something is viable out there, but is there a need and a will to actually develop it?

I agree. there is no need to move the team in the near future and I'm talking the next 20-30 years. Unless we reach a point where Omaha wants a true minor league stadium downtown and will incentivize the team to be in a AAA stadium near the other stadiums, it's a moot point. There really isn't anywhere else that makes sense and there will be more people, over time, in West Sarpy. So, Werner will make more sense in 2030 than it did in 2011. I can't see Omaha really ever getting into the AAA stadium business downtown and plopping a MILB ballpark somewhere near Schwab. It just feels like a total non-starter.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 9:18 am

is this what we are talking? have they updated any of the renderings?

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 9:22 am

halgy wrote: Tue Apr 30, 2024 7:34 am The problem with Werner Park isn't that it is in Sarpy, but that it is in suburbia (and the edge of suburbia at that). Moving the team to Elkhorn or someplace out west would be much the same, even if it were technically in Omaha again. It especially wouldn't be worth it at $120M+ while the current park workable (and I have no complaints about the park itself).

What would actually be an improvement is if they did some development around Werner Park. Convert some of the empty land into mixed-use with some entertainment options, basically like they're planning on doing with the soccer stadium downtown. A couple of restaurants and a cafe would massively improve the area.

Obviously it went up right as everything was slowing down, so everything out there took longer to develop. Now that area is booming. Within the next year or two you will see Pennant Place develop. They did work on the infrastructure around the stadium about a year ago so it's now shovel ready.

In 10 years or so whenever the lease nears it's end I am sure we will start to hear about possible upgrades to Werner Park. I don't think a new stadium in is in the cards. Werner is in the fastest growing county in the state. You don't just have Papillion and La Vista feeding that but Gretna in a big way and Springfield (MUD is building out so that area will explode)is next.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Jul 18, 2024 4:19 pm

Alliance Sports announces developer and design firm for Union Omaha's soccer stadium

Hines was chosen as the development manager for the project, which will be located along Abbott Drive and Riverfront Drive.

Perkins&Will will work with Omaha's RDG Planning and Design, who will take the lead on the architecture front.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Thu Jul 18, 2024 4:22 pm

Hines getting involved in another big Omaha project is good to see. Hopefully a sign that they’ll be invested in a lot more projects in the coming years

halgy · Post by **halgy** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:04 am

So is this for sure moving forward at that location? From the last I understood, it was in limbo until some funding was firmed up.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:53 am

halgy wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:04 am So is this for sure moving forward at that location? From the last I understood, it was in limbo until some funding was firmed up.

Yep. The bill they needed for some state funding got passed last session

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:07 am

All good news. Exited for further announcements/renderings/timelines.

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:10 am

Garrett wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:53 am
halgy wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:04 am So is this for sure moving forward at that location? From the last I understood, it was in limbo until some funding was firmed up.
Yep. The bill they needed for some state funding got passed last session

Dumb question, but I assume this is going to be closer to the Omaha/Gallup side than further down Abbot (ie, heading into Carter Lake)? I'm sure there's a map so I apologize for not tracking that down first.

skip · Post by **skip** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:12 am

djc311 wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:10 am
Garrett wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:53 am
halgy wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:04 am So is this for sure moving forward at that location? From the last I understood, it was in limbo until some funding was firmed up.
Yep. The bill they needed for some state funding got passed last session
Dumb question, but I assume this is going to be closer to the Omaha/Gallup side than further down Abbot (ie, heading into Carter Lake)? I'm sure there's a map so I apologize for not tracking that down first.

Its located right off Abbott and Riverside. Between the roads and Gallup buildings.

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:24 am

Garrett wrote: Thu Jul 18, 2024 4:22 pm Hines getting involved in another big Omaha project is good to see. Hopefully a sign that they’ll be invested in a lot more projects in the coming years

I was pretty stunned seeing the news release. Hines is doubling down in Omaha with this partnership. I think it shows confidence in our market and I hope this means bigger plans for the Mercantile District as well.

I just ran a search to see if Hines is tied to any similar type of project, ie. sport facility and mixed used development. Yesterday, Tampa Bay City Council approved a redevelopment plan for the new Rays stadium. It's a 65 acre project site and Hines is the development partner. https://www.yahoo.com/news/st-pete-rays ... 00721.html. That project investment totals $6.4 billion, with a $1.3 billion stadium. 5000 residential units are what's planned. This website has some renderings: https://www.mlb.com/rays/ballpark/historic-gas-plant.

I know Union Omaha's project is a fraction of this one, but still looking forward to what this projects looks like with Hines involved, even it remains to be seen how the Mercantile turns out.

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:26 am

djc311 wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:10 am
Garrett wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:53 am
halgy wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:04 am So is this for sure moving forward at that location? From the last I understood, it was in limbo until some funding was firmed up.
Yep. The bill they needed for some state funding got passed last session
Dumb question, but I assume this is going to be closer to the Omaha/Gallup side than further down Abbot (ie, heading into Carter Lake)? I'm sure there's a map so I apologize for not tracking that down first.

This is largely the project site:

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:32 am

What's the soccer field you can see in your image there? It was recently marked out with flags and mowed again. Its in the last several google earth images going all the way back to Spring 2021. It was also there in 2019. Something for Gallup?

FishFighter92 · Post by **FishFighter92** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:35 am

ita wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:24 am
Garrett wrote: Thu Jul 18, 2024 4:22 pm Hines getting involved in another big Omaha project is good to see. Hopefully a sign that they’ll be invested in a lot more projects in the coming years
I was pretty stunned seeing the news release. Hines is doubling down in Omaha with this partnership. I think it shows confidence in our market and I hope this means bigger plans for the Mercantile District as well.

I just ran a search to see if Hines is tied to any similar type of project, ie. sport facility and mixed used development. Yesterday, Tampa Bay City Council approved a redevelopment plan for the new Rays stadium. It's a 65 acre project site and Hines is the development partner. https://www.yahoo.com/news/st-pete-rays ... 00721.html. That project investment totals $1.3 billion. 5000 residential units are what's planned. This website has some renderings: https://www.mlb.com/rays/ballpark/historic-gas-plant.

I know Union Omaha's project is a fraction of this one, but still looking forward to what this projects looks like with Hines involved, even it remains to be seen how the Mercantile turns out.

Oh wow. I'm hoping we get at least 1000 residential units (doubtful, I know).

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 10:05 am

Brad wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:32 am What's the soccer field you can see in your image there? It was recently marked out with flags and mowed again. Its in the last several google earth images going all the way back to Spring 2021. It was also there in 2019. Something for Gallup?

It must be. I have seen/noticed it on several occasions driving by the spot.

skip · Post by **skip** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 10:19 am

Brad wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:32 am What's the soccer field you can see in your image there? It was recently marked out with flags and mowed again. Its in the last several google earth images going all the way back to Spring 2021. It was also there in 2019. Something for Gallup?

I used to work at Gallup. Its used for flag football and ultimate frisbee for the employees.

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 10:24 am

FishFighter92 wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:35 am
ita wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:24 am
Garrett wrote: Thu Jul 18, 2024 4:22 pm Hines getting involved in another big Omaha project is good to see. Hopefully a sign that they’ll be invested in a lot more projects in the coming years
I was pretty stunned seeing the news release. Hines is doubling down in Omaha with this partnership. I think it shows confidence in our market and I hope this means bigger plans for the Mercantile District as well.

I just ran a search to see if Hines is tied to any similar type of project, ie. sport facility and mixed used development. Yesterday, Tampa Bay City Council approved a redevelopment plan for the new Rays stadium. It's a 65 acre project site and Hines is the development partner. https://www.yahoo.com/news/st-pete-rays ... 00721.html. That project investment totals $1.3 billion. 5000 residential units are what's planned. This website has some renderings: https://www.mlb.com/rays/ballpark/historic-gas-plant.

I know Union Omaha's project is a fraction of this one, but still looking forward to what this projects looks like with Hines involved, even it remains to be seen how the Mercantile turns out.
Oh wow. I'm hoping we get at least 1000 residential units (doubtful, I know).

That would be amazing, but yeah, it is tough, unless they build much taller. Additionally, I think the previously announced investment amount was about $250 million with $60 million for the stadium. Conservatively, it costs about $300k average per unit. So, to get 1000 units, the project cost would have to be at least approach $500M. I had to redact my original post. $1.3 billion is just for the stadium. $6.5B is the total project costs. So, yeah, our project is not just a small fraction, but a tiny one compared to what Hines and the Rays are doing. Maybe with a big developer like Hines the developer grows in scope, so we'll have to wait and see what they do.

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Mon Sep 23, 2024 5:13 pm

I thought they wanted to be starting site work this fall.

jjjjhskr · Post by **jjjjhskr** » Mon Sep 23, 2024 7:57 pm

Fall started yesterday. There’s a lot of time left.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Mon Sep 23, 2024 8:06 pm

jjjjhskr wrote: Mon Sep 23, 2024 7:57 pm Fall started yesterday. There’s a lot of time left.

Exactly. With Hines as their developer partner, this thing will be on schedule.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Sep 23, 2024 10:05 pm

ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Mon Sep 23, 2024 5:13 pm I thought they wanted to be starting site work this fall.

Hasn't been to planning board. I would assume it would show up before the planning board as a Major Amendment to the Mixed Use Plan for that development. I'm guessing when the Mixed Use Plan for Gallup was done, there were never any thoughts of a soccer stadium there.

iamjacobm · Post by **iamjacobm** » Mon Sep 23, 2024 10:08 pm

Brad wrote: Mon Sep 23, 2024 10:05 pm
ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Mon Sep 23, 2024 5:13 pm I thought they wanted to be starting site work this fall.
Hasn't been to planning board. I would assume it would show up before the planning board as a Major Amendment to the Mixed Use Plan for that development. I'm guessing when the Mixed Use Plan for Gallup was done, there were never any thoughts of a soccer stadium there.

I didn't notice it on October's agenda. Hines being attached is good news, but I wouldn't be surprised if it leaks a few months.

jjjjhskr · Post by **jjjjhskr** » Tue Sep 24, 2024 2:06 pm

I would bet that with todays news that the owners have sold the Storm Chasers so the they could focus on soccer that this will get moving before long.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Tue Sep 24, 2024 2:09 pm

jjjjhskr wrote: Tue Sep 24, 2024 2:06 pm I would bet that with todays news that the owners have sold the Storm Chasers so the they could focus on soccer that this will get moving before long.

I was thinking the same thing. With their sole focus on soccer, they are probably moving full speed ahead.

iamjacobm · Post by **iamjacobm** » Tue Sep 24, 2024 2:14 pm

Gives them some capital to work with.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Sep 24, 2024 3:55 pm

iamjacobm wrote: Tue Sep 24, 2024 2:14 pm Gives them some capital to work with.

For sure. According to this Forbes article, the Storm Chasers were last sold a decade ago for $25 million. I imagine they sold for much more than that. Definitely will allow Alliance to go full bore with the downtown stadium.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Sep 24, 2024 8:28 pm

They sold? Man that's slipped my radar.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Tue Sep 24, 2024 8:56 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Tue Sep 24, 2024 8:28 pm They sold? Man that's slipped my radar.

from Grow Omaha (second story down)

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Sep 25, 2024 6:56 am

Athomsfere wrote: Tue Sep 24, 2024 8:28 pm They sold? Man that's slipped my radar.

viewtopic.php?t=25038

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Sep 25, 2024 9:13 am

Thanks for the links.

I believe that same company recently-ish bought the Wichita Wind Surge.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Sep 26, 2024 10:03 am

Inspired by Omaha’s downtown vision: Pro soccer stadium will add to the legacy

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/26 ... he-legacy/

Gary Green/Nebraska Examiner wrote:To show how serious we are about this vision, earlier this week it was announced that we have sold the Storm Chasers baseball team to a nationally renowned organization that will bring further investment to the team, anchored in Papillion. Our acquisition of the Storm Chasers in 2012 was the beginning of our efforts and vision to create and enhance professional sports in Omaha. The decision to sell frees up Union Omaha’s ownership to focus full-time on the transformative vision for a stadium home for the team.