By Katie Knapp
Omaha, NE – The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce is backing Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and the Stadium Oversight Committee's recommendation to build a new ballpark. In a statement released Friday, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors says:
The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce supports the effort to keep the NCAA men's College World Series in Omaha for the long term. Our interest in this stems from the fact that each year, the CWS generates nearly $40 million in economic activity throughout the entire Omaha community. The importance of signing an unprecedented 20-year contract represents close to a $1 billion economic impact. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Omaha-no other city has been given this type of opportunity. Throughout the process, we have supported the work of the Stinson committee to determine location, funding and design of a community ballpark. We support the committee's recommendations presented to the NCAA and will assist in generating community consensus to move forward.
Board of Directors Chairman Dan Neary goes on to say that the new stadium could spur development in north and south Omaha.
Mayor Mike Fahey issued a statement late Friday thanking the Chamber for their support. The Chamber of Commerce's backing follows three public meetings that failed to show widespread support for a new downtown stadium.