By Katie Knapp
Omaha, NE – The Chairman of the Save Rosenblatt Committee says he's optimistic that the College World Series will remain at that stadium long-term. Jason Smith says the NCAA has expressed interest in securing a long-term deal that would keep the CWS at Rosenblatt.
Mayor Mike Fahey's Stadium Oversight Committee on Wednesday announced its recommendation for a new ballpark on Qwest Center parking lots C and E. The cost of that stadium would be $140 million; renovating Rosenblatt Stadium is estimated to cost $84 million. The Committee says no matter which plan is selected, the public would still be responsible for $59 million of the cost. Smith says that isn't the case. He also says that more than $16 million in private donations are possible to renovate Rosenblatt. The Stadium Oversight Committee anticipates $40 million in private donations could be raised for the new stadium, and about $16 million for Rosenblatt. But Smith says that figure is based on a previous fundraising effort from several years ago.
The Stadium Oversight Committee has set three public meetings for March sixth, eighth, and tenth. Smith says there should be many more than three public meetings, and he feels representatives should take public comments seriously. The Save Rosenblatt Committee could call its own public meetings. If that happens, Smith says Mayor Fahey will be invited to attend.