Chief Casady is Always on Duty
By: Mr. Wilson on
November 30, 2006
Never mess with a police chief's wife. Even if he's on vacation.
Arena proponents ought to pay attention to what’s happening up in the Big O. The Omaha World-Herald recently reported the city-owned Hilton Omaha isn't generating the kind of revenue projected. Also, the city will likely have to tap reserves to make a bond payment on the hotel, and convention bookings are expected to be down next year. Nevertheless, that city's convention and visitors bureau is pressuring the city to expand the Hilton to attract bigger conventions. The World-Herald reported Omaha has struggled to attract large national and regional conventions -- conventions Lincoln hopes to attract, too. Difference is, Lincoln would prefer to get a private investor to build a new convention center and hotel, as a mayoral task force has recommended. That way, the city wouldn't be on the hook for their performance. However, the city could be on the hook for incentives it offers a developer, like free land.The Qwest Center is a nice addition to Omaha. But it has lots and lots of problems. If we are going to build our own arena and convention center here, we must make sure we learn from all of them. One example comes from Ken Hambleton:
[UNO]'s Division I hockey team was stuck in a high-cost, long-term lease with Qwest Center Omaha. After years of selling out Civic Auditorium, interest seemed to wane when fans were able to find plenty of room in the new arena.Lesson: Don't overbuild. Crowds beget crowds; empty seats beget empty seats.