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Interesting article; especially the point of view of the Omaha Royals.
Omaha Divided Over Plan
For Pricey New Ballpark Project Would Secure College World Series;
Traditionalists Boo
By MATTHEW FUTTERMAN
May 19, 2008; Page A4
OMAHA, Neb. -- For nearly 60 years, the College World Series has helped define this midsize former railroad town on the west bank of the Missouri River, mythologizing it as a special home for baseball at its purest.
But now a plan to build history's most-expensive minor-league ballpark has strained relations here, dividing those loyal to the event's traditions -- and who think the new stadium is a waste of money -- from folks who want to see Omaha turn the event into another glitzy sports stop. It also has alienated the city's longtime minor-league franchise.
The Omaha stadium that has hosted the college baseball world series is slated to be torn down. WSJ's Matthew Futterman reports. (May 19)
The proposed stadium plan turned town meetings into shouting matches. Opponents even launched an effort to recall the mayor. Now, though, Omaha is on the verge of approving $100 million in city spending for a $140 million, 24,000-seat downtown stadium that would serve as the home for the College World Series for the next 25 years, and possibly for the Omaha Royals, Kansas City's top minor-league franchise.
Omaha Divided Over Plan
For Pricey New Ballpark Project Would Secure College World Series;
Traditionalists Boo
By MATTHEW FUTTERMAN
May 19, 2008; Page A4
OMAHA, Neb. -- For nearly 60 years, the College World Series has helped define this midsize former railroad town on the west bank of the Missouri River, mythologizing it as a special home for baseball at its purest.
But now a plan to build history's most-expensive minor-league ballpark has strained relations here, dividing those loyal to the event's traditions -- and who think the new stadium is a waste of money -- from folks who want to see Omaha turn the event into another glitzy sports stop. It also has alienated the city's longtime minor-league franchise.
The Omaha stadium that has hosted the college baseball world series is slated to be torn down. WSJ's Matthew Futterman reports. (May 19)
The proposed stadium plan turned town meetings into shouting matches. Opponents even launched an effort to recall the mayor. Now, though, Omaha is on the verge of approving $100 million in city spending for a $140 million, 24,000-seat downtown stadium that would serve as the home for the College World Series for the next 25 years, and possibly for the Omaha Royals, Kansas City's top minor-league franchise.
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