February 3, 2003

Omaha's New Convention Center and Arena prepares for business

maha's new Convention Center / Arena is expected to open late this summer and things are beginning to stir. The $291 million project appears to be on schedule and the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (also known as MECA) has been aggressively seeking national conventions that may be interested in coming to Omaha.

MECA is also in charge of leasing out the 32 luxury suites that are being built in the arena portion of the facility. The suites lease for between $50,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on the size. They will provide the arena with a reliable source of revenue and will give lease-holders a place to entertain clients and hold small company functions.

All 24 of the 12-seat suites have been leased but several of the 18 and 20-seaters are still available. The seats are leased for five, seven or ten years.

The 12-seaters which cost between $50,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on their vantage point, come with a refrigerator, ice maker, two televisions, a coat closet, buffet counter and a liquor cabinet. Twelve seats are arranged for viewing with additional seats included towards the back of the suite. Leaseholders may buy food and drink through Levy Restaurants, the firm that has catering and concession rights to the facility.

An 18-seat suite can be leased for $75,000 per year and the 20-seater for $100,000. MECA is currently dividing up the four 20-seaters so that multiple companies can share one suite. 

All leaseholders will have access to most public events in the arena, with the exception of NCAA tournaments. They will be given the first option to purchase tickets to these events.

The following companies have secured suites in the new arena. If you're an employee for one of these firms, it may be in your best interest to run for employee of the year (hint).

In addition, the arena will also offer premium club seating. The seats which run between $750 to $1,700 per year, include waitress service, high-backed padded chairs and upscale concessions. The $1,700 seats are currently sold out.

The Greater Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau has been busy enticing regional and national organizations into having their conventions in Omaha. So far, nine associations and businesses have agreed to hold their conventions at the new facility through 2006. They are also planning a new campaign called 'Bring it Home' that will hopefully encourage local groups to lobby for having their conventions here.

Some of the conventions scheduled to be held at the new center were encouraged by people with local ties to the area. The National Science Teachers Association will hold their convention at the new facility in 2006. An administrator with this organization grew up in Nebraska, graduated from Peru State College and started his teaching career in the state.

A department head with the Peter Kiewit Institute of Information Science, Technology and Engineering in Omaha was instrumental in selecting the center to host the 2005 Americas Conference on Information Systems. Las Vegas beat out Omaha for the larger International convention. Attendees for Omaha's conference will be mainly from North America whereas the International convention draws attention worldwide.

The director for the Nebraska Department of Roads successfully lobbied to get the annual Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials convention scheduled here in 2005.

Since most conventions are scheduled years in advance, it is imperative that the city go after as many as possible now in order to secure future revenue.