New Home For Royals?

OMAHA, Neb. -- Could the Royals leave Rosenblatt Stadium?

The baseball team said Thursday that it is moving forward with plans for a new stadium in north downtown. The idea got a boost this week during Mayor Mike Fahey's State of the City speech. He said the stadium is one of his big dreams.

The goal is to build the new stadium somewhere near the Qwest Center at a cost of between $30 and $40 million. The new facility would seat up to 9,000 people.

The Omaha Royals have been playing at Rosenblatt for more than 35 years. Over that time, the stadium has continued to grow, in large part to accommodate College World Series crowds. But for the Royals, bigger isn't better.

"We appreciate the opportunity to play here since 1969, but in the long run will be playing in another home," said Royals' General Manager Doug Stewart.

Stewart said Rosenblatt is designed for the CWS -- not minor league baseball. He believes a new stadium in north downtown would attract more fans, and many city leaders -- including the mayor -- believe it would attract new life to the area.

"A minor league ballpark is a magnet for fans, activity and for development," Stewart said.

If the Royals build a new stadium, the team would like to add some family-friendly features, such as a picnic deck, lawn seating and a restaurant that would be open year round.

The Royals first pitched the idea of leaving Rosenblatt more than two years ago. At first there was little support, but that has slowly changed.

There is still some convincing to do.

"I think it's a bad idea," said Royals fan Renee Mathias. "Because, other than the CWS, Rosenblatt would not have any purpose in the city."

"I see no reason for spending additional funds to expand beyond what we have now," said team fan Jim Hawkins.

The money issue is what the Royals are working on now. Stewart said the project would require private and public money. Final details could come together in the next six to 12 months.

Fahey's office said Rosenblatt would continue to host the CWS and other special events.

In other Omaha entertainment news, it was announced Thursday that the Qwest Center arena will be growing soon. A plan to add almost 1,500 more seats was approved by the board that oversees the center. The seats will be installed on the north side of the arena's upper bowl. The expansion will cost more than $3 million.

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