MECA: Fueling Omaha's Growth
The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that builds and manages public event venues in Omaha, Nebraska. MECA began operations on August 25, 2000, with a 99-year Lease and Development Agreement with the City of Omaha to build CHI Health Center Omaha. The facility cost $291 million to construct, funded through a public-private partnership: $75 million from the private sector and $216 million from the public sector. CHI Health Center Omaha opened in 2003.
In recognition of the significant private investment in a public arena, the 99-year agreement granted MECA exclusive rights to operate the facility. MECA is governed by a board of five independent directors, with appointments rotating between the City Council and the Mayor. A dedicated management team oversees its operations.
In its first 11 years, CHI Health Center generated nearly $5 billion in economic benefit for Omaha. Thanks to this success, taxpayers have not had to cover operational costs. Economic studies have shown that the city’s proceeds from the center’s economic impact have surpassed the cost of the related bond debt. This means taxpayers have not been burdened by the facility’s expenses, which is rare for arenas and convention centers across the U.S.
In 2009, MECA initiated another public-private project to create a new home for the NCAA Men’s College World Series. Groundbreaking on Charles Schwab Field Omaha occurred that year, and the stadium opened in 2011. The ballpark serves as the home field for the Creighton Bluejays baseball team and hosts numerous other events, including the Big Ten and Big East Baseball Tournaments. Charles Schwab Field Omaha draws record crowds annually, becoming a must-visit destination for collegiate baseball players and fans worldwide.
MECA’s most recent public-private initiative involved development of The RiverFront, a 72-acre revitalization of three existing city parks: Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing. The Downtown Riverfront Trust raised about $275 million for the park’s construction, with an additional $50 million coming from the City of Omaha. The RiverFront opened in phases, with its completion in August 2023 and features permanent amenities such as an all-seasons Skate Ribbon, playgrounds and Performance Pavilion. MECA now manages park maintenance, operations and activation. The green space has quickly become a beloved community hub, drawing around a million visitors annually.
MECA continues to drive economic growth and activity in Omaha, thanks to the vision of forward-thinking leaders from over two decades ago.
