Omaha Civic Future Discussed

Omaha, Neb., city officials have commissioned a six-month study to decide the fate of the 10,960-capacity Omaha Civic Auditorium.

The 57-year-old venue has reportedly needed about $7 million in maintenance upgrades since 2007. The new study, funded by nonprofit group Heritage Services, will take another look at what repairs are needed and whether it’s possible to fund such an undertaking.

Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle said the facility, home to the Omaha Lancers hockey team, Omaha Viper indoor soccer team and Omaha Beef indoor football team, has competition from the 18,200-capacity Qwest Center Omaha, 24,000-capacity TD Ameritrade Park and Holland Performing Arts Center.

Roger Dixon, president of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority that runs the facility, told the city’s World-Herald the Civic hosted about 113 events last year.

Dixon said he expects the new study to support the need to keep the Civic Auditorium instead of tearing it down to redevelop the property.