Trev Alberts is still on the move at UNO. On Saturday, that meant Grand Forks, N.D., where two groups of UNO and Omaha officials and boosters visited the University of North Dakota’s Engelstad Arena, otherwise known as the Taj Mahal of college hockey.
Alberts and Co. were there with their notebooks, looking at what would or would not work for a new UNO arena back in sunny Omaha.
Hey, whatever happened to that new arena, anyway?
There is going to be a new UNO arena, right?
It’s an interesting question. For the last year, sources at UNO and in the community told us this was going to be a slam dunk, or, in hockey vernacular, an empty-netter. This has gone on long enough that clouds are beginning to gather.
Alberts is still optimistic, but now it’s a cautious optimism. In fact, Alberts isn’t saying much on the topic. It’s a sensitive time, which means it’s in the hands of the decision-makers, or, as Alberts says, “It’s in the hands of the community now.’’
In other words, the money people.
Welcome to Omaha, Trev.
Alberts has been a blast of fresh air at UNO, full of swagger and confidence and aggressive action. But you wondered if at some point the people who make things work in Omaha were going to put the brakes on UNO’s bullish athletic director.
According to several sources, the money isn’t there yet. The money people are not all in. It’s complicated. In fact, after visiting with UNO donors, prominent hockey boosters and other local sports enthusiasts with big pockets, many remain optimistic it will still happen. But it’s clear this project has several layers that need to be sorted through:
• There was a consensus between UNO and the money people that an arena would be a private project, period. No public money. Even with all the sports facility projects going up in Omaha, the big boys aren’t tapped out. But they are asking questions.
• The arena is estimated at around $60 million, but that depends on the size. And that is still being debated. A figure you hear is 8,000 seats. UNO is averaging 7,083 at Qwest Center Omaha. Alberts said there are about 4,500 season ticket holders.
There are some at UNO who want a smaller arena, so premium seats can be sold. Demand means money. Minnesota makes about $4 million per year on hockey. Some at UNO would like to use that as a goal.
Others say why not make it bigger, as in 10,000 seats or more. But then you open up the question: why leave the Qwest Center? Some of the money people are already asking that.
• There are a handful of donors who can make this happen, but they want to see what the athletic department’s big picture plans are. In other words, is UNO going Division I soon? Would their donations be tied to UNO making that jump? In some cases, maybe.
• Finally, the building would be privately funded but available to the public as an open ice facility for skating, hockey leagues, etc. This is a no-brainer. UNO would have to be willing to share the facility. If the big money guys think they are doing something for Omahans, they’re more apt to write the check.
The bottom line for UNO would be its hockey team would have a place to practice every day without driving all over town.
Here’s a question: Does coach Dean Blais demand it? There’s a lot of speculation that Blais would leave UNO if a new rink isn’t built. Blais’ winning helped build Engelstad Arena and doing it for UNO would be a legacy right up his alley.
“No,’’ Blais said this week when asked if his staying at UNO was contingent on a new building. “But I think for the good of the program, you need it. It doesn’t have to be this year. But I think you need to be able to say it’s two or three years away.’’
Blais has said an arena between 8,000 and 9,000 would be preferable. He hasn’t backed off wanting a new rink. But he doesn’t demand it.
“Maybe last year it would have been that way,’’ Blais said. “But with the (recruits) that we have and those coming in, it hasn’t been an issue. They’re more impressed with other things. They look at UNO, Omaha, great school, great city, nice dorms, the community and the support which is outstanding, the impressive building and great downtown. That’s what we’re selling now. The problem is the players have to drive all over the place to practice.’’
You don’t build a hockey arena to keep a coach. If Blais’ alma mater Minnesota calls one day, he might leave even with a new building. You build the arena because it would help UNO’s bell cow sport to grow and continue to pay the bills for UNO sports. And provide a venue for a community that has more demand than ice.
That’s the case here. But will it happen? And when? The world, including Alberts, waits to see.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1025, tom.shatel@owh.com
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