JOE DEJKA
Omaha World-Herald
The developer behind the 2,000-acre Good Life District near Gretna said Wednesday he’s close to a deal that would bring the U.S. Olympic volleyball program to his development.
He also said he’s attempting to lure a National Hockey League team.
Rod Yates, owner and operator of the Nebraska Crossing shopping center, told a state panel Wednesday said he is “in the final stages” of putting together an agreement to relocate USA Volleyball facilities from Anaheim, California.
“It’s going to be about a $150 (million)- to $200-million-dollar facility,” Yates said. “And they’re going to relocate 100 Olympic athletes. You’re going to see all their corporate staff, their training staff, relocate to Gretna and be a big part of our community.”
Attempts to reach USA Volleyball Wednesday afternoon were unsuccessful.
Yates revealed his plans during a hearing on a bill (LB1374), which would refine the tax incentives that developers are eligible to receive when they form a district under a law passed last year.
A Good Life District along Interstate 80 between Omaha and Lincoln was approved by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development this month.
Lawmakers are still fine-tuning the process by which developers and cities would collaborate to use a portion of the state’s sales tax revenue to incentivize new businesses to build in these districts.
The districts are aimed at attracting unique and tourist-oriented businesses.
Yates said that after the law was passed last year, he called John Cook, head volleyball coach at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and asked him how to bring USA Volleyball to Nebraska.
Yates said the coach put him in contact with USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis.
Cook also testified at the hearing, saying he helped bring people with the program out for a visit that included the Volleyball Day event at Memorial Stadium, which drew 92,003 spectators and broke the world record for a womenâs sporting event.
“We made the call and got them out here,” he said. “They came to the stadium match with several players and coaches and just fell in love with Nebraska.”
Cook described the facilities in California as “abysmal.”
The team doesn’t have places to live, he said. This would be a “one-stop place” for them, where they could buy houses, he said.
“To me it’s just a beautiful opportunity for a USA program. And volleyball, as you know, is pretty big now and getting bigger.”
Yates said he’s also pitching his district as a home for an NHL team.
âHe said Creighton University economic professor Ernie Goss estimated that the Good Life District in Gretna would draw 16 million to 18 million visitors a year, drive $2.2 billion in annual retail sales, create 40,000 full-time time jobs and have 18,000 full-time residents.
Yates said the two of them worked together on an economic-impact study for the National Hockey League. Goss ranked the existing franchises and all the proposed expansion franchises, and Nebraska ranked “number one and number two in every category,” Yates said.
They provided the information to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who has acknowledged that someone in Omaha sent him a long email expressing interest in a team.
“We shared that with Mr. Bettman, and Mr. Bettman invited us this Friday to come to New York with our team and present the opportunity to be in the Good Life District,” he said.
Photos: Nebraska volleyball hosts grand outdoor match at Memorial Stadium
The national anthem is being played before the volleyball game between UNK and Wayne State on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
University of Nebraska-Lincoln freshman Josh Machan tries to stay cool during Volleyball Day in Nebraska on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Troy Dvorak of Milford enjoys beer during Volleyball Day in Nebraska on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nadine Ault sells beer during Volleyball Day in Nebraska on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska players celebrate after winning the first set against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez (8) and Merritt Beason (13) lead the team to the court before the match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska former head coach Terry Pettit (right) is being recognized by Gov. Jim Pillen during Volleyball Day in Nebraska on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska plays Omaha during Volleyball Day in Nebraska on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska head coach John Cook walks to the court ahead of the match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach John Cook and assistant coach Jaylen Reyes coach the team during the game against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Club team volleyball players, including Kenzie MacDonald of Omaha (left), 13, and her twin Kyra MacDonald, cheer during the final moments of the Nebraska volleyball match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Former Nebraska football player Kenny Bell greets athletic director Trev Alberts ahead of Volleyball Day in Nebraska on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Former Nebraska volleyball players open the gate to the Tunnel Walk on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Laney Choboy (first right) celebrates with her teammates during a post game light show after their match against Omaha defeated Omaha at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
92,003 people attended Nebraska’s match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium, setting a new world record for attendance at a women’s sporting event.    Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
High School students watch the Huskers during the second set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Drea Hooper, from Omaha, cheers on the Huskers as they take on Omaha during the first set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Doug Felber watches Omaha take on Nebraska from the top stands during the first set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
The Huskers sing along to a song while watching a light show after a record-breaking match against Omaha on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska head coach John Cook shrugs after he gives a short speech following a record setting match against Omaha at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Bergen Reilly celebrates a point against Omaha during the third set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez and Merritt Beason run on to the court ahead of their match against Omaha at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
92,003 people attended Nebraska’s match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium, setting a new world record for attendance at a women’s sporting event.    Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Omaha’s Kali Jurgensmeier (top left) and Emily Huss attempt to defend a kill by Nebraska’s Bekka Allick during their match at Volleyball Day in Nebraska on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Maggie Mendelson (center) celebrates with her team after a challenge call was overturned during the second set against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A fan holds his foam finger and beer as he is lifted above the crowd during the third set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Harper Murray, Ally Batenhorst, and Maggie Mendelson celebrate after scoring during the third set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fans shout, “roof, roof, roof,” after a block during the third set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
University of Omaha takes on Nebraska during the second set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fans sit along the upper deck while they watch the the second set between Omaha and Nebraska at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Bekka Allick hits past Omaha’s Kali Jurgensmeier (top left) during the first set Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Volleyball fans watch a light show and fire works following a record breaking match between Nebraska and Omaha at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Volleyball fans watch a light show following Nebraska’s win against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez (bottom) performs the worm as her teammates cheer her on following their match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Laney Choboy (first right) celebrates with her teammates during a post game light show after their match against Omaha defeated Omaha at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach John Cook, wearing his National Championship ring, calls out a play to his team in the third set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fans cheer as the Husker volleyball team makes its way down the tunnel before the match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach John Cook (left) takes the court with Husker players Maggie Mendelson, Maisie Boesiger and Hayden Kubik for the record-breaking Memorial Stadium match in August.Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Former Nebraska head coach Terry Petitt is seen before the match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Omaha takes on Nebraska during the second set on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Volleyball fans do the wave during a break in the action during the match between Omaha and Nebraska on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The glare from the sun hits the court causing players to be silhouetted against the floor during the second set Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The glare from the sun hits the court causing players to be silhouetted against the floor during the second set Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Wayne State’s Laney Kathol (left) celebrates with her teammate Rachel Walker after scoring a kill during the second set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Volleyball fans watch the match from the upper part of the stadium between University of Kearney and Wayne State in the first set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska-Kearney’s Celeste Friesen (bottom right) dives to save the ball from a spike by Wayne State’s Maggie Brahmer during their match at Volleyball Day in Nebraska on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Wayne State takes on University of Kearney during during the first set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Wayne State’s Jordan McCormick (left) dives for the ball that was hit by the University of Kearney during the second set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Wayne State’s Chanatee Robles (top left) spikes the ball against University of Kearney’s Peyton Neff (first right) and Abby Rose during the second set at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Volleyball fans walk the southeast ramps to their seats on the upper levels of Memorial Stadium ahead of Volleyball Day, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska fans mill about outside the Addidas shop ahead of Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Volleyball fans walk the southeast ramps to their seats on the upper levels of Memorial Stadium ahead of Volleyball Day, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
The Wayne State bench, including Wayne State’s Brooke Peltz (first right) and Channatee Robles (second right), cheer during their match at Volleyball Day in Nebraska on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Ally Batenhorst (14), Kennedi Orr (9) and Andi Jackson (15) celebrate a 3-0 victory against Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium during Volleyball Day in Nebraska.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Hailyn Rohr, 9, cheers at her seat in the stands before the match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Kenley Vosburg, 4, and her father, Ian Vosburg (not pictured) wait for the start of the match against Omaha on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Hayden Kubik (11) and Ally Batenhorst (14) celebrates a 3-0 victory with their team against Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium during Volleyball Day in Nebraska.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Nebraska volleyball celebrates after defeating Omaha in a record-breaking outdoor match last Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska volleyball celebrates a 3-0 victory against Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium during Volleyball Day in Nebraska.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Nebraska volleyball celebrates a 3-0 victory against Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium during Volleyball Day in Nebraska.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Nebraska’s Merritt Beason (13) goes for a hit against Univerity of Omaha’s McKenna Ruch (4) and Amanda Hardt (9) during the match against Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 3-0.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Nebraska’s Bergen Reilly (2) sets the ball during the match against Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 3-0.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Nebraskaâs head coach John Cook coaches against Omaha during the stadium match on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Bekka Allick (5) go up for a block against Univerity of Omaha’s McKenna Ruch (4) on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won the match 3-0.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Nebraskaâs Andi Jackson (15) celebrates a point during the match against Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won the match 3-0.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez (8) sets the ball during the match against Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won the match 3-0.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Nebraskaâs volleyball team, including Bergen Reilly (2) celebrates match point against Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won the match 3-0.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE Journal Star
Nebraska’s Andi Jackson (15) hits against Omaha on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium. In-state teams Huskers and Mavericks will play in the NCAA Tournament, as will Creighton.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Two F-16 fighter jets and a KC-135 flew over prior to Nebraskaâs match on Volleyball Day.
Courtesy photo
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