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Olympic Swimming Trials Won't Return In 2012 Save Email Print
Dates conflict with College World Series
Posted: 1:27 PM Dec 3, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:28 PM Dec 3, 2008
 Reporter: WOWT
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
45 comments
A | A | A

The Olympic Swimming Trials won't be coming back to Omaha in four years, due to a scheduling conflict with the College World Series.

The event was held at the Qwest Center this past summer. Officials say there are not enough hotels to accommodate both events, not to mention the parking congestion at and around the Qwest Center where the new baseball stadium will be located.

The swim trials are scheduled for June 17th-24th in 2012. The College World Series will start June 16, 2012 and run thru the 27th or 28th.
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Posted by: Chad on Dec 16, 2008 at 05:19 PM
No surpise, once again swimming gets shafted. It is too bad no one actually cares about the sport and only cares about the money. First the excuse for cutting mens college teams across the nation because of Title IX so many years ago and now this. Almost everyone who came to the trials said it was one of the best trials they have ever been to. Too bad they decided to listen to the ding of the cash register instead of the people.
Posted by: Jim on Dec 15, 2008 at 05:41 AM
As an out-of-stater who has been to every Swimming Trials since 1988, let me say that Omaha hosted, by far, the best Olympic Swimming Trials in the last 20 years and probably ever. Thank you Omaha for your great hospitality and being an excellent host. I certainly think and speak very highly of Omaha since the Trials and will continue to do so. Everyone in USA Swimming would love to come back - perhaps the 2016 calendar will work for all. Thank you again!
Posted by: LLR on Dec 5, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I would not blame ESPN one bit. They are owned by ABC. If memory serves me correctly, much of the 2008 trials were televised on NBC, no relation to ESPN and it's parent company, ABC.
Posted by: Dave on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:40 AM
first of all the cws is her every year and the swin trials MIGHT be here once every 4 years so we need to cateier to the cws . second im sure the city would have made a way to have both IF the money was right the swim team probaly didnt bring in as much as they thought it would
Posted by: Jim S on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Have they checked it out?! There have been hotels going up in downtown Omaha, Cater Lake, Council Bluffs, Bellevue, & LaVista. You can't tell me that by the summer of 2012 that there will not be enough hotel rooms in the Metro area! I agree with Jay, there could be some flexibility between the NCAA & the Olympics. However, parking is at issue with ANY and every major event in the downtown Omaha area. What we needed was TRUE infra-structure rebuilding AND proper leadership and management vs a CWS ballpark that will be utilized only two weeks a year. Doesn't seem like very good use of resources! Our community leaders and planners need to be better at coordinating efforts for a "complete" community not just their own little "pet projects". If Omaha and the Metro area is ever to be more than a "speck" on the map of community events and entertainment it MUST tap ALL available resources AND listen BEFORE they act when it comes to projects that effect the entire community.
Posted by: To Andy on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:28 PM
You miss the point, why can't Omaha support two major venues at the same time? Do you assume that only local dollars are supporting these events? Or doesn't any motels/hotels in the other surrounding communities qualify as adequate accomodations? Parking (which is an issue but we all warned ya')? The point is that our great visionary mayor didn't have enough to see the TRUE potential presented to the city. He has alienated himself from the taxpayers/voters and forsaken the needs of the many for the wants of the greedy few in pursuit of his personal dream. This isn't about the CWS or the Olympics, it is about being sold a bill of goods with no means to pay for them. And when opportunities to do so present themselves (like the Olympics), we get the double whammy as well. By the way, HOW MUCH DOES THE CITY OF OMAHA REALLY GET FOR THE CWS? Check your facts, it isn't more than a few million each year, not this big magical paycheck that you claim will pay off our debt.
Posted by: ranter on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:26 PM
lets go back to when fahey first took office, the qwest center was being built, and 2 major hotel chains were submiting plans for new buildings. marriott wanted to build a huge multi-floored tower. fahey chose hilton, so now we have that dinky hotel by the qwest center. fahey has been short-sighted from day 1. omaha is a huge, sprawling city, and yet downtown has always been his focus (with the exception of the expressway and elkhorn). this city should easily be able to handle 2 major events, and yet, we cannot. it is an obvious case of bad leadership.
Posted by: Mickey on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:02 PM
To Mike: Absolutely! What most of the idiots don't get is that there was nothing wrong with the notion of renovating Rosenblatt. Consider the following; A) Most of the fan base and the NCAA (who even offered it the FIRST 25 year deal) supported the idea even BEFORE Fahey's Folley entered into the picture. B) We all knew and even blogged that the economy could not support this project and $300 Million Qwest loan and the spiked pension funds and the understaffed police/fire departments and underfunded city services, etc, etc... Everyone keeps hinting at a massive CWS windfall that offsets this debt but it didn't even pay off the last 'Blatt renovation, a PRIVATE DONOR did. Heck, the Qwest doesn't even pay for itself with ALL YEAR attractions! C) Tradition. Everyone keeps talking dollars when referring to the CWS when it was originally all about the love of the game. Rosenblatt symbolizes that simple concept that loyal fans can grasp. It means time well spent with family & friends.
Posted by: Teri on Dec 4, 2008 at 05:48 PM
How about let the CITY OF OMAHA Build parking garages instead of lots and Hotels instead of condos that people really can't afford the cost ------ I should run for Mayor---I would spend the city's money a little more wisely (like we really don't need a rail car system in down town) thats a waste of $350,000 for the study.....
Posted by: Molly on Dec 4, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Andy-I totally agree with you on this issue. Also, bliss must be a wonderful feeling.
Posted by: Mike on Dec 4, 2008 at 05:21 PM
To Barb: DING! DING! DING! Give that lady a prize! You are absolutely correct! To Andy: And how much more than $3 Million do you really think the city gets each year? Folks like you keep referring to this mystery money we are all supposed to be enjoying from this event but the truth is that Omaha (the city, not the chamber of commerce) sees very little of the monies and when we do, they don't apply to any of the debt, either the refurbishing of the 'Blatt or building No-Do. And with the recession currently ongoing, I doubt that we will see anywhere near the revenues we had over the last 10 years. Keep the CWS? Well since the voice of those who know what tradition really means doesn't count, the love for the CWS is waning. And if the price to retain it in Omaha keeps going up (first 15 mill, then 60 mill and finally 127 mill), it just won't be worth it. When it is about the love of the game and not about how much money we make, it's OUR CWS else it's simply corporate greed.
Posted by: Andy on Dec 4, 2008 at 02:35 PM
So let me get this straight. People would rather have one event every four years, instead of an event every year? Ummm, last I checked the CWS also makes national headlines, and has been an important cornerstone in the Omaha community for over a half a century. So because the Olympic Swimming Committee decided to hold their event two weeks earlier in the year, than they did in 2008, Omaha should run off the CWS? Do you people even think about what you're typing? I can't seriously believe people would rather see the CWS go, and all the money it brings into Omaha EVERY YEAR, just so Omaha can get the swimming trials EVERY 4 YEARS. Please tell me how that makes sense. And no, the new stadium has nothing to do with this. I'm still surprised how little people know about entertainment in Omaha. The Qwest does not bring in big events during the CWS, it never has. Why would they? All the entertainment dollars are at the CWS. Ignorance is truely bliss when it comes to this issue.
Posted by: jenny on Dec 4, 2008 at 12:35 PM
BUMMER! I really enjoyed them.
Posted by: Dave on Dec 4, 2008 at 09:41 AM
oooops !!!! they did it allready and it hasnt even been built
Posted by: Barb on Dec 4, 2008 at 09:23 AM
What COULD have been done is a MAJOR revamp of Rosenblatt OR build a new stadium on that land and where the new stadium is going to be, hotels could have been put there instead giving both venues more space for both the CWS and the Olympic Swim trial fans. It is a shame to lose the swim trials which made national news this past summer. How many more venues are we going to have to turn away because things were not thought through (even though some of the bigshots thought it was). Omaha will return to being a cow town again!!!!!
Posted by: Todd on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I would much rather see the Olympic Swim Trials than the College World Series... Omaha is a joke. We are pathetic compared to other, larger cities...
Posted by: JIm on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Yes, thank you Andy. Its nice to read a post that uses common sense instead of blaming Fahey for everything. I am not a big fan of his but he has no fault in this.
Posted by: Margie on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:22 AM
CWS, Fahey,NCAA,MECA, ESPN and the Olympic Swim Committee---all powers to be that don't have brains enough to listen to anyone but themselves--same old money in their pockets! Stop building the new stadium and use the money for all of the homeless, near homeless and families struggling to survive!!
Posted by: DG on Dec 4, 2008 at 06:43 AM
Well I will be spending my money in the host city of the swinm trials stimulating their economy. Once again, Omaha is a big loser!
Posted by: No hotel rooms? guy on Dec 4, 2008 at 05:36 AM
A lack of hotel rooms in Omaha should not be an obstacle. Council Bluffs could handle the overflow. They enjoy revenue.
Posted by: Bryan on Dec 3, 2008 at 10:32 PM
I love it how quick people are to rush and say that just because of the new stadium, this caused Omaha to lose the 2012 Swimming Trials. This is more of an attribute of Omaha being a medium-sized city (with limited hotel options) than a bad mayor. And a news flash everyone! If Fahey would have decided to keep Rosenblatt Stadium (which Jay pointed out would have needed renovations that would have cost as much as the new stadium), the Royals would have left "urban" Omaha anyway and the CWS would have packed up and left after 2010, or 2015 at the latest. Anyone that says that Rosenblatt was not a aging and antiquated baseball stadium either is lying or hasn't actually stepped foot in that place. Why is this city so afraid of change??? If you don't like it, then move!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 3, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Mike, NOTHING is scheduled at the Qwest Center during the CWS anyways because there aren't enough hotel rooms. Why can't people like you understand this before opening your mouth?? With the new stadium next to the Qwest, a fanfest area could be setup inside the convention center.
Posted by: C on Dec 3, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Thank you Andy for your post!!!
Posted by: Brandon on Dec 3, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Its to bad that 2012 swim trials will not be back in Omaha. Since I am training here in Omaha for the 2012 games in swimming. It would have been nice to swim in front of my home town.
Posted by: Brilliant Idea on Dec 3, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Somebody write a proposal to the Mayor and see if he couldn't find another place in Omaha to build a seperate Oymplic Trial Swimming pool used every four years. Then on the same land build another 8 hotels to house all the fans and swimmers. Then maybe we could turn it into a big water park every summer. I'm sure he would go for this it a great idea. We could even build a great wolf lodge next to it
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 3, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Everybody keeps looking at Fahey for the mess up but just as much blame should go to the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. I bet at the next board meeting all of the big shot business leaders of Omaha will be looking for someone else to blame. I'm glad I live in Sarpy county future home of the Omaha Royals. Omaha can't break the mantra of "Conservative Cow-Town".
Posted by: Andy on Dec 3, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I'm failing to see how this is Omaha's or Fahey's fault. I didn't realize Fahey was making the decision on when the CWS was held. If the CWS was at the 'Blatt in 2012, the dates would still need to be changed. Like the story said, the change in dates was needed because of the lack of hotel rooms. How would that be any different if the 'Blatt was still around? If you want to blame someone, blame the NCAA and ESPN. I fully expect ESPN was the biggest hurdle to jump. However, it's easier for the people to blame the mayor over something like this, that was likely way out of his hands. Why not blame the Olympic Swimming committee for holding the event at the same time as the CWS? Or would that not fit into your agenda?
Posted by: Kevin on Dec 3, 2008 at 04:56 PM
With or without the stadium being downtown this wouldn't have worked. Omaha simply is not big enough to support both of them at the same time. We do not have near enough hotel space to host both events at the same time!
Posted by: Jay on Dec 3, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Hey Mike, check your history, Qwest Center doesn't schedule big events during CWS anyway. Simple reason - NO HOTEL ROOMS. Also, Rosenblatt was a moneypit. There was no way that old stadium was going to last another 5 years with MAJOR renovations that would have cost as much or more than a new stadium.
Posted by: Steve on Dec 3, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Saw that one coming! Way to go Omaha, such foresight is astounding.
Posted by: B on Dec 3, 2008 at 04:24 PM
This is very disturbing. I hate the CWS, but loved every minute of the Swimming.
Posted by: Mike on Dec 3, 2008 at 04:20 PM
I expect to see several more Qwest events to cancel or not schedule as a result of of the CWS at the new stadium in the years to come. The CWS should be left at its home, Rosenblatt. It would help taxpayers save money, lessen the need for budget cuts, and prevent a LOT of headaches in the years to come.....hey, theres an idea!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 3, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Instead of the college world series, we should host a Husker football game in the summer. It could be a separate bowl game, but it would be the Huskers playing every year. That way we are guaranteed a bowl game. None of this sweating out the regular season!!!
Posted by: Omaha Jay on Dec 3, 2008 at 03:58 PM
I found it interesting that USA Swimming agreed to move the swim trials up 4 days, in order to accomodate, but that NCAA refused to move the CWS back 4 days. I know everyone likes to think that Omaha is such a great place to host sports events, but in the end, we get pushed around by the big boys and it is made apparent how the city and its citizens are viewed by organizations like the NCAA.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 3, 2008 at 03:39 PM
kassie........skip the baseball, travel to the trials and support a city that encourages more forethought than we do here.....this is very unfortunate for the city of Omaha...............I concur, nice job Fahey.....c-ya
Posted by: ??? on Dec 3, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Whew...it's a good thing that the CWS never "costs Omaha money" - sounds to me like we just lost some here now that the swim trials aren't coming.
Posted by: ez on Dec 3, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Figures. This is only the beginning of things that, because of Fahey's Folly, will be lost to Omaha. Good move, Mr. Mayor and cronies.
Posted by: Omaha on Dec 3, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Didn't see this coming did we? Duh How sad it is that we cannot expand ideas and improve the city as a whole instead of just the downtown area. What a mess
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 3, 2008 at 02:34 PM
This is so sad! I volunteered at the Olympic Trials this year and had a great time! I was really looking forward to the 2012 games. I have a feeling that if the CWS would still be at Rosenblatt in 2012, we would be able to host both! The Olympic Swim Trials is the type of event Omaha was looking to land when they voted for the Qwest Center to be built. Now, after putting on a stunning event, we lose it! What a shame! Why did we never get to vote on the ball park? Fahey is a very selfish person and I wish he would have ran again and wasted all his money so the citizens of Omaha could really show him how much we disapprove of his actions!
Posted by: Steven on Dec 3, 2008 at 02:16 PM
The problem with the swimming crowd is they do not tailgate and the beer distributors in this city are the rulers of the land so baseball fans are by far more coveted. Anyhow, builing that pool inside costs some money out of Meca's pot and the statium is out of the local taxpayers pocket so even fahey's math works out here!!!
Posted by: LLR on Dec 3, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Sorry, Kassie, the ONLY thing taken into consideration when planning this white elephant of a downtown stadium was how Fahey, Stinson & members of MECA could line their pockets and by how much. Public sentiment was running probably 3 to 1 AGAINST this stupid project; now that they've alienated the Royals and THEY'RE moving, aren't you glad to have a multi-million dollar megaplex to visit 10 days out of the year?
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 3, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Let me guess, the trials will now be held in Bellevue!
Posted by: Kassie King on Dec 3, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Thats unfair. I was really looking forward to going to the trials and now instead I might have to go watch baseball or nothing! When planning on moving the World Series they should have taken all this into consideration!
Posted by: LLR on Dec 3, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Hmm...now the CWS ends up costing Omaha revenue? Methinks it might be time to squash the ballpark idea and let the NCAA take a hike.
Posted by: Jake on Dec 3, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Smooth Move Fahey!! How many more days till this clown is out of office????
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