Kristyna Engdahl

Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority

The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that builds and manages public event venues in Omaha, Nebraska. The formal operations of MECA commenced on August 25, 2000 with the signing of a 99-year Lease and Development Agreement with the City of Omaha. The cost to build CHI Health Center Omaha was $291 million, funded through a public-private arrangement. The private sector contributed $75 million and the public sector contributed $216 million. CHI Health Center Omaha opened in 2003. In consideration of this unprecedented level of private support for a public arena, the 99-year agreement assigned MECA to exclusively operate the Facilities at its discretion. MECA is governed by a board of five appointed, independent directors and managed by a dedicated management team. Board members are appointed by the City of Omaha with appointments rotating between the City Council and the Mayor. Another public-private arrangement was completed to create a new home for the College World Series. In 2009 MECA broke ground on TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, which opened in 2011. The stadium is home to the NCAA Division I Men's College World Series, the Creighton Bluejays men's baseball team, and host to numerous other events. According to a recent economic study, CHI Health Center Omaha has generated nearly $5 billion in economic benefit for Omaha. The study indicated that taxpayers have not had to pay for the operations of CHI Health Center Omaha. The proceeds from the economic benefits of CHI Health Center Omaha received by the City of Omaha have exceeded the cost of the related bond debt. As a result, taxpayers have not been burdened with the cost of CHI Health Center Omaha, which is a rarity in arena and convention facilities in the U.S .