The president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce says Lancaster County’s purchase of land for a proposed downtown convention center clears an essential hurdle, although the project is still awaiting a major state financing decision.
Jason Ball also says the Chamber was surprised when a key project consultant ended its involvement and remains skeptical that a reported alternative near Memorial Stadium would adequately serve the convention market. Ball discussed the project Tuesday during an appearance on LNK Today with Jack Mitchell.
The Lancaster County Board approved an approximately $8.9 million purchase agreement for the block between 13th and 14th streets and L and M streets. The property is directly east of the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel.
“It’s difficult to build a convention center on land that you don’t own and control,” Ball says. “It was a necessary step. The Chamber celebrated it. It was an exciting step.” The location was selected in 2025 following a review of more than 20 potential sites and a closer examination of three finalists. Lancaster County would own the proposed facility.
Ball said the location could become an economic catalyst for the southern portion of downtown. He pointed to recent investment in the West Haymarket, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus and the Telegraph District, while describing south-central downtown as an area that has not experienced the same level of development.
“We’re very confident that that’s what this convention center is going to mean there,” Ball says. Lancaster County has applied for assistance under Nebraska’s Convention Center Facility Financing Assistance Act. Ball said the application seeks up to approximately $150 million in turnback-tax financing.
The program would return certain state sales-tax revenue generated within designated areas to help finance the project. Ball emphasized that the proposal does not impose an additional sales tax. “This is not a new tax,” Ball emphasized. “This is a redirection of sales tax from specific areas in Lincoln that are already collecting statewide sales tax.”
Ball said he is not directly involved in the state’s review but believes a decision could come at the state’s discretion. “This could be done pretty much at the state’s determination at any time now.”
If the application is approved, Ball said the major pieces needed to advance the project would be in place. Final design, construction planning and other work would still have to be completed.
(Photo: KLIN’s Chris Lofgreen)