Shatel: Union Omaha's $60 million downtown stadium clears major hurdle; Matt Rhule on helmet radios (2024)

First downs and second guesses:

No ground has been broken on the $60 million Union Omaha soccer stadium downtown.

But a major piece of the stadium is in place.

The Nebraska Legislature passed LB 1317 on April 18, authorizing $25 million over 20 years in support of the project.

Union Omaha owner Alliance Sports still has to raise the remaining funds. But the approval of state money was seen as essential for the stadium.

Now the project has full momentum, heading for a groundbreaking later this year and an opening near downtown Omaha in 2026.

A lot of new sports facilities have been built in Omaha and Lincoln in the last 20 years. Is this a sign that the state is going to start kicking in money?

Not necessarily. The Sports Arena Financing Facility Act was amended to support the Union Omaha stadium — which is a centerpiece to a $300 million development called the “Good Life District,” including hotels, retail and entertainment spots.

This was done in the name of urban growth. It’s designed as a way to attract 20- and 30-year-old’s to Omaha — and keep them here.

The guess here is that the legislature isn’t done with sports facilities. Last year Creighton University and the College World Series made a pitch to the legislature for $60 million to support CU projects, including a new baseball facility — where CWS teams would practice during the series.

I don’t think this sets a precedent. But growing downtown and keeping young professionals in town is a worthy cause for the state. So, too, is keeping the CWS cash cow happy. That's one thing state politicians can all agree on.

Does this mean the University of Nebraska is going to knock on the legislature’s door to help refurbish Memorial Stadium? Good question. This time, it was all about futbol.

Radios in college football helmets

Last Saturday was a first for me, listening to Nebraska coach Matt Rhule talk about the details of the helmet radio on offense and defense. For instance, transmissions from sideline to quarterback must shut off with 15 seconds left on the play clock.

My question: How would anyone know if they kept going?

Also, one defender will have the radio in his helmet — noted by the green dot on the helmet.

I’m trying to picture Jerry Murtaugh wearing the radio helmet. I'm guessing the signal would have been short-circuited after one series.

Matt Rhule's approach to transfer portal

Rhule has the best approach to the transfer portal that I’ve heard.

Coach the kids you’ve got. Coach them hard. Give them everything to be successful. Give them feedback, good or bad, on their standing. Give them a plan to move up.

And yes, give them an opportunity to drink at the NIL well.

That’s all you can do. If they still want to leave, wish them well. You’re not going to keep everyone. Some are going to move on, searching for the perfect spot. That’s the world we live in.

Then go find some other players and coach them up. Eventually, that makes your program an attraction.

I think kids today want your attention. Criticism. Praise. Whatever. They want to know you care about them.

Do that and you’re going to keep your share of players, too.

Jim Flanery signs contract extension

Glad to see Creighton taking care of Jim Flanery with an extension. Flan the Man has more than earned it.

He’s had an exceptional career, and a big run of late with some of his best players.

More Flan please.

Another year of Ryan Kalkbrenner?

I don’t see Ryan Kalkbrenner’s name on many NBA mock draft lists, which means nothing.

But if the big man isn’t feeling the love from the NBA, when will he announce he’s coming back for a fifth year?

Selfishly, I’d like to cover a fifth year of “Kalk.” He’s already on the list of all-time Jays.

And with Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan gone next year, Kalkbrenner will stand above the crowd.

Creighton's NIL packages

Yes, there will be a NIL package for Kalkbrenner if he comes back.

But from what I’ve learned in talking to folks who run NIL, the numbers that people throw around in rumors are much higher than the actual number the athlete is getting.

Then again, I think NIL folks sometimes say that because they don’t want people to know how much these kids are really getting.

I don’t want to know, either.

Where will Chucky Hepburn go?

The team that gets Chucky Hepburn is getting a winner. An older, wiser point guard, a leader, an elite defender.

I saw some “crystal ball” has Hepburn going to Louisville. I would think an appeal for him would be going to a winning program that has been making deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Pat Kelsey may win big at Louisville, but I can’t believe that program is ready to do that next year.

I see Creighton as a good fit for Hepburn, running Mac’s offense, on stage in his hometown, showing his wares in another league, the Big-Time East.

What matters here is what Hepburn sees. And he’s a cat with great vision.

A new role forChris Kabourek?

Once Jeffrey Gold takes over at NU, I’d like to see a new role for Chris Kabourek, who has a passion for athletics and did a terrific job as interim president.

Sports Liaison to the president?

Paul Skenes returns to Omaha

He’s baaaack.

The last time we saw Paul Skenes, he was throwing 100-plus mph fastballs at the College World Series for LSU. On Wednesday, Skenes will pitch at Werner Park for the Indianapolis Indians.

Skenes is being brought along slowly by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he’s going to be hard to hold back. In 12 2/3 innings this season, Skenes has 27 strikes outs, and has allowed five hits and four walks.

One more and I’m outta here

Folks, I need you again. What do you want to see in a Nebraska spring game?

All serious football? Or a little fan festival/carnival in there, too? Or an event that celebrates former Huskers?

Send me your thoughts.