Lancaster County this week completed its $8.9 million purchase of the downtown site for a proposed $150 million convention center, moving the project forward even as its financing remains unresolved and Nebraska Athletics has explored a competing location near Memorial Stadium.
The Athletic Department pitched the idea of a convention center adjacent to Memorial Stadium to Gov. Jim Pillen, and explored using a turnback tax to finance it.
The block east of the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, one with several private owners known as Block 90, was chosen as the site of Lincoln's convention center.Â
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen speaks with Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen before Nebraska's game against Northern Iowa on Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Top Journal Star photos and videos for September 2026
Arron Klassen grooms a calf belonging to a friend from Fullerton ahead of the Steer Producer and Jackpot Feeder Show at the Nebraska State Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in Grand Island.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
From left, Milford's Libby Reil (7) Braelynn Mueller (13) Adalyn Cisneros (2) Bryn Grossart (6) and Ashlynn Miller (14) celebrate after a point on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at Freeman High School in Adams. Milford beat Freeman 3-1.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE,Journal Star
President Jeffrey Gold speaks during the State of the University address Thursday at the Capitol.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, left, and independent candidate Dan Osborn, right, debate at the Nebraska State Fair on Tuesday in Grand Island.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Pedestrians walk over the east bridge at Holmes Lake as fragrant water lilies in bloom grow on the north shore on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.
The Athletic Department pitched the idea of a convention center adjacent to Memorial Stadium to Gov. Jim Pillen, and explored using a turnback tax to finance it.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen speaks with Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen before Nebraska's game against Northern Iowa on Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
The block east of the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, one with several private owners known as Block 90, was chosen as the site of Lincoln's convention center.Â
