The mayor's group unanimously recommended building a baseball stadium in two of the Qwest Center Omaha's parking lots as the best option for the community and the best way to secure a long-term NCAA contract for the College World Series.

"The College World Series is an invaluable asset to Omaha. It has been for over 50 years," said Ken Stinson, the chairman of the mayor's stadium review committee. "We're looking forward to another generation of Omaha as the host city."

But Stinson and Fahey both refused to explain why the committee decided a new stadium downtown would be better than renovating Rosenblatt Stadium until after city officials meet with NCAA officials in Indianapolis later this month. Stinson and Fahey also wouldn't discuss how much the stadium might cost or how it would be paid for.

"I think it's only fair that we sit down with them (NCAA officials) and show them the full details before they read it in the paper or the newscasts," Fahey said.

Previously, Fahey has said a new stadium would be better for the city, as it would spark long-term development in south Omaha near the zoo and in north downtown where the stadium would be built.

Fahey defended his decision not to seek public input on the stadium plan because he wanted to gather expert opinions first and have answers ready for the public.

"In fairness, this is not something that everyone in the public knows how to build a baseball stadium," Fahey said.

Fahey and Stinson, who is chairman of Omaha construction giant Peter Kiewit Sons Inc., promised to explain the committee's methods to the public later.

The board that runs the Qwest Center has objected to the idea of a stadium there because of parking concerns and possible conflicts between the two venues. And it wasn't clear Monday whether that board will be willing to support the idea.

The mayor's group recommends building a baseball stadium in lots C and E northwest of the arena.

The most recent estimates to build a new stadium near the Qwest Center are between $130 million and $140 million. That's about $60 million higher than estimates to renovate Rosenblatt Stadium.

The current contract between the NCAA and Omaha for the series expires in 2010.

The city is expected to meet with the NCAA in Indianapolis Feb. 26 to make its recommendation. Omaha has until April 30 to reach a deal. After that, other cities could bid for the series.

More than 300,000 people attended College World Series games over 10 days last June.

Rosenblatt was built in 1948 and opened as Municipal Stadium. It was renamed in 1964 in honor of Johnny Rosenblatt, Omaha's mayor from 1954 to 1961. The stadium, which originally seated 10,000, now has a capacity of 23,145.

On the Net:

CWS Omaha: http://cwsomaha.org

NCAA Sports: http://www.ncaasports.com