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College sports postponements a bad thing for the Omaha economy


The Nebraska and Creighton volleyball teams won't have a chance to compete for a championship in Omaha in December. (KPTM){p}{/p}
The Nebraska and Creighton volleyball teams won't have a chance to compete for a championship in Omaha in December. (KPTM)

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OMAHA, Neb. (FOX42KPTM) - The last time the Division I Volleyball Championship came to town Nebraska went all the way.

This year, Nebraska had hopes of contending again in Omaha, but then the bottom dropped out.

"It is very sad and it is disappointing," said Joey Rupp, the general manager of Best of Big Red.

Rupp says she feels for Nebraska's athletes and staff. She was hoping to add the year 2020 to the shirts and banners she sells at her store.

"Not having fall sports for the volleyball team this year was another hard hit blow for Husker Nation."

It's also a blow to Omaha's economy. Like Nebraska and the rest of the Big Ten, Creighton and the rest of the Big East also won't compete for a championship in December. The city had already lost a major college basketball tournament, the Swim Trials and the College World Series. Total it all up and Visit Omaha estimates more than $150 million is now gone.

For Rupp, there is at least some hope something can be salvaged. The Huskers might be able to play in the spring. Rupp says she would welcome that.

"The volleyball team and Coach Cook have worked so hard to get to where they are."

The Big Ten says it's evaluating its options for postponed sports. The Big East is also looking to do something in the spring. There is no guarantee for spring competition. At this point, it's only a possibility.

If volleyball does get played in the spring, it could start in February.











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