Legends Selected as Development Partner for Downtown Lincoln Convention Center Project

Assemble Lincoln, a group comprised of local, state and federal policymakers, business leaders and members of the Lincoln community, announced a partnership with Legends pursuant to an agreement approved by the Lancaster County Board’s vote at their meeting on Tuesday, December 12.

“The positive momentum for Lincoln’s convention center will continue with the addition of Legends to this project, who has a proven track record of success when it comes to developing world-class events and venues,” says Sen. Eliot Bostar, chair of Assemble Lincoln. “The wonderful partnership with the state of Nebraska, Lancaster County, and our other partners on this project will help see this much-needed convention center completed in Lincoln, enhancing what we offer as a community for years to come,” Sen. Bostar concludes.

Legends is a global premium experiences company that works with some of the most iconic and innovative brands in sports and entertainment. Legends provides a holistic, data and analytics fueled service solution spanning venue planning and project management, premium sales, sponsorship, hospitality, and merchandise services for marquee clients in professional sports; collegiate; attractions; entertainment; and leisure. 

“As identified in our Vitality Lincoln strategic plan, Lincoln’s future will be greatly shaped by a downtown convention center as it serves as a pillar for our community’s sustained success,” notes Jason Ball, President of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to support Assemble Lincoln and Legends in their work on this project.

“The Chamber deeply appreciates the support we have received from all of our partners on developing a convention center for downtown Lincoln,” Ball adds.

Legends has supported the exploration of the new convention center since early 2022. The company’s research arm, CSL, completed market and feasibility studies and Legends, along with CSL, will continue to advise with services including but not limited to site selection for the convention center, conceptual and programmatic design services, hotel and convention center financing analysis, as well as drafting RFPs and engaging an architect of record. 

“Legends is proud to have supported the City and Assemble Lincoln since early 2022, and we are looking forward to continuing to be a part of the process of bringing a new convention center to Lincoln. On a personal note, having previously been part of two other major projects in the region, I’m truly excited about the opportunity to be working in the City of Lincoln and Lancaster County on the planning for another transformative project in such a great city,” said Paula Portz, COO of Project Development, Legends. 

Legends is ready to begin involvement in these early phase activities imminently and continue through late 2024.

“We are thrilled to have Legends as a partner in this project, as their expertise and success across the world with global success speaks for itself,” says Jeff Maul, Vice President and Executive Director for Visit Lincoln. 

“As expressed in feasibility studies, there is a great, underserved audience when it comes to available convention space in Lincoln. The studies identified that our community could support a downtown convention center and it would fill that very definitive need,” Maul adds.

Assemble Lincoln continues to maintain a live website, which has the latest news and updates on the convention center project, found at assemblelincoln.com.

About Legends
Legends is a premium experiences company with six divisions operating worldwide – Global Planning, Global Sales, Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Global Merchandise, and Global Technology Solutions – offering clients and partners a 360-degree data and analytics fueled service solution platform to elevate their brand and execute their vision. Currently, Legends works with marquee clients across business verticals including professional sports; collegiate; attractions; entertainment; and leisure. Legends is an industry leader in designing, planning, and realizing exceptional experiences in sports and entertainment.