Archive for the ‘TD Ameritrade Park Omaha’ Category

MORE THAN A QUARTER MILLION PEOPLE ATTEND RECENT OMAHA SPORTS COMMISSION EVENTS

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

The three major sports events hosted by the Omaha Sports Commission (OSC) over the past eight months are paying dividends to the city and state. Omaha Sports Commission President Harold Cliff said the three events – the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Swimming, 2013 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships and Mutual of Omaha’s Battles on Ice – provided unique sporting opportunities while showcasing Omaha on the national stage.

“Attendance for these three events totaled 271,368 and generated a combined estimated economic impact of more than $50 million,” Cliff said. “Just as important was the national exposure the events provided Omaha and the State of Nebraska. The Olympic Swim Trials and U.S. Figure Skating Championships had 16 hours of live or taped coverage on NBC, while dozens of national newspapers carried stories.”

  • The Olympic Swim Trials, held June 25 to July 2, 2012, drew 167,048 fans and generated an estimated economic impact of more than $30 million. NBC broadcast the Trials live for eight straight nights, while a national cable channel aired coverage during the day. More than 250 media were credentialed for the Trials.
  • The U.S. Figure Skating Championships, held January 20 to 27, 2013, drew 90,760 fans and generated an estimated economic impact of nearly $20 million. NBC aired eight hours of live or tape-delayed coverage of the weekend championships. More than 120 media were credentialed for the championships.
  • Mutual of Omaha’s Battles on Ice on February 9, 2013, drew 13,560 fans and had several million dollars of estimated impact as large number of North Dakota and Lincoln fans attended the event. It was the first USHL hockey game ever played outdoors, and one of the only outdoor college hockey games played this season.

Omaha Sports Commission Board Chair Lisa Roskens said OSC has more events planned for 2013.

“We are very proud of the significant contributions these three events have made to our community and state, and our efforts will continue,” Roskens said. “Later this month we’ll host the Short Track Speedskating Championships and our goal is to provide people a wide variety of sports championships throughout the year.”

Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority President and CEO Roger Dixon said Omaha has become known as one of America’s great amateur sports communities.

“It all started with the NCAA Men’s College World Series, but in the past 10 years we have taken sports championships to a new level,” Dixon said. The results once again demonstrate the wisdom of community leaders and the public to build CenturyLink Center Omaha, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, and create the Omaha Sports Commission. We have the organization and facilities to compete on a national scale for major sporting championships.”

Robert Watson, general manager of Hilton Omaha, and Joe Gudenrath, executive director of the Downtown Improvement District, said OSC events were a tremendous boost to the local economy, especially downtown businesses.

“Hilton Omaha experienced outstanding business from Omaha Sports Commission events, as have many other area hotels,” Watson said. “The two events in 2013 were held during a traditionally slow time for our industry, so the activity was greatly appreciated.”

“Restaurants, retail stores and attractions benefitted from OSC events the past eight months,” Gudenrath said. “Few cities in the country can attract thousands of fans to sports such as swimming and figure skating, but people consistently support these events.”

Posted in Century Link Center, Figure Skating, Hockey, Mutual of Omaha, Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice, Olympic Swim Trials, Omaha Lancers, Omaha Sports Commission, Swimming, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, U.S. Figure Skating, U.S. Figure Skating Championships, University of Nebraska at Omaha, USA Swimming | No Comments »

OUTDOOR HOCKEY RINK NEARING COMPLETION FOR MUTUAL OF OMAHA BATTLES ON ICE

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Construction crews are completing work on the outdoor hockey rink at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha as preparations continue for the February 9 Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice. The historic outdoor double header will feature the Omaha Lancers facing off against the Lincoln Stars at noon, followed by the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks taking on North Dakota.

The Omaha Sports Commission is hosting the hockey matches and President Harold Cliff said thousands of fans have already purchased tickets.

“We’ve been very pleased with ticket response and expect a great crowd for the two match ups,” Cliff said. “Ticket interest has been strong in Omaha as well as from hockey fans in Lincoln, North Dakota and throughout the region. Outdoor hockey creates a unique atmosphere and we encourage fans to come for the action, especially since one ticket provides access to both games.”

Cliff said plans are in place to ensure that fans can take breaks from the cold weather during the two games.

  • Fans will be able to exit and re-enter the stadium once during the afternoon.
  • Main concourse restrooms and concession stands have been de-winterized and will be open during the games.
  • The Jack Diesing room near the main stadium entrance will be open for fans to warm up during the day.
  • Fans purchasing tickets in the club section will have access to second floor indoor restrooms, lounges and concession areas.

Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority President and CEO Roger Dixon said February 9 will be busy on the MECA grounds with four events taking place throughout the day.

“Saturday the 9th will once again demonstrate the versatility of MECA facilities as activities take place in the stadium, arena and convention center,” Dixon said. “In addition to the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice, the Home & Garden show will be taking place in the convention center. That evening Creighton will have a home basketball game while a local Dancing with the Stars competition will be under way in the convention center. We encourage people to plan ahead and take advantage of the many parking options throughout the downtown area.”

Dixon said the hockey double-header should be over by 6 p.m., freeing more parking for evening events.

  • Hockey and Home & Garden Show parking on MECA property will be in Lot D across from the stadium. The lot will open at 9 a.m. and tailgating will be allowed for hockey fans before the game.
  • Parking Lot B will be available for Creighton season ticket holders. It is anticipated most of Lot D will also be available to Creighton fans by early evening as well.
  • There are approximately 5,000 parking stalls available in the downtown corridor north and south of MECA facilities.
  • Metro will operate special downtown bus service to MECA facilities. Bus service in the downtown area will cost a quarter and buses will be running every 10 minutes from different downtown locations.

Omaha Lancer owner Ben Robert said Cox Communications plans to televise the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice for fans that can’t make it to the double header. But he encouraged area residents to experience the thrill of outdoor hockey.

“In every city where outdoor hockey games have been played, fans have raved about the excitement created in a stadium atmosphere,” Robert said. “Battles on Ice offers fans two games featuring fierce rivals. The coaches and players can’t wait for the puck to drop and the action to start.”

UNO Associate Athletic Director Mike Kemp said players on all four teams can’t wait for the chance to play a season game outside.

“Many of the players on all four teams grew up playing outdoor hockey and the chance to play before a large crowd at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will be a great experience,” Kemp said. “The two games will be very competitive and it will be some of the best hockey action fans will see this year.”

Posted in Events, Hockey, Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice, Omaha Lancers, Omaha Sports Commission, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, University of Nebraska at Omaha | No Comments »

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR OMAHA’S FIRST HOCKEY OUTDOOR DOUBLE-HEADER

Monday, October 1st, 2012

Tickets are now on sale for one of the most anticipated winter sports events ever held in Omaha. The Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will be held Saturday, February 9, 2013 at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. The outdoor double-header will feature the Omaha Lancers playing United States Hockey League opponent the Lincoln Stars at 12:30 p.m., followed by the UNO Mavericks facing off against Western Collegiate Hockey Association foe North Dakota.

One ticket provides admission to both games and prices start at $30. The games are being presented by the Omaha Sports Commission, working with the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Omaha Lancers hockey programs. Mutual of Omaha is the title sponsor of the event. Tickets will be sold through ticketmaster.com and CenturyLink Omaha box office. Omaha Lancer and UNO Maverick season ticket holders were given an opportunity to purchase tickets late last week and officials say the initial response has been tremendous.

“Since announcing the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice last February, we have been asked numerous times when tickets would be on available and we are pleased to announce public sales start today,” Omaha Sports Commission President Harold Cliff said. “The Omaha Sports Commission is proud to host this event and we want to thank Mutual of Omaha for serving as title sponsor of this unique sports competition.”

“UNO hockey fans could not be more excited for this game, and we have heard from hundreds of North Dakota hockey fans who intend to travel to Omaha and see these incredible games,” UNO’s Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. “Mutual of Omaha’s Battles on Ice will showcase all that UNO hockey has going for it and provide excellent national exposure
to our program.”

“This will be an historic season for the Omaha Lancers, as we start in our new home at the Ralston Arena and then play in this great event at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha,” Omaha Lancers President and Managing Partner Ben Robert said. “The Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice is generating great excitement among our fans, and we know a number of Lincoln Stars fans will travel I-80 to see this great double-header.”

“Mutual of Omaha is proud to sponsor Battles on Ice and we are hoping for a packed stadium of hockey fans,” Mutual of Omaha Senior Vice President John Hildenbiddle said.  “The Omaha Sports Commission is to be commended for helping bring everyone together and creating another memorable sports event for our community.”

For housing reservations for this event please visit: www.visitomaha.com/battlesonice.

 

Posted in Hockey, Mavericks, Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Lancers, Omaha Sports Commission, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, University of Nebraska at Omaha | No Comments »

USA Baseball Raises Money for Japan Relief

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

USA Baseball announced Wednesday that over the course of five games in early July, it raised $2,500 for efforts to help rebuild baseball infrastructure in areas of Japan affected by the tsunami and earthquake damage.  Donations were accepted throughout the five-game collegiate all-star series between the U.S. and Japan, July 3-8.

During the first four games of the series in Durham, Cary and Kannapolis, N.C., July 3-6, USA Baseball set-up a donation table on the concourses of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, USA Baseball National Training Complex and Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium, respectively, to raise awareness for the effort. Fans that donated two dollars or more received a USA Baseball ‘Our Pastime’s Future’ bracelet.

On July 8, when the series shifted to Omaha, Neb., for the fifth and final game, USA Baseball worked with the Omaha World Herald to print game programs which were offered in exchange for a donation. Donation buckets were also placed at the entrance to TD Ameritrade Park.

At both the North Carolina sites and Omaha, USA Baseball auctioned off authentic U.S. jerseys signed by both Team USA and Japan, with the profits going toward the relief effort.

“The United States and Japan have had a great baseball relationship since 1972, and we decided this international friendship series would be the perfect opportunity to help the Japanese baseball community,” said Paul Seiler, Executive Director/CEO of USA Baseball.  “We want to also thank our partners in Cary, Durham, Kannapolis, and Omaha for their support of this initiative as well.”

USA Baseball’s donations will be distributed to three baseball conferences in Japan that were affected by the tsunami and earthquake tragedies.  The federation will work with Japan’s baseball governing body to help rebuild the sport in damaged areas.

“I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to USA Baseball for its support and encouragement concerning the tragic east Japan earthquake and tsunami,” said All-Japan University Baseball Federation president Hideitsu Ohashi.  “We have sent the contribution to the Sendai University Baseball Federation, which represents three university federations in the area that was affected, and they are committed to use the contribution for the reconstruction of their baseball activities.  Nothing is more heartening in a crisis than the encouragement and support of friends overseas.”

Prior to playing Team USA, the Japanese College All-Stars played in Forest City, N.C., against the Forest City Owls of the Coastal Plains League. Forest City also participated in fundraising efforts and collected $1,200 toward Japan relief.

The 2011 USA vs. Japan series was won by Team USA, with the U.S. sweeping three games in the Triangle-area of North Carolina before moving to Omaha for a double-header. The teams finished the first game tied, and Japan won the series finale.

Posted in Baseball, Omaha Sports Commission, Omaha World Herald, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, USA Baseball | No Comments »

EXCITING Summer Volunteer Opportunities!!!

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Looking for a fun way to get involved in all the spectacular sporting events that happen in Omaha? There are two opportunities for both the Omaha Women’s Triathlon and the 2011 NCAA Men’s College World Series happening this summer!

Omaha Women’s Triathlon

Not sure about running, biking or swimming?

Get up close to the action by signing up to volunteer for the Omaha Women’s Triathlon, Sunday, May 22nd at Lawrence Youngman Lake. Proceeds benefit the Olson Center for Women’s Heath.

Want to help set up? Or maybe just cheer on the runners? There is a  job for you! Follow this link to join the team!

http://volunteer.ezwebsignup.com/signup/womenstri

2011 NCAA Men’s College World Series

College World Series of Omaha, Inc. is looking for volunteers for the inaugural NCAA Men’s College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha.

College World Series volunteers show each and every baseball fan what a great city Omaha is and help to continue the tradition that has been part of this city for over 60 years.

As a CWS of Omaha, Inc., volunteer, you get to be part of creating memories for fans and student-athletes from around the country. Unlike some of the other Omaha events, CWS volunteers only work in the Fan Festival area, and not in the stadium. These positions oversee each of the NCAA’s fan interactive areas, such as home run derby or speed pitching. Each volunteer will be provided with CWS apparel and parking for their services during the event. Additionally, each volunteer must be 18 years of age and have the necessary means of transportation to arrive for your shift on time.

If you would like to volunteer for the 2011 CWS, please let them know by Friday, May 6. At this time, they will reach out to all volunteers with a schedule so that you may request days that best fit with your schedule. Once CWS has the final needs and times from the NCAA, they will then follow up with a proposed schedule.

To become a CWS volunteer or for more information on becoming a volunteer, please contact Reggie Gossett at reggie@cwsomaha.com or at (402) 554-4422. You can also visit www.cwsomaha.com.



Posted in Baseball, College World Series of Omaha, Inc., Lawrence Youngman Lake, NCAA, Omaha Sports Commission, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, Triathlon, USAT, Volunteer Opportunities | No Comments »

USA Baseball and Japan to Return to Omaha

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

USA Baseball and the Omaha Sports Commission announced today that the 2011 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team and Japan Collegiate All-Stars will play the fifth and concluding game of their 38th Collegiate All-Star Series at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb., on July 8, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. CT.

The game marks the second year in a row that the two teams will meet in Omaha.  In 2010, the U.S. defeated Japan, 4-1, in a one-game international friendship exhibition at Rosenblatt Stadium, the former and long-time home of the College World Series.

“We are pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership with the Omaha Sports Commission,” said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO.  “Our players and organization had a wonderful experience in 2010 and we look forward to building on that this summer.”

The game will feature the best collegiate players from two of the top baseball-playing nations in the world, bringing some of sport’s brightest young stars to the new home of college baseball in the United States. Alumni of Collegiate National Team over the last five years include some of baseball top young players, such as, Pedro Alvarez, Christian Colon, Mike Leake, Brian Matusz, Mike Minor, Drew Pomeranz, David Price, Justin Smoak, and Stephen Strasburg.

“Last year’s game at Rosenblatt between USA Baseball and Japan was a great success, and we believe the 2011 game at TD Ameritrade Park will be even better,” said Harold Cliff, president of the Omaha Sports Commission.  “This will be a great opportunity for sports fans to see exciting international competition featuring some of baseball’s rising stars.”

For the first time in the history of the collegiate program, there will be no trials period for the team.  The final roster will be announced in late June and training and a series of exhibition games will follow.  The 2011 club will be managed by Missouri head coach Tim Jamieson, who previously served as an assistant coach for the 2005 Collegiate National Team.

“Omaha is the pinnacle of college baseball, so it is fitting that the best college baseball players in the country will be given the opportunity to take on Japan’s best collegiate players at the new TD Amertrade Park,” said Jamieson.  “I am excited to take Team USA to such a great baseball venue to share this game with college baseball’s best fans.”

Team USA will be looking for its first series win since 2003 when it swept Japan, 5-0, in games played across North and South Carolina.  The two countries play every other year and alternate as the event host.  In 2009, Japan took the series, three games to two, following five evenly-matched games held in Japanese collegiate and professional baseball stadiums across the country, including the Tokyo Dome.  The U.S. leads the all-time series, 21-16, with an overall record of 117-93-1.

Prior to the series finale in Omaha, the U.S. and Japan will play four games in North Carolina.  Games #1-2 will be in Durham at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Game #3 will be held in Cary at the USA Baseball National Training Complex, and Game #4 will be played at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium in Kannapolis.

Tickets and game day information will be made available this spring.

Posted in Baseball, Events, Omaha Sports Commission, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, USA Baseball | No Comments »