TD Ameritrade Park Omaha Ribbon Cutting Begins the Future of Baseball in Downtown Omaha

National and local business and government representatives today cut the ribbon opening TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, home of the NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series for the next 25 years. The ballpark was designed by Populous, in conjunction with local architect HDR of Omaha. The Creighton University Bluejays baseball team, which will also play its home games at the ballpark, conducted the first practice on the field following the ceremony.

TD Ameritrade Park Omaha seats 24,000 fans and offers a number of new features.

• A 360-degree open concourse allowing fans to stay connected to the action on the field from anywhere in the stadium.
• A 34 feet tall by 55 feet wide right field scoreboard with state-of-the-art fiber optics and HD-quality imagery.
• High-resolution television monitors near every concession stand.
• Premium seating options including 2,500 club seats and 30 luxury suites that are virtually sold out.
• Full accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Approximately 9,000 parking spaces available within a 12-minute walk.

“TD Ameritrade Park represents the pinnacle of collegiate baseball on many levels, and we felt the design had to be on par with that experience,” said Joe Spear, FAIA, senior principal of Populous. “It’s a ballpark that celebrates tradition, the Midwestern spirit and not only great baseball but family events as well”

TD Ameritrade Park Omaha is owned by the City of Omaha and operated by Metropolitan Entertainment& Convention Authority. In addition to Creighton baseball and NCAA College World Series, the stadium will host the Missouri Valley Conference tournament and will serve as center stage for Red Sky Music Festival from July 19-24, with major entertainers performing nightly. It will showcase the July 8 international game between USA Baseball and Japan College All-Stars, and this fall will be home of the United Football League’s Omaha Nighthawks.

Jim Vokal, chairman of MECA, said TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will further expand sports and entertainment opportunities available to fans throughout the region.

“In 2003 the doors to Qwest Center Omaha opened, transforming Omaha and creating a new living room for our community,” Vokal said. “TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will be a tremendous driver of activity for the North downtown area, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Governor Dave Heineman highlighted the economic benefits of the new stadium.

“TD Ameritrade Park will be a destination for baseball fans across Nebraska and around the country,” Governor Heineman said. “We are proud of the long-time home of the College World Series, and the new TD Ameritrade Park ensures that legacy will continue for another generation. This ballpark is the newest addition to Omaha’s world-class sporting and entertainment venues that help enrich the quality of life for Nebraska residents and bring visitors to our state.

Mayor Jim Suttle said few cities in the country can feature sports and entertainment options provided by TD Ameritrade Park Omaha and Qwest Center Omaha.

“Omaha has become the amateur sports capital of our country and we are proud to provide so many great opportunities to families in our region,” Mayor Suttle said. “Whether it is a Creighton game, College World Series action or Red Sky Music festival, people can spend an evening in downtown Omaha that few cities in the country can match.”

“The opening of TD Ameritrade Park Omaha is one of the finest examples of how members of a community – from local government to businesses, organizations and people that drive its growth – can come together to preserve beloved traditions and future development opportunities for a whole new generation,” said Fred Tomczyk, president and chief executive officer of TD Ameritrade. “The associates of TD Ameritrade are proud to be part of such an important fixture within the Omaha community.”

“The NCAA is proud to continue its great partnership with the City of Omaha, and TD Ameritrade Park Omaha is another great example of the community’s commitment to the NCAA College World Series,” said NCAA Vice-President for Baseball and Football, Dennis Poppe. “We are excited that this outstanding baseball venue will serve as the home of the College World Series into the future and are confident this new stadium will enhance the overall experience of the young men who will play in this great event.”

“The College World Series has been and will continue to be a signature event for Omaha, and TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will definitely enhance the student athlete experience and fan enjoyment,” said Jack Diesing, Jr., president and treasurer of CWS of Omaha, Inc. “As my father would have said, in his own understated way: ‘This is Pretty Darn Terrific.’”

“If TD Ameritrade Park Omaha were a gem, it would be a diamond,” said Bruce Rasmussen, Creighton University director of athletics. “This new ballpark is without a doubt the best college baseball stadium in the country and Creighton University is pleased to play its games there and host College World Series games for many years to come.”

Roger Dixon, CEO of MECA, promised citizens a first-class experience when visiting TD Ameritrade Park Omaha.

“MECA management and staff are committed to providing visitors the highest level of personal service and amenities at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha,” Dixon said. “Our design ensures every guest has a great view of the action on the field from their seat or while in the concourse. We are confident the fan experience at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will be memorable.”

For further information please contact:
Gina Stingley at Populous
Telephone: 816 221 1500
Email media@populous.com