-
Out with the old, in with the new.
On November 27, 2010, I attended the last event to ever be held in Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. Even as I sat in my seat behind home plate on that cold, chilly morning, it never really sunk in that this was it. I left that day, nostalgic, but convinced somewhere in my mind that I would be back. I suppose that’s because every year when I left Rosenblatt for the final time each season, I knew I’d be back. There would be another College World Series, another Royals game, and even another Nebraska vs. Creighton game. But on November 27th, that wasn’t true any longer. That was it and I hardly believed it.
Last night, on April 20, 2011, with weather oddly similar to that of a winter day, I attended the very first game to ever be played in the new TD Ameritrade stadium. It was then, when I walked through the pristine gates of the massive facility, that it really sunk in: I’ll never go back to Rosenblatt.
Now, I’m sure you’re expecting me to spend the remainder of this blog talking about how sad I am, but that is hardly the case. In fact, to tell you the truth, I officially became sold on TD Ameritrade around 6:15pm yesterday evening. From the state-of-the-art amenities to the spacious bathrooms (yes, that matters), I was in awe. It was a mini-Major League stadium and I realized in that moment how good this was for Omaha.
I’m still critical of a few elements, sure, but for the most part, the days of my skepticism are over. And dare I say I’m actually excited for the College World Series in the new ballpark? As long as they get the concession stand lines figured out and add a few extra cell towers, I’d say we’re in business. Plus, the extra seat space doesn’t hurt.
However, I was never worried whether or not TD Ameritrade would be nice. We all knew it would be. What I was worried about was whether or not the spirit Rosenblatt possessed would translate to the new, shiny facility. After one night, I can confidently say it has. And I now realize that Omaha is more than an old ballpark sitting on a hill off of I-80. Omaha is a community, a feeling, and a soul. Last night, Omaha just got a new way of displaying what makes our town so special. We may have lost something so many of us loved, but we kept everything that mattered. And I think we made dear ol’ Rosenblatt proud.
And with that, it’s time to finally say goodbye to Rosenblatt. Of course many of us will continue to miss Lambert Bartak, the blue, yellow, and red seats, and the general feeling South Omaha provided to the stadium, but at least we can rest assured that Omaha is still the same: proud and full of heart.
