Every year, the NCAA men’s College World Series is held in Omaha, Nebraska. The city fully embraces the event and the visitors that come here. It is great baseball, plenty of parties, and a genuine economic influx for the city. If you are true baseball fan, this event should be on your bucket list.
Logistically, know that during the CWS, things are booked and busy. If your project falls near the first three weeks of June, you might have a hard time finding LODGING. If you can get rooms or a mini-van, know that they are PRICED HIGHER for the event week. Some crew and gear work during this time but you should be okay in this regard. Vendors that provide production supplies (tables, air chillers, etc) might be sold out.
The stadium, TD Ameritrade Park is downtown and located within streets of newly developed urbanism and old warehousing. If your location is anywhere near here or if you have to pass here to get to set, note the HEAVY traffic (especially before and after games). Parking near here is sparse and mostly pay. Empty lots, that any other time might park production trucks, are now occupied by tents and CWS related parking.
The exterior is a mix of glass and beige brick. The light towers extend into the sky above the stadium, blocking some views to the city skyline.
Inside, it looks and feels like a brand new stadium. A tad too cool and clinically modern but this is for the new era. For most Omahaans, we’ve finally gotten used to the new place.
Part of me wanted the behind-home-plate shot to see the city, like some of the newer major league stadiums, but it does not. You can see the city from upper decks on the third base side and other neighboring structures from the first base side such as CHI Health Center and in the distance, the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge.
There was a rumor once, about a movie that takes place during the CWS and how they wanted to shoot during that time. In my opinion, doing this would take an excessive amount of preproduction planning – at least a year or two ahead. And good luck with the 800 lb gorilla of the NCAA.
IF your client likes baseball and you are coming during this time, they will love you if you get them tickets to a game. The experience outside the stadium rivals the fun of being at the game.
For years, the CWS was held at iconic, classic Rosenblatt stadium in south Omaha. From my personal perspective and my cinematic soul, I still relish the old stadium. Despite the fact that “Since we built the new one, people have come”, many of us miss the ‘Blatt. Rosenblatt stadium WAS located at 13th Street and Bob Gibson Boulevard however it HAS been removed.
Images and words COPYRIGHT © Jamie Vesay Ask for permission to use.
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