College Sports

It was great to read the other day that the city of Omaha and the NCAA have agreed to terms that will keep the College World Series (CWS) in that city until at least 2030.  The current contract was set to expire in 2010.

Omaha has served as host of the CWS since 1950, with games played at Rosenblatt Stadium. The city is moving ahead with plans to build a new stadium in downtown Omaha, which will be adjacent to the Qwest Center, and will reportedly seat 24,000 and open in 2011.  That point was seen as a key to the NCAA agreeing to a new contract.

While specific details aren’t known at this time, Omaha was seeking a minimum 20 year contract for the CWS.  There is a “memorandum of understanding” in place, according to a spokesman for Omaha mayor Mike Fahey, with a goal of having a contract signed by June 14, the start of the 2008 CWS.

Why is this good news?  Because Omaha is middle America, the heartland.  The location can’t be accused of favoring any one conference.  And there is stability.  Collegiate baseball players take the field each spring with dreams of making it to Omaha.  To lose that would have been a shame; not devastating, but sad just the same.

But perhaps the primary reason that I am happy about the new contract is because the people of Omaha and the surrounding region have embraced this tournament since 1950.  The locals come out to support the teams… ALL the teams.  It has become a point of pride for the residents of Omaha.  And Omaha reaps financial benefits, as well.  Last year, the CWS brought in a reported $41 million during the 10 day event, not to mention all the free advertising from ESPN, which leads up to the tournament with a “Road to Omaha” theme, followed by full coverage of the tournament.

In short, this is one of those rare situations that are win/win for both parties involved. 

So here’s to Omaha and the NCAA getting it right.