By Katie Knapp
Omaha, NE – The Save Rosenblatt Committee is continuing its efforts to ensure that the College World Series remains at its current home long-term. More than one hundred people rallied outside Rosenblatt Stadium Saturday afternoon in an effort to encourage city leaders to keep the CWS at Rosenblatt.
Save Rosenblatt wants city officials to secure a long-term deal with the NCAA that involves the current site. Last week, Mayor Mike Fahey's Stadium Oversight Committee recommended that a new ballpark be built downtown on Qwest Center parking lots C and E. Among the options considered by the Committee was an extensive renovation of Rosenblatt at a cost of $84 million. A new downtown ballpark has a $140 million price tag.
Save Rosenblatt Committee Chairman Jason Smith says the stadium is an important part of Omaha's past and future. He told supporters they're just part of a larger group who feels Rosenblatt is still viable.
City Councilman Garry Gernandt, who supports the effort to keep the College World Series at Rosenblatt, says Omaha has spent $35 million in the past 15 years on extensive renovations to the stadium. He questioned the costs of a new downtown stadium and its proposed location.
The Stadium Oversight Committee plans to hold three public meetings about the downtown stadium proposal. The first meeting is this Thursday at Lauritzen Gardens. Smith urged Rosenblatt supporters to attend those meetings and ask questions.