Paul Fiarkoski on broadcasting set at 2009 CWS Fan Fest
My mission: to preserve and cherish the memories of Rosenblatt Stadium – Omaha’s original home of the College World Series and the Omaha Royals.
Need more background? Read What happened to Rosenblatt Stadium?
This blog is what you get when a well-meaning first time author lets other priorities get between him and his goal of publishing a book. That is still my goal and it will happen sometime. Until then, I hope you enjoy some of the memories I have captured here and feel free to share your own.
My Story
Mine is the story of a kid who grew up virtually in the shadows of Rosenblatt’s towering stadium lights, left the neighborhood as an adult and was drawn back again and again. My love affair with Rosenblatt culminated with an in-depth behind the scenes experience few have had the opportunity to experience. I invite you to come along with me on a journey that will help us all remember the grandeur of Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium.
In this blog, I have tried to capture just how special a place Omaha’s Rosenblatt Stadium is. I refer to it in the present tense because the stadium still stands as I write this and because, if we allow it to, the legendary field of dreams will remain forever in our hearts and minds.
You can make this whole experience better for everyone if you share your own memories by leaving a comment below (only your comment and name will be visible)
For more Rosenblatt memories follow me on:
- Facebook Rosenblatt Stadium fan page
- Twitter @rememberblatt
- Guest blogs: collegebaseball360.com
My work is in no way supported by or affiliated with the City of Omaha, NCAA or other governing entity.
Sincerely,
Paul Fiarkoski
Paul,
I read your article on baseball360, and I thought it really showed a lot about the differences. Ive been twice to the Blatt, I went in 2006 and last year 2010. Our group, which had been watching the CWS for years, didnt realize the “vibe” that was present in that neighborhood and just the overall feel of the experience, which really has nothing to do with what goes on inside the lines of the field, though that is great too.
How would you describe the outside “scene” at the new park?
I was wondering if you could comment on just what those “feelings” were like. One of our favorite spots, was the Royal View Hall, which during CWS turned into a combo of Famous Daves and a Frat Party, it was great, last year one man live Piano, it was awesome. But we’ve had that feeling the new park wont have places like that, it will be more permanent establishments, bars, that you can find at any stadium. Having been to wrigley, to me wrigley is as much about wrigleyville as it was about Wrigley field, that is sort of how I felt with Rosenblatt, but the powers that be never seemed to get that.
Tim,
The feeling at TD Ameritrade is very different than Rosenblatt. The best way I can describe it is “all business”. You don’t see people hanging around in the lots (or anywhere) taking time to shoot the breeze or make friends, etc. People seem to be in a rush to get into the lots, then they jump out of their cars and make a beeline for the stadium. Once you’re in the stadium it’s really all business.
In all fairness, I need to reiterate that the new stadium is VERY NICE! And it appears to be doing everything the City of Omaha and the NCAA wanted it to do – earn tax revenues and raise the stature of the College World Series.
I invite you to see the more in-depth review I’ve been lax in posting. Read A Rosenblatt lover’s review of TD Ameritrade Park>>
Cheers!