Some folks are so fired up about this year's College World Series that they've already claimed spots outside Rosenblatt Stadium, even though the series doesn't start for another week.
But the City of Omaha isn't thrilled with the early efforts to reserve favorite tailgating areas. City officials say it's simply too early to put up tents, set out grills or anything else. They're asking CWS fans to remove their items by Sunday evening, or police will do it for them.
“Typically, people don't start doing this until next week,” said Brook Bench, the city's park maintenance manager. “I suppose it's because it's the last year at Rosenblatt.”
Friday, much of the grassy area along Bert Murphy Avenue between the stadium and the Henry Doorly Zoo was filled with about 50 tent frames, apparently set up by baseball fans. Under one frame, artificial turf had been laid over the grass.
There were also a few grills, including one that had been chained and padlocked to a tree.
Ron Gerard, a spokesman for Mayor Jim Suttle, said the tent frames and other items are interfering with site preparation for the series. Right now, city workers can't even mow.
The series, which runs June 19-30, will be the last held at Rosenblatt. Next year it will move to TD Ameritrade Park, which is being built in downtown Omaha.
Gerard said the city will announce next week when preparations around Rosenblatt are complete, and people can again stake out their spots for the series.
Contact the writer:
444-3100, maggie.obrien@owh.com
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