Blue Jays Will Begin Play In New Downtown Omaha Stadium in 2011

OMAHA, Neb. – Creighton University and the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) have reached an agreement for the Creighton Bluejay baseball team to play its home games at TD AMERITRADE Park Omaha, NE.  The MECA board approved a 10-year lease agreement with Creighton at its Oct. 27 board meeting.

Under the lease agreement Creighton will play some home games in 2011 and all of its home games in 2012 at TD AMERITRADE Park Omaha. This includes Missouri Valley Conference games and annual games against in-state rival Nebraska. Creighton games will be part of the TD AMERITRADE Park Omaha suite and club seat packages. The new stadium is currently under construction, and it will be the new home of the Men’s College World Series beginning in 2011.

MECA Board Chair Gail Werner-Robertson said the lease agreement strengthens the positive relationship between the two organizations.

“MECA and Creighton have an excellent working relationship and we thank Creighton University President Father John Schlegel and athletic director Bruce Rasmussen for their continued support of our facilities and the City of Omaha,” Werner-Robertson said.  “We are proud to have Creighton basketball and now baseball as anchor tenants at Qwest Center Omaha and TD AMERITRADE Park Omaha.”

Creighton University President the Rev. John P. Schlegel S.J., said Creighton Bluejay basketball took a major step forward after moving to Qwest Center Omaha, and he sees the same opportunities for the Creighton baseball program.

“Creighton Bluejay basketball has become one of the nation’s home attendance leaders, and we see excellent potential for baseball attendance growth at TD AMERITRADE Park Omaha,” Schlegel said.  “There is great excitement for Bluejay baseball and we are anxious to start playing our home games at the new ballpark.”

MECA President and CEO Roger Dixon said the agreement with Creighton creates new opportunities for additional baseball action at the new stadium.

“As the home park for Creighton baseball, we intend to work together for consideration as a host for Missouri Valley Conference tournament and the regional and super-regional games before the NCAA College World Series begins each June,” Dixon said.  “We also intend to keep the park active after the baseball season with concerts and family events.  We look forward to the completion of construction and opening of TD AMERITRADE Park Omaha in spring of 2011.”

(Press Release And Staff Report)