Credit: TLC Photography
Credit: Roger Barnes
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HIS SUMMER, BOTH Omahans and visitors alike will find a wealth of events and attractions to enjoy. Whether you’re a sports nut, a fan of theatre and the arts, a foodie or wine connoisseur, or a music lover, there’s something for everyone in Omaha this season, and many events are family-friendly and free! In town for one event? Why not spend the night (or two) and take in a few!
Get ready to plan your summer of fun in the Big O!
FOR THE SPORTS FAN 2012 NCAA Men’s College World Series, TD Ameritrade Park, June 14-26. The NCAA Men’s College World Series returns on the Road to Omaha® for the Greatest Show on Dirt®. Since 1950, the College World Series has been held in Omaha, and it has become a major event for summer tourists. Starting with the Opening Celebration Day on Thursday, June 14 at TD Ameritrade Park, the College World Series kicks off with team autograph sessions, batting practices, opening ceremonies, and fireworks. The opening rounds begin on Friday, June 15 and are played until either Thursday, June 21 or Friday, June 22, if necessary. The best-of-three Championship Series begins on Sunday, June 24 where teams will bat it out to become the next College World Series champions. Will it be South Carolina again, or will college baseball fans have a new champion to celebrate? Free admission for the openingday celebration. Ticket prices vary per game/seating. 1200 Mike Fahey St. For more information, visit www.cwsomaha.com or call 402-554-4404.
U.S. Olympic Team Swim Trials, CenturyLink Center Omaha, June 25 – July 2. The U.S. Olympic Team Swim Trials are returning to the CenturyLink Center this summer. The weeklong competition will draw the best swimmers in the country—from Michael Phelps to Missy Franklin—to prove their prowess and win a spot in the 2012 Olympics in London. Omaha previously hosted the Swim Trials in 2008. With over 160,000 fans in attendance, the 2008 trials smashed the previous attendance record for a U.S. swimming event. With 1,500 swimmers projected to compete, the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Swim Trials are shaping up to be faster, fiercer, and bigger than ever! Preliminary trials will begin at 10am daily, and finals will be held at 7pm daily. 455 N. 10th St. Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.centurylinkcenteromaha.com or call 402-341-1500. 17th Cox Classic, Champions Run Country Club, July 30 - August 5. The Cox Classic, presented by Lexus of Omaha, enters its 17th year in Omaha. Again this year,
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Champions Run Golf Club will host the annual event, which attract some of golf’s premier contenders on the Nationwide Tour. Since the tournament’s inception, more than $1.9 Million has been raised for local charities. With 113,000 spectators in 2011 (Thursday – Sunday), the Cox Classic has become one of Omaha’s most popular annual sporting events, second only to the College World Series. The Cox Classic 2012 schedule of events includes: a ProAm Pairing Party, a Subway Restaurant Youth Clinic; an Autograph Day; and daily Michelob Ultra 19th Hole Parties in addition to the pro tournament. Visit www.coxclassic.com for details. For tickets and packages, call the tournament office, 402-399-1800.
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER Jazz on the Green, Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, Thursdays, July 5 – August 9. Join Omaha Performing Arts on Thursdays this summer for Jazz on the Green. The cherished concert series is held in Turner Park, located in the heart of Midtown Crossing. Since 1985 more than half a million people have spent Thursday evenings relaxing on the lawn while listening to the music of Jazz on the Green. This year’s concert line-up will feature an assortment of Jazz styles—from boogie woogie and big band swing to Latin rhythms and funk melodies. There is sure to be something that will appeal to all Jazz lovers— and perhaps inspire new fans. Lead sponsors include Mutual of Omaha, Alegent Health and Omaha Steaks. Concerts offer free Admission and free parking. Venue opens for seating at 5pm. Concerts begin at 7pm. For more information and a schedule of performers, visit www.jazzonthegreenomaha.com. Red Sky Music Festival, TD Ameritrade Park, July 17-22. The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority and Live Nation have come together to bring top entertainment and breakout artists to Downtown Omaha for the Red Sky Music Festival, now in its second year. The festival will feature all genres of artists on three stages, including winners
of the Battle of the Local Bands. Main stage featured bands and musicians, as well as featured bands and musicians on Stages B+C, include some of the hottest touring groups and performers today. Each Main Stage ticket purchase includes a one-day pass for the Festival Grounds, Stages B+C, good for admission on the day listed on the ticket. For more information on Omaha’s premier music festival and names of acts as they’re announced, go to www.redskyfestival.com. Riverfront Jazz & Blues Festival, Lewis & Clark Landing, 515 Riverfront Dr., July 13-14. The rich smooth sounds of jazz and blues will permeate through Downtown Omaha as national, regional and local artist will perform some of the greatest music jazz and blues has to offer. Plenty of food and beverage will be available for purchase. Tickets available for sale at Ticket Omaha box office, Homer’s, Lefores New Look Fashion and Love’s Jazz & Arts Center, or at www.ticketomaha.com. For a list of performers, ticket prices and additional info, visit www.omahajazzandblues. com for more information.
FOR FOOD AND SPIRITS ENTHUSIASTS 2nd Annual Omaha Beer Fest, Aksarben Village, 67th & Center streets, May 18-19. Enjoy a good brew? Stop by the 2nd Annual Omaha Beer Fest. The festival allows patrons to choose from over 150 beers from over 40 breweries at tented booths throughout beautiful Stinson Park at Aksarben Village. Mix and mingle with brewmasters and VIPs in the brewing industry, attend Beer Academy classes, listen to live music from two bands daily, attend the Homebrewer Expo, and enjoy the VIP Experience with the MOJO Lounge. Must be 21+ with valid ID to attend. Tickets are $30 general admission; $50 VIP, or $40-$80 for Connoisseur Combo. A Designated Driver is available for $10 at the door. Visit www.omahabeerfest.com for more details.
the encounter | july/august 2012
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