Rosenblatt Stadium: College World Series HQ Photo by Jim D. Berryman NebWrap June 9, 2003 GIVE ME A "C" "C" is for College World Series and Comstock, as Nebraska events take center stage By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com Editor This is the debut of “Neb Wrap”, a new weekly column on MissingNebraska.com. It’s a wrap-up of some of the things going on in Nebraska and a look at what’s to come. Let’s rap about Nebraska… It’s probably a little like driving into Las Vegas. Like the time I drove to Las Vegas at night, through the unpopulated, dark desert. All of a sudden, I came over a hill and there it was. The twinkling lights, the neon, the spectacle that is Las Vegas. Cars driving along Highway 183 in Nebraska between Ansley and Taylor on Father’s Day weekend, not aware of what’s going on, could get the same kind of feeling I did when driving into Vegas. Imagine it. You’re driving along the Nebraska rolling hills, not aware of big happenings in the area, when all of a sudden you come over a hill on Highway S21C and in front of you thousands of beer-swilling music fans in the middle of a field in the middle of nowhere suddenly appear. It’s the Comstock Windmill Festival June 12-15, 2003 near Comstock, Nebraska. It’s a four-day-long country music party in Nebraska that nationally recognized. This year, there is so much going on. On the main stage, big names Oak Ridge Boys, Sara Evans, Collin Raye, Chris Cagle, Phil Vassar, Neal McCoy, Sawyer Brown, Martina McBride, Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers. There’s also a beer tent with local and regional talent. Throw in some bull riding and you’ve got yourself a hootin’ good time. What makes this festival unique is that is takes place on a rancher’s land away from huge population centers usually required for such a festival. The rancher welcomes music stars into his home to prep and dress for their concert appearance. Think of it as “The Big Chill” Comstock style. It’s like a big summer camp with a few thousand of your closest friends. I’ve heard from family members and friends who have attended that it becomes quite a big party in a beautiful setting. Would think that with more rain in the area this season, mosquito spray would be a wise thing to bring. The Windmill Enterprises people don’t stop with Comstock. They do it a few times in the summer. Also on the agenda at the property this summer is Comstock Rock July 17 through 20 featuring acts such as Def Leppard, Lou Gramm, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Grand Funk Railroad, and others. Godstock takes to the stage August 8 through 10 and features a variety of contemporary Christian music acts. Details on Comstock festivals: Comstock/Windmill Festival --- Way east from Comstock, Nebraska will be in the spotlight for another reason. The College World Series rolls up the mighty Mo to the Big O. It’s Omaha’s time to shine as it hosts what many sports fans consider to be one of the most entertaining weekends of sports of the year. Even though the Huskers were eliminated from contention, the team that eliminated them has advanced to Omaha. Southwest Missouri St. defeated Ohio St. in a super regional to earn the berth. This is quite an accomplishment. We wish them well. Old standbys are back. Stanford, Cal St. Fullerton, LSU, Miami. Defending champion Texas advanced by defeating Florida St. and Rice beat Houston to earn a trip to Omaha. CWS Brackets / Schedule On a recent couple visits to Omaha, I was able to stop by Rosenblatt Stadium on both occasions. There was no game going on, but I got that “hair on your arm stands up” kind of feeling when I looked at the statue in front of the stadium with the hills of Omaha in the background. It really is a nice park. Now, Omaha rolls out the red carpet to the best college baseball teams in the country. People come from all over and have quite a party in Omaha. Hotels are full, pubs are jumping, and the city welcomes the out-of-town visitors. In addition, casinos across the river in Council Bluffs, with such easy access to Rosenblatt, bring in the fans’ bucks. Just the same, it is truly a wonderful event for the city of Omaha. It is admirable that the NCAA has kept the CWS in Omaha, with what I assume would be offers from more so-called “attractive” cities with fancier stadiums. Right next door to Rosenblatt is one of the country’s premier zoos, the Henry Doorly Zoo. It shares a parking lot with the stadium. Parking is tough during the CWS. That’s one of the only negatives about having the CWS at Rosenblatt. That and hearing mating baboons next door from time to time if the wind is just right. More to come on happenings and news around the state. Feedback/Suggest A Topic