More Than 5,000 Fans Brave Cold for First Look at Werner Park

PRESS RELEASE – Despite temperatures dipping well below the freezing level, more than 5,000 fans packed Werner Park Saturday to visit the new home of the Omaha Storm Chasers for the first time.

Fans had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the ballpark, visit the team’s brand-new Storm Front gift shop and purchase ticket packages for the 2011 season. More than 250 people had gone through the entry doors by 9:15 a.m. – just 15 minutes after the announced opening time.

“I was amazed by the overwhelming community support,” said Martie Cordaro, the Storm Chasers Vice President and General Manager. “It was exciting seeing so many fans come out, and in turn it was great to see how excited they were about the Storm Chasers and Werner Park.”

Perhaps the biggest news of the day was that the Storm Chasers ticket office sold out its full allotment of Diamond Club seats, the most exclusive area of the ballpark in front of the private club. This continues a growing trend at Werner Park, which has seen 7-game and 12-game mini plans sell out in December and the first batch of 20-game mini plans sell out on Saturday as well. In fact, the Storm Chasers had to open up new 20-game mini plan sections during Saturday’s event to accommodate the heavy demand.

Cordaro, whose stated goal for the event was 1,500 fans, saw that mark shattered by the end of the day’s second hour. Gift items at the Storm Front were in high demand, with a dozen items completely selling out amidst wall-to-wall visitors. In addition, close to 300 kids signed up for the Boys Town Pediatrics Lil’ Chasers Club, a record number for a single day.

Fans who missed Saturday’s Grand Opening event will have additional opportunities to visit Werner Park, Cordaro said, although dates and times have not been finalized. In the meantime, fans are encouraged to call the Storm Chasers ticket office at (402) 738-5100 to secure the best remaining ticket packages.

Next weekend, the Storm Chasers will hold the first of two job fairs for the upcoming season, hosted by Alegent Health Midlands Hospital near 84th Street and Highway 370. The event will take place Saturday, January 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will offer jobs to members of the community aged 16 and over.