What it's like: Sarpy County's Werner Park

Take me out to the ball game!  Or just out for fireworks on 4th of July weekend.

Last Friday was my first visit to Werner Park, new home to the Omaha Storm Chasers AAA baseball team.  Like many Omahans, I have a soft spot for historic Rosenblatt Stadium, but I don't resent the Royals Storm Chasers for choosing a smaller, more modern venue.  The new park is well-planned and nicely suited for the team--in fact for some patrons, the park's amenities might be more enticing than the actual baseball.

What you should know:

• This park map isn't scaled very well.  The berm seating looks like it's in a different zip code, but that's not the case in person.  As one ticket booth dude said, "There isn't a bad seat in the house."
• If you want actual seats, you'll buy any of the different types of "box" tickets.  The AT&T Home Run Porch is a small bleacher section out in left field.  The McDonald's berm seating is the most affordable, and in my opinion is actually the most comfortable.  If you want to take your whole family, bring some blankets (no lawn chairs allowed) or just park yourselves on the grass and lounge.  This area beyond the outfield is also where you or your kids can get up close and personal with the players--that's where the bull pen is (pitchers practice there).  I saw one little boy catch a frog, take it over and show a player, then the player gave him a paper cup to house his new little frog friend.  Adorable.
• There are so many kinds of concessions!  La Mesa Mexican, Extreme Pizza, chicken, lemon ice, funnel cakes, a reuben stand--the list goes on, including my personal favorite ballpark indulgences: super pretzels and nachos.  There's also a full bar on the left field side.  NONE of this is cheap, however.  If you want a pop, just buy the $5.50 souvenir 44 oz.  Refills are $2, so I plan on bringing that cup back next time.  A 24 oz. domestic beer will run you $6, an import is about $7.
• Don't bring in outside food or drink.  They will check your bags.  Empty containers are allowed.
• FREE parking on the North side in a gravel lot.  It's actually the quickest escape, exiting around the park East then South to Hwy 370.
• For the kiddos there is an awesome "Fun Zone" with a carousel, crafts, bouncy houses and more.  Admission is $5.  They can also shoot hoops on the basketball court or play a game of wiffle ball in the Borscheim's Diamond.  For FREE.
• For grown-ups, if you want to be waited on while you watch for the next big play, there's the Jim Beam club--access included with the priciest ticket.

Verdict:  YAY.  I enjoyed walking around the park, exploring all the fun features.  Even though I'm a little nostalgic for Rosenblatt, the unique amenities offered at Werner Park make for a quaint, interactive experience far removed from passively watching the game.  Game?  Oh yeah that was good too.  Storm Chasers won.  And I got to see my fireworks!

Storm Chasers Website