Building on tradition, embracing new opportunities, and creating more reasons for Omaha to come together.
When I first arrived in Omaha to serve as President and CEO of MECA, one of the things that immediately stood out to me was the tremendous pride this community takes in its venues, its traditions, and the experiences that bring people together. Few places represent that pride better than Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
One of my earliest goals was to find more ways for our community to enjoy this incredible ballpark beyond the month of June. It sounds like a simple objective, but I believe the opportunity, and our responsibility, goes much deeper.
Charles Schwab Field is one of the most recognizable venues in college sports. Every June, the Men’s College World Series puts Omaha on a national stage, welcoming thousands of visitors and creating memories that last a lifetime. It is a tradition that defines our city in many ways, and one that MECA takes tremendous pride in supporting.
But I’ve always believed that a venue of this caliber, with its location, amenities, and connection to the community, has the potential to do even more.
A great venue shouldn’t be defined by how often its doors are closed, but by the experiences and opportunities it creates when they’re open.
That philosophy has guided much of my career, and it is something I am passionate about bringing to MECA.
In October, we announced that Banana Ball is coming to Omaha on September 3, 4, and 5, 2027, with the Party Animals taking on the Firefighters.
For our organization and our community, this is an exciting announcement. But for me personally, it represents something even more meaningful. It is an early example of the direction I believe we can take MECA and the opportunities that exist when we challenge ourselves to think beyond what we’ve traditionally done.
It is a first step, not a finish line. And it is certainly not an accomplishment that belongs to any one person.
Credit Where It Belongs
One of the things I’ve appreciated most during my first year at MECA is getting to know the people who make this organization successful.
I’ve spent much of my career working in and around major entertainment and sports venues, and I’ve learned that the most important part of any facility isn’t the building itself. It’s the people who bring it to life.
An event announcement may look simple from the outside. What people don’t see are the countless conversations, negotiations, planning meetings, operational evaluations, and relationships that make an opportunity like this possible.
Our event operations team, ticketing and guest services professionals, communications staff, finance team, and organizational leadership all play important roles. So do our partners throughout Omaha who share our belief that Charles Schwab Field can be an even greater asset to this community.
Their work, professionalism, and willingness to embrace new opportunities are what make announcements like this possible.
As CEO, I may have the privilege of sharing the news, but our Team also deserves credit for turning an idea into reality.
Additionally, I want to recognize the Banana Ball organization for choosing Omaha. They have created an entertainment experience that has captured the attention of fans across the country by challenging the traditional expectations of baseball. Their commitment to entertainment, accessibility, and the overall fan experience aligns closely with what we strive to deliver at MECA.
We are so grateful for their confidence in Omaha and excited to welcome them to Charles Schwab Field.
Why Community First Matters
When we established MECA’s core values, we intentionally placed Community First at the top of the list.
For me, those aren’t simply words on a page or a statement we include in our communications. They represent a responsibility to the people we serve.
Our venues are community assets. They exist to create experiences, strengthen connections, support economic activity, and contribute to the quality of life in Omaha.
The success of a venue should never be measured exclusively by the number of tickets sold or the revenue it generates. Those things matter, of course, and they are important to our long-term sustainability. But I believe we also have to ask a more personal question:
Are we creating opportunities for people to feel connected to their community and proud of the place they call home?
I think about the families who have made attending the Men’s College World Series an annual tradition. I think about the children who walk into Charles Schwab Field for the first time and are overwhelmed by the size of the stadium, the energy of the crowd, and the excitement of the moment.
And I think about the people who may never have attended an event at the ballpark but now have a new reason to experience it.
That’s what excites me about bringing Banana Ball to Omaha.
The MCWS will always be the cornerstone of Charles Schwab Field. Our goal isn’t to change that identity. It’s to build upon it.
Banana Ball introduces a different kind of experience. One that combines baseball, entertainment, music, and an atmosphere designed to engage fans of all ages.
For some, it will be another opportunity to enjoy a venue they already love. For others, it may be their very first visit.
And perhaps most importantly, it creates another opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and make memories.
That’s Community First in action.
More Than a Full Calendar
Throughout my career, I’ve come to appreciate that successful venue activation is about much more than simply filling dates on a calendar.
It’s about creating relevance.
A great venue should reflect the interests, energy, and character of the community it serves. It should be a place people want to visit, not just because of one signature event, but because they know something memorable is always possible.
I often think about our facilities as extensions of the community itself.
Charles Schwab Field should feel like Omaha’s ballpark, not simply the home of a nationally recognized championship.
That means exploring different types of events, engaging new audiences, developing creative partnerships, and remaining open to opportunities that may not fit the traditional definition of stadium programming.
It also means recognizing the broader economic benefits that come with bringing more people downtown.
When we attract new events, we create opportunities for our hotels, restaurants, retailers, and surrounding businesses. We introduce visitors to Omaha, encourage them to spend time in our city, and give them reasons to return.
Those benefits extend well beyond the gates of Charles Schwab Field.
Our strategic goals reflect this responsibility. We want to increase the use of our venues, strengthen partnerships, support economic development, and deliver experiences that make Omaha an even more attractive destination.
One weekend in September won’t accomplish all of that.
But it demonstrates what is possible.
The Other Eleven Months
I look forward to September 2027, when Charles Schwab Field will come alive with a different kind of baseball experience. I can already imagine the excitement of the crowd, the smiles on children’s faces, and the energy that will fill the stadium.
But what excites me even more is what that weekend represents for the future.
It’s another opportunity to show what Omaha can do.
It’s another chance for MECA to demonstrate the value of our people, our partnerships, and our facilities.
And it’s another step toward building an organization that continues to grow, innovate, and create meaningful experiences for the community we are privileged to serve.
The Men’s College World Series will always make June special in Omaha. Our opportunity is to make the other eleven months just as full of possibilities.
By Adam J. Straight
President and CEO, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA)
