It’s hard for most of us to truly visualize or imagine something different from what we know until it’s very real. So any change from what we’ve come to know or are comfortable with can, and often does, create resistance and fear — fear of the unknown or an expectation that we will lose something. Which was certainly the case with the new TD Ameritrade Park stadium.

We’ve worked with the local organizing committee for the College World Series for many, many years (in fact one of our founders helped convince the NCAA to bring the tournament to Omaha). We’ve helped grow the event and build excitement year after year.

But back in 2008 when the initial recommendation to build a new state-of-the-art stadium was brought up — since it would cost almost the same as upgrades to Rosenblatt, and position Omaha more strongly for a long-term contract with the NCAA — the idea wasn’t an automatic home run. In fact, it faced an enormous amount of resistance and fear of what a move downtown would do to the colorful, somewhat kitchy, home-town feel of the series. Read more about that effort.

People were worried that it wouldn’t be the same.  And they were right. It is different, but that doesn’t mean less. New memories, new experiences, new firsts and a new chapter in history.

Last week when the stadium opened, there was a lot of buzz and you could feel the excitement. Tickets sold out for the inaugural game — fittingly enough between Creighton (long-time CWS host institution) and NU. The first tailgaters showed up on a cold April morning, bundled in blankets or outfitted in hooded sweatshirts. They barbecued, they played catch and they partied.  When the gates opened and people entered the stadium, they were wowed and warmed, despite the bitter cold evening. I can’t count the number of times I heard the words “wow”, “awesome” and “niiiiice”.

Sitting in the stands of the new stadium with its incredible sight lines and amazing views; walking the wide open concourses or being able to keep an eye on the action while you get a soda, it’s hard for anyone, even the biggest skeptic, to argue that new game watching experience wasn’t a change for the better. And after the game, it’s soooo easy to walk over to a restaurant or bar to relax or grab a bite and let the traffic clear out. There is so much to do in the area and the circulatory shuttle will allow people to move around easily and enjoy what downtown has to offer. I was thrilled when I learned about that shuttle,  because it picks up in the Old Market, right near our office.

When we experience the first series in the new stadium, there will no doubt be some hiccups as we all get used to the new locale. After all we had a lot of years mastering how it all worked at Rosenblatt. But like me, most people are incredibly excited to build new traditions, new memories and watch history happen from a new vantage point. I can’t wait.

———————————————————————————————————————–

Managing change in your business isn’t easy, but click here for a few tips that might help.