Jun 25 2009
Trials Return to Omaha, Swim Aids Disappointed
I know, 2 posts in one day. Don’t get too spoiled. This won’t last! Also, please be forewarned, this is mostly a rant post!
We knew Olympic trials were headed back to Omaha, but now it’s official, as the deal has been signed.
The Swim Aids are not fans of the city of Omaha. I’m not sure we should even truly refer to it as a “city” because it is far from what I consider one.
I can see why, from the athlete’s POV, Omaha would be a great place for a major team selection competition. There’s absolutely nothing to do! Very little distractions = focused swimmers. I get that. But for the rest of us, zzzzzzzzzzzzz. What a snoozefest! I was expecting Omaha to be like Indy in terms of a downtown. There are a million things to do and restaurants that don’t close at 5PM. You don’t need a car in downtown Indy, you do in Omaha. Well, if you want to occupy your time doing anything anyway.
I mean, why is there no downtown mall? That’s just unacceptable! There are no fast food restaurants either. Quizno’s — which was the closest we found to “fast” — closed at 5PM, no joke. We ate from some pizza place and Jimmy John’s damn near every night. Ugh.
We found out the hard way that transportation was much-needed when we wanted to have lunch at McDonald’s. I don’t remember how many miles we had to walk to get there, but it was ridiculous for a “major city”. Where is the public transportation? We saw a bus like once or twice every day! No roaming cabs? WTF!
I know it seems like I’m hating on Omaha, and I am. I’m no fan. I wanted 2008’s Trials to be in San Antonio, TX and 2012’s to be anywhere but Omaha.
But let me take a moment to talk about some of the good things in Omaha. This won’t take too long. The airport is very close and airfare costs weren’t bad. I bought last minute and got a decent price. The “city” is clean. I guess when there aren’t people around you don’t have to worry about trash, grafitti, crime, and a lot of the problems real cities deal with. If I was out late, which I was often, I had no issues walking around.
I enjoyed the Qwest Center Omaha. It was a nice venue for a big swimming competition. And the media shuttle was a godsend with my heavy-ass backpack.
And last, but not least we pay Homage to Farrells. Oh what a place. We had a lot of fun there and coaxed some others to join us — who probably shouldn’t have gone — there with us. Good times.
Since what’s done is done, we’ll start looking for ways to enjoy 2012’s Olympic Team Trials. Since there is an overlap with the College World Series, maybe the lingering college baseball fans will keep us entertained. We heard they party hard in Omaha during the CWS every year. I mean, what else is there to do? Depending on how long the Finals series goes, the overlap could be up to 2 days.
Trials officially begin Monday, June 25. So our advice is to go ahead and reserve yourself a room as early as you possibly can. We booked a year in advance and were very glad we did. Next time around, however, we will be renting a car because the setup they have there is beyond ridiculous.
My advice to Omaha? Please work on your downtown. Some more businesses and restaurants would be nice. And why not increase the frequency with which your buses run? And don’t close everything at 5PM during the work week. Make improvements in these areas and you will have some happy Swim Aids!
Note: I don’t really care if people, especially from Omaha, disagree with me. When you live there, you become accustomed to things and a little protective. It’s cool. I’m sure outsiders aren’t crazy about my city either. But mine is a real city with people, frequent public transportation, malls, parks, historic landmarks, eat places to eat… Ok, let me stop hatin’. I’m in a foul mood because the King of Pop died today. How about this. If you’re from Omaha or simply have been and/or know the area well, recommend some activities for us. We’re open and always looking for some adventures! That’s the best way to put a positive spin on something we deem as negative!
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15 Responses to “Trials Return to Omaha, Swim Aids Disappointed”
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Are you freaking kidding me?? NOOOOOOOO!!!!! My city where I go to school has more action going on! And it only has 13,000 people!!!
I cannot believe the restaurant situation. LAME! (And I still cannot force myself to eat at Jimmy Johns b/c of it!)
I vote I drive my car down. Then we won’t have a huge fee.
Yea, you’re right. We will definitely have to do the road trip option this time. We’ll just have to suck it up!
And I can’t eat Jimmy John’s anymore, either! LOL!
It’ll be fun! Just have some tunes and we’ll be good! If I can make it 7 hours like that, 2 more hours shouldn’t matter!
And I’m looking forward to Ferrells again….and being 21!!! LOL
Firstly: I’m pretty sure all Omaha has to offer is CORN, and while I love CORN, I can’t imagine having to walk EVERYWHERE. Y’all bitches know my ass would rather not eat, than walk MILES for McDonalds. (And that’s saying a LOT, cause I’m a proud fatass.)
Secondly: I WAS JUST ABOUT TO SAY, “WTF IS WRONG WITH INDY?!” I had soooo much fun there! ANNNNDD I didn’t mind walking where we had to (HYATT) and whatnot.
Thirdly: Suz, does S.A. really have a nice facility for swimming? I’d LOVE for a huge meet like Trials to be in Texas, but San Antonio is like the asscrack of big cities in here. No joke.
Asscrack of TX >>>> Omaha. You don’t understand… And a major meet in San Antonio would probably be held where the Spurs play.
I don’t know why Indy hasn’t been considered. They’d have to have it at Conseco again, and I’m not sure of its cost or if Indy is even interested. I wish they were!
Yea, it was a freakin’ hike to McD’s. I thought we’d never get there. And then we almost were late catching the media shuttle after hauling ass back to the hotel!
Things will be better next time around. They have to be! The car will solve a lot of problems. And we’ll get free parking, so will be fine on that front.
Yeah! And for a college town to NOT have more fast food restaurants…I was surprised!!
I died a little on the inside. Omaha, as a city sucked and failed in epic proportions. The venue was nice and accomodating but that was about all.
I want trials in a real BIG city and easy to travel hot spot.
P.s. I don’t think I could handle anymore jimmy john’s for the rest of my life
Yeah, during finals my roommate ordered Jimmy Johns to study with…I kinda threw up on in the inside. Haha!
So as you can tell from my name, I’m from Omaha. And although I am disheartened by your comments, I read them with an open mind and hear where your coming from. While our city is not an Indy, or a San Fran, its in the middle of the country where wide open prairies once stood (by no fault of anyone but the guy above) so for that, you have to give us props for what it is today. We were proud to host the swim trials in 08 and are proud to host them again in 2012.
Our downtown is not meant to be a fast food college part of down. Its for fine dining, shows, arts, and the like. There are some great restaurants down there, including: (my favorites are listed first)
Expensive:
Sullivans – 222 S 15th
French Cafe – 1017 Howard
Passport – 1101 Jackson
Omaha Prime – 415 S 11th
Paxton Chophouse – 1403 Farnam
The Flatiron Cafe – 1722 Saint Marys Ave
Reasonable:
Vincenzo’s (chicken franco) – 1207 Harney
Upstream Brewing (parmesan artichoke dip; beer cheese soup) – 514 South 11th
Rick’s Cafe Boatyard – 345 Riverfront Dr
Nicola’s – 521 S 13
Blue (tidal wave) – 416 South 12th
O Casual Dining – Asian Fusion (chicken & green beans) – 1015 Farnam
Vivace – 1108 Howard
Twisted Fork – 1014 Howard
Stokes – 1122 Howard
Indian Oven – 1010 Howard St
Jazz – 1421 Farnam
But since the bloggers here are under 21 or barely over, I can see how these places do not fit into your “scene” or your budget. Therefore, may I offer these:
M’s Pub (pub favorite sandwich) • Trinis (in the passageway)
Zios • Farmer’s Market • Delice European Bakery & Cafe • 13th Street Coffee Co. • Julios • King Fongs • MJ Java • Athenian Gyros • Little King • Subway • Matsu Sushi • Old Chicago
(I will not mention Jimmy Johns above – I agree, I hate the place)
And things to do within walking distance may be slim compared to big beach front cities, but may I offer these:
Shopping:
Urban Outfitters – 737 N 14th St
American Apparel – 733 N 14th St
Homers Records – 1114 Howard
Hollywood Candy – 501 S 13th St
Old Market Candy – 1005 Howard St
Tannenbaum – 1007 Howard St
Things to do/see:
Film Streams Movie Theater – 1340 Webster
Artists’ Cooperative Gallery or Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts – FREE
Images of Nature Gallery- FREE
Passageway Gallery- FREE
Durham Western Heritage Museum
Joslyn Art Museum
Gondolas in Heartland of America Park
Gene Leahy Park / River Walk / Pedestrian Bridge- FREE
Night spots (21 and over)
Club Irie
The Max
Slowdown
Bar 415
1507
The Run (Omaha Mining Co) – 1715 Leavenworth
– Alternative, After Hours Dancing 1:30-4am Fri/Sat for 18yrs and older
Shopping by taxi:
Westroads Mall – I-680 & W. Dodge
Regency Court Mall – Regency Parkway
Village Pointe Shopping Center – 168th & W. Dodge
Nebraska Furniture Mart – 72nd & Dodge
The Shops of Legacy – 168th & W. Center
Oak View Mall – 144th & W. Center
Things to do/see by Taxi:
Henry Doorly Zoo
CoCo Key Water Resort or Fun Plex or Papio Fun Park
Dave and Busters
Velocity Indoor Karting
Zaaap Laser Tag
Wildlife Safari
Lauritzen – Botanical Gardens – worth the visit!!
Boys Town – FREE
Gerald R Ford Birth Site and Gardens – FREE
Mt Vernon Gardens- FREE
Fontenelle Forest/Neale Woods
Strategic Air & Space Museum
The Amazing Pizza Machine
Other fun hang outs – downtown
Billy Frogg’s
Urban Wine Company (not just wine – great atmosphere and drinks/food)
Mr. Toads
Myth
Nomads Lounge
O’Connor’s Irish Pub
I’m sorry to hear your frustrated and disappointed that you are forced to come back here in a few years, but hopefully some of my tips will make your week here a little better. If I can help out in any way or answer any questions, please do hot hesitate to contact me. And please, just be nice, ok? : )
Omahacloud
Sorry if our comments came out a little harsh. Personally, I just expected so much (looking back on other swim trips, and hearing stories from friends who attend school in Omaha), that I was really disappointed with what I found. But I did like some venues, the people, and just the comfortable feel there. I will be honest in saying that I have not felt that on any other swim trip! =)
But each city has its pros and cons, we were just pretty vocal with this one’s!
And thanks for being open-minded and not jumping down our throats! And thanks for the great tips! Maybe next time we head down there, our minds and experiences will do a complete 180!
YAY! Things to do!
I’m copying an pasting your list right now. We’re determined to have a much better time next time around. Not that Farrells wasn’t good. I wish there was a Farrells in every city we visited!
And I am wellllll over the age of 21
. I understand a downtown having fine dining and restaurants, but there still should be more of a balance between high end and quick/affordable. Writers on deadline don’t always want/need all the bells and whistles when it’s time to eat. I want my food quick so I can focus on my work. I may blog casually here, but I attended the Trials to “work” as a credentialed media member.
Also, with such a large University downtown, it’s bizarre that all there really is is Jimmy John’s and that pizza place. But maybe that’s because I live in the city that houses the largest University in the country…
Really, we just want options. Hosting major sporting events should open up a market for a variety of eating stops that cater to the different type of people visiting. I absolutely love the pride your city has in hosting such large sporting events. I would think the Chamber of Commerce would want to continue to expand and improve visitor experiences. We already spend a fortune attending the Olympic Trials. Sometimes you just want a Big Mac!
I understand where you are all coming from. I have sent your comments to the Chamber of Commerce, visitors bureau and the new mayors office. I have requested, at the least, a temporary food court with top fast food chains available. I have also recommended more transportation avenues (special shuttles to the malls, etc.)
And this fall a new complex is opening, which will be in full swing by 2012, called Midtown Crossing at Turner Park – 31st & Dodge St. Its a large redevelopment project – much like whats happening in other cities across the nation. Shopping, restaurants, movie theater, etc. Its just minutes from downtown – too long to walk though I’m afraid – This will add to your experience as well. (http://www.midtowncrossing.com + another development called Aksarben Village is almost completion as well – on 63rd & Center St.)
Looking forward to seeing you all in Omaha in a few years – and I may see you in your home town too!
And a shake. Don’t forget the shake!
Not gonna lie. The only thing that made me happy about this was the fact that it means more Farrells nights.
I second that sentiment, Sarah. You know anyone and everyone will be there and it’ll be a ton of fun! That’s the ONLY good part of the return to Omaha lol. We’ll make it a good trip, regardless. It’s how we roll!