Council Bluffs takes center stage at Storm Chasers game Sept. 7

Council Bluffs residents will have a chance to take over Werner Park Sunday, Sept. 7, as the Omaha Storm Chasers host a special Council Bluffs community day featuring free tickets, local businesses and activities highlighting the city. The game begins at 2:05 p.m., with free tickets available through the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce and Unleash Council Bluffs. Lindsay Toussant Brown, who is working with the Growing Council Bluffs initiative, said the goal is to fill the ballpark with residents while also introducing other fans to what the community has to offer. “We’re really excited just to populate that venue with Council Bluffs people, Council Bluffs booths,” Brown said.

Local businesses and organizations will have booths at Werner Park, while videos highlighting Council Bluffs will be shown during the game. Information about the community will also appear on the video board, and the mayor is expected to take part in a ceremonial first pitch. Chipper, the Storm Chasers mascot, will be joined by local mascot representation as part of the afternoon.

Brown said the event is designed to reach more than Council Bluffs residents who already know the community. Storm Chasers fans from Omaha and elsewhere in the region will also be exposed to local businesses, attractions and information about the city while attending the game.

The community day is one piece of the larger Growing Council Bluffs effort, which is focused on population growth, economic development and improving quality of life. Brown noted that communities cannot remain unchanged as residents move in and out and the needs of neighborhoods and businesses evolve. “We need to make sure that our efforts are in a forward movement for growth,” she said.

Those efforts include work already underway on downtown redevelopment and the city’s Elevate CB 2050 comprehensive plan. Brown said growth does not necessarily come from a single major project, but from residents repeatedly choosing to participate in their community.

Going to a local restaurant, attending the farmers market, taking part in community planning meetings or showing up for an event such as the Storm Chasers game may seem like small decisions individually, but Brown believes they add up over time. “Those little things that everybody partakes in within their community is really what makes the community their community in the end,” she explained.

Sports can also provide a way to bring people together who may not otherwise participate in the same events. Brown said the Storm Chasers game offers an opportunity for families and friends to spend time together while making Council Bluffs more visible within the larger metropolitan area. Werner Park will continue its regular activities in addition to the Council Bluffs programming. Children will be able to run the bases after the game, and the team’s usual between-inning entertainment will remain part of the afternoon.

Free ticket vouchers are available at the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce office on the 100 Block and at the Unleash Council Bluffs visitor center on 23rd Avenue. Each voucher can be redeemed for up to four tickets, and residents needing additional seats can request more than one voucher. Brown said those redeeming the vouchers will also be able to select from available seating areas rather than receiving only general admission tickets. Tickets should be picked up during regular business hours.

While the afternoon is centered around baseball, Brown said the larger purpose is to encourage residents to participate in the community and show others what Council Bluffs has to offer. She also hopes a strong turnout will encourage similar events in the future. “We do want to outshine all the other communities,” Brown added. “It’s sports. So we do want to show up and show up pretty loud.”

The Storm Chasers game begins at 2:05 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Werner Park. Free ticket vouchers are available while supplies last through the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce and Unleash Council Bluffs.