2006 NCAA® Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship | December 14 & 16

The dynamic vitality of Omaha today is a direct result of its dynamic past. Omaha’s history is rooted in its success for serving as the key connection to the West along the first Transcontinental Railroad line. Laborers from all over worked together, establishing the city’s well-known midwestern work ethic. Cooperation from the city, government and corporations was needed to accomplish such a great task.

Today, Omaha thrives from this same “can do” philosophy. It’s a community that works tirelessly and continually invests in itself. It has brought people together from all different cultures, which provides visitors and residents with endless choices for educational and entertaining activities.

Located in the heart of America, Omaha is home to more than 1 million people living within a 50-mile radius and was ranked by Money Magazine as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Live 2006. Aside from being a vibrant city that is known for its advanced research and technology, distinguished medical universities and world-class attractions, the people of Omaha and their friendly hospitality is what makes this city great.

You don’t have to look far to see why it’s such an exciting time to visit Omaha. The $2 billion revitalization of the downtown and riverfront area, includes the massive Qwest Center Omaha featuring headlining concerts and national sporting events and the spectacular Holland Performing Arts Center which offers seven categories of various performing arts throughout the year.

When it comes to business, Omaha is headquarters to five Fortune 500 companies - Berkshire Hathaway, ConAgra, Mutual of Omaha, Union Pacific and Peter Kiewit & Son’s. These companies and many others are reasons why Omaha continues to receive national and international attention. Omaha is also proud to be the home to billionaire investor Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway.

Omaha is becoming a leading Midwest cultural and tourism destination. Whether you’re a family or a couple looking for that perfect weekend getaway, Omaha has plenty of options to offer. Our city boasts several world-class attractions including Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo – ranked number one in America by Readers Digest magazine and features the world’s largest indoor rainforest and desert dome. The historic Old Market district is also a favorite among locals and visitors with cobblestone streets, carriage rides, specialty shops and boutiques, art galleries, pubs and an assortment of fantastic restaurants that will satisfy. Whether you find yourself in the heart of downtown or in other areas of the city, there are plenty of shopping malls, restaurants and family fun entertainment.

Our local area museums that house permanent traveling exhibits include the Durham Western Heritage Museum, the Omaha Children’s Museum and the exquisite Joslyn Art Museum – named “One of the Ten Best Art Museums for Kids” by Child Magazine. The Holland Performing Arts Center is Omaha’s newest addition to the downtown landscape and joins the Omaha Community Playhouse, Opera Omaha and The Rose as attractions where artistic stage productions and performances are held year round.

Since the opening of Qwest Center Omaha, the arena has played hosts to sold out concerts including U2, Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney. The arena will also bring national attention as it prepares to host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, 2008 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championships, the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship, the first and second round games of the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship.

For over 50 years, Omaha has hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series. Annually, baseball fans from all over the country converge on Omaha to watch the top-rated college teams compete for the coveted title of national champion.

Omaha is a city that enjoys celebrating the rich heritage of ethnic communities throughout the year. There are a variety of multicultural attractions such as El Museo Latino - featuring Latino exhibits from local, national and international artists; and Love’s Jazz & Arts Center – a center that highlights the unique history and cultural talents of local and national African Americans artists. Throughout the year, annual ethnic festivals are held to celebrate the diverse cultures in our city and offer locals and visitors’ food, fun and entertainment for the entire family.

Omaha is a comfortable, convenient place to live and visit, where the word “friendly” is not only heard, but also experienced. With its historical attractions, modern performing arts, diverse dining and shopping, Omaha continues to be a first-class destination that’s worth exploring.

Omaha! O! What a city.