If it’s there to be won, we’re aiming to win it! That’s the attitude we’re taking into the brand-new USL Jägermeister Cup, of which this is our first-ever match. The Hailstorm stand in the way of us kicking off yet another competition with a win. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. followed by kick-off at 6:30 p.m.
See below for all the details and guidelines! View today’s match program here.
USL JÄGERMEISTER CUP PRIMER
The USL Jägermeister Cup is an in-season, World Cup-style tournament including a group stage and a knockout round. The cup has matchdays integrated into the USL League One schedule; however, it is a standalone tournament, meaning results do not count towards the League One standings. The cup also includes non-traditional modifications to encourage attacking soccer, such as penalty shootouts to determine match winners during the group stage (rather than going to extra time) and goals scored as the first tie-breaker in the group standings.
Groups are built to emphasize regional rivalries. Union Omaha’s group includes the following teams:
- Central Valley Fuego FC
- Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
- Union Omaha
- Spokane Velocity FC
Each club will play a home and away match against the other clubs in their group, as well as two matches against clubs from another group, based on geographic proximity. As you’d expect, those two matches for Omaha will be against Forward Madison FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. After the group stage, the winner of each group, as well as the team who scores the most goals in the competition beyond those group winners, will progress to the four-team knockout stage.
PREVIEW: NORTHERN COLORADO HAILSTORM FC
After struggling against the Hailstorm in their debut season in 2022, other than a victory in the Open Cup, the Owls performed much better last year despite the Colorado outfit’s attacking explosion. They’ve faced each other seven times in two years, though, so there’s a lot of history already.
Despite these teams’ rapidly growing familiarity, there’s a very different cast for the 2024 series of matches. While Omaha has consistently been starting a few new signings each match, Hailstorm lost the crux of their attack this winter. Trevor Amann’s 26 goals and Arthur Rogers’ 11 assists are gone to the USL Championship, while defender Rob Cornwall returned to Ireland.
Oh yeah, and stalwart midfielder Nortei Nortey, who ranks only behind Rogers in all-time minutes logged for the Hailstorm, is now an Owl.
PUPS AT THE PITCH
This game is our Pups at the Pitch night! Please check in at the table outside Gate 1 so both you and your dogs can get in. You can use this link to register your furry friends pre-match, or scan the QR code at the gate.
Dogs must stay either in the berms or on the concourse throughout the match.
DIGITAL TICKETING
Union Omaha ticketing is now 100% a digital experience. You can access and manage your tickets through your Account Manager on your smartphone or via the Union Omaha Mobile App. Screenshots of tickets will not be accepted.
The Ticket Box Office will open at 3:30 p.m. and is the only place where fans can get printed tickets.
UPDATED BAG POLICY
Werner Park will enforce a Clear Bag Policy to expedite your stadium entry experience and reduce security screening interactions.
- One clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or the 12″ by 6″ by 12″ clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag – plus a small clutch approximately 4.5″ x 6.5″ in size.
- Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items and/or diaper bags after proper inspection and screening.
- Guests can carry in blankets and jackets as long as they are readily available for screening at entry.
- Guest are also allowed to bring in an empty or sealed water bottle.
PARKING
Parking lots will open at 2:30 p.m. and spots will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. General handicap parking is available via Parking Lot Entrances C and D.
Vehicles cannot leave and re-enter Werner Park lots without repayment and will lose original parking space. Fire and driving lanes must be kept clear at all times.
Parking Prices
Parking Passes – $5
Parking Pass Access
To access your pre-paid parking pass on your account you will need to select “View all Ticket Inventory” to view them. This area is located on the home page on the “My Tickets” section of your account.
Please have your parking pass ready when you pull up to the lot entrance.
TAILGATING
Tailgating is permitted in all lots. However, tailgating festivities cannot extend into additional parking spaces. Alcoholic beverages are permitted at Werner Park lots. Please use plastic cups for beverages, glass is not allowed.
Grilling is limited to grass area in all lots. All cooking equipment must be situated away from crowds, buildings, and combustible material. A minimum clearance distance of three feet from cooking equipment is required. No grills are to be left unattended at any time. Any equipment (chairs, tents, grills, etc.) left overnight will be removed. Trash and recycling bins will be available throughout Werner Park lots. Please dispose of all trash and recyclables properly.
FIELD LEVEL
Field-level ticket members, remember that food and beverage is included in your package.
TEAM STORE
The Storm Front Team Store will open at 12 p.m. on match day. Stop by to get all your Búho swag — including our new white and green Nebraska Medicine pre-match jersey!
CASHLESS
Werner Park is completely cashless. Only credit and debit cards are accepted. Cash can be redeemed for a gift card at the Advance Ticket Window.
LIL OWLS CLUB
Do you have a owl fan aged 10 or under? When you sign them up for our new and FREE Raising Canes Little Owls Club, they’ll receive a FREE ticket, FREE access to the Centris Family Fun Zone on Saturdays and can watch warm-ups from the side line during pre-match. For more information on how your little one can join the Raising Canes Little Owls Club, go to the advanced ticket window or visit here.
FIELD POLICY
As a reminder, field access before, during, or after the match is limited to those with official club-issued credentials.
PYROTECHNICS PROHIBITED
Flares and other outside pyrotechnics are not allowed at Werner Park for the safety of players and fans. Thank you for your cooperation.
AUTISM ACTION PARTNERSHIP
The Autism Action Partnership Quiet Zone is located in center field by the batter’s eye. Sensory kits are also available at every Union Omaha home game and may be checked out at Fan Services. Kits must be returned to Fan Services by the end of each game.
UPDATED BALL POLICY
Due to safety concerns and league protocols, we no longer allow anyone to play with balls or run around on the grass area between the dugout and field level seats before, during, or after the match.
We encourage those that want to kick around any balls to do so in the grass areas of the parking lot pre-match while tailgating, on the mini turf field next to the Bud Light Downdraught Bar inside the stadium, or taking some shots on the inflatable goal in the Centris Family Fun Zone!
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Location: Werner Park; 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046
Opponent: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Kick Off Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
TV: ESPN+
Hashtags: #VivaBúhos #OneMeansAll #OMAvNCO