March Madness is headed for the CHI Health Center, but don't fret because KETV NewsWatch 7 has put together a guide for those out of towners or in towners alike.
From local attractions to performances and even information about the event center, this guide will be your perfect companion as you navigate the city to see some great basketball.
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Axe Throwing
Omaha has three axe throwing facilities where guests can compete against their friends and family while socializing with a cold beverage.
Click the links above to reserve your spot.
Bob & Willie's Wonderbowl
Click here to reserve your lane.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
The bridge connects Iowa and Nebraska with a line over the Missouri River where you can stand in both states at one time. The 3,000-foot-long, 15-foot-wide bridge is perfect for bike rides or strolls. The bridge is even equipped with a troll that lives underneath.
Click here to meet OMAR the Troll.
Boys Town's Largest Ball of Stamps
The ball is on display at the Boys Town Visitors Center, 13603 Flanagan Blvd. It is 32 inches in diameter, weighs about 600 pounds, and has an estimated 4.6 million stamps on it.
Durham Museum
The museum will be hosting the TOYTOPIA exhibit from March 9 through May 26. The exhibit will allow guests to experience revisit their favorite childhood toys including Easy Bake Oven, arcade games, Rubik's cubes, and more. A life-sized dollhouse and Monopoly Car will also be featured alongside the world's largest Etch A Sketch.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Escape rooms
Escape rooms have become a craze around the U.S., and the Omaha area has a lot of opportunities to dodge zombies, go back in time, become Sherlock Holmes, and more.
Click the links above to reserve your spot.
Henry Doorly Zoo
Journey through 160 acres of animals, unique habitats, and plants near the downtown Omaha area.
Click the link here to purchase tickets.
Horse-drawn carriage rides
Magical Journeys Carriage horses will take you on tours around the Old Market, Lewis and Clark Landing, and more. Multiple packages are available for hour and half hour long tours.
Click the link here to book your tour.
Kiewit Luminarium
The science, art, and human perception museum is a newer addition to the Omaha area. With more than 100 interactive exhibits there's a little something for everyone.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Lauritzen Gardens
Beautiful botanical gardens near downtown Omaha that shock the senses with intoxicating aromas and awe-inspiring sights.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Nebraska Crossing Outlets
For those who love to shop, the Omaha area has a one-stop shopping space that has the brands we all love. From Adidas to H&M to Crocs and more can be found at 21209 Nebraska Crossing Drive in Gretna.
President Gerald R. Ford's Birth Site and Gardens
A memorial for the 38th president of the United States who was born in Omaha sits at 3212 Woolworth Ave. Beautiful gardens and information pictures and kiosks provide the space with the essence of the former president.
Concerts and performances
March 17:
- fish narc & Horse Head at Reverb Lounge | Tickets
- Maoli with Mischka at Slowdown | Tickets
- Nita Strauss with Diamante and Starbenders at Waiting Room | Tickets
- Appalachian Spring at Strauss Performing Arts Center | Tickets
March 18:
- Color Green with The Dirts and Heavy Clippings at Reverb Lounge | Tickets
- KMFDM at Waiting Room | Tickets
March 19
- Miles Miller at Reverb Lounge | Tickets
- flipturn at Slowdown | Tickets
- Michael Cera Palin with Garst, Trees with Eyes, and Valley Street at Waiting Room | Tickets
March 21
- Vincent Neil Emerson at Slowdown | Tickets
- Dream Machine with Cole Eisenmenger (Wyrmwood) & Doom Lagoon at Reverb Lounge | Tickets
- Scott Stapp at Steelhouse Omaha | Tickets
- John Primer and The Real Deal Blues Band at Waiting Room | Tickets
March 22
- Fontenelle with Ebba Rose and Wake Sessions at Waiting Room | Tickets
- Copland's Rodeo at Holland Performing Arts Center | Tickets
- David Nail at Barnato | Tickets
- Sun June and Wild Pink at Reverb Lounge | Tickets
- Red Riding Hood at Rose Theater | Tickets
- PetRock at Slowdown | Tickets
March 23
- A Thousand Horses at Barnato | Tickets
- Copland's Rodeo at Holland Performing Arts Center | Tickets
- JEANIE at Reverb Lounge | Tickets
- Damones at Waiting Room | Tickets
- Red Riding Hood at Rose Theater | Tickets
- PetRock at Slowdown | Tickets
March 24
- Mo Lowda and the Humble at Barnato | Tickets
- Carnival of Animals at Holland Performing Arts Center | Tickets
- Red Riding Hood at Rose Theater | Tickets
- Brian Culbertson at Steelhouse Omaha | Tickets
Places to eat
Blue & Fly Asian Kitchen
Veteran-owned restaurant Blue and Fly Asian Kitchen has earned customers' praise for authentic and flavorful food.
Cajun Crab & Pho
From 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. you can enjoy fresh combinations of fish, appealing appetizers, homemade pho and more at this local favorite.
Elie's Chinchorro
The Caribbean bistro boasts flavor-packed dishes like stuffed mufongo, a favorite for restaurant owner Elie Berchal.
Jams
From the fan-favorite coconut chicken salad to steak frites, there's a little something for everyone.
Kamp Blackstone
Kamp gives the choice of four fantastic spots inside one food hall. From mouthwatering burgers to Korean fusion with a twist, there's something for everyone.
Kinaara Indian Cuisine
Kinaara delivers bold and balanced flavor in every dish while offering customers a wide range of selections, from favorites tikka masala and wagyu beef to custom cocktails and house specials.
Lucy Ethiopian Coffee
Omaha's first Ethiopian coffee shop welcomes you to enjoy an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony and a variety of breakfast eats.
Lyle's Pizzeria
The locally-owned pizza place and wine bar offers hand-stretched sourdough pizza, small plates, craft cocktails and wine.
Salted Edge
On the west edge of Omaha, escape to a new restaurant featuring a relaxing waterfront view, a creative cocktail collection, and a refined dining experience.
Time to Rise & Shine
From the decadent TresLeches French Toast to the spicy La Toxica Skillet, Rise & Shine has a versatile menu, packed with flavor, that's expertly crafted to satisfy your cravings.
Find more delicious eateries on KETV NewsWatch 7's Now Serving Omaha YouTube Playlist.
CHI Health Center information
Parking
- Surface parking at the CHI Health Center is $10.
- Garage parking at the event center is $15.
- Bus, RV, and trailer parking is $25 at the event center.
For more information on parking at the CHI Health Center or to get directions, click the link here.
Prohibited Items
The following items are not allowed at the CHI Health Center
- Weapons of any kind, including lawfully concealed firearms
- Laser pointers
- Outside food or drink (20 ounce or smaller empty clear water bottle is allowed)
- Large umbrellas
- Noise making devices like bells, whistles or horns
- Illegal drugs
- Alcohol
- Costume masks
- Selfie sticks
- Hover boards
For a complete list of items that are prohibited or behaviors that are not allowed, click the link here.
Clear bags no bigger than 12" x 12" x 6" are allowed inside the event center as well as small clutches, purses, and wallets no bigger than 4.5" x 6.5".
Click here to see the clear bag policy.
ADA accessibility
ADA accessible tickets can be bought online here, in person at the CHI Health Center Omaha box office, or by calling 402-341-1500.
Wheelchair escorts are available upon request and are on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be available at any of the entrances and will meet guests and take them to their seat.
ADA parking is available also on a first-come, first-served basis. There are designated stalls in each of the parking lots and the garage. Guests can also be dropped off or picked up along 10th Street on the west side of the convention center.
For more information on ADA accessibility, click the link here.
Reminders
The CHI Health Center is a cash-free facility. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. There are multiple reverse ATMs that will put cash onto a card inside of the facility.
Guests are encouraged to download mobile tickets upon receipt as all tickets are mobile delivery unless it specifies otherwise.
For more information on concessions, other policies, breastfeeding stations, and more, click the link here.
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READ THE FULL STORY:March Madness guide: parking, tasty food, best attractions, and more
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