August 12, 2007

Costner eager to keep CWS in Omaha
Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. -- Kevin Costner is willing to help Omaha keep the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium, if that's what the community wants.

"I haven't necessarily agreed to do anything, but I'm in support of the stadium," he said recently from New Mexico, where he's shooting a comedy called "Swing Vote."

An Omaha group called Save Rosenblatt is seeking his assistance.

Costner's publicist informed the actor of the effort.

The city has submitted two plans to the NCAA to ensure the CWS stays in Omaha.

One calls for a new downtown stadium. The other calls for a major renovation of Rosenblatt, which was built in 1948.

An NCAA response is expected this fall.

"What do you give up on and what do you start anew? That's a big philosophical question," Costner said, "and I'm going to stay out of that.

"If the Series wants to move downtown to a new stadium, and that's what the citizenry wants, that's great, too."

He wasn't sure in what ways he could help, but he was eager to chip in to support Omaha.

In 1995, 1999 and 2001, Costner attended the Series to support his alma mater, Cal State Fullerton.

Baseball has figured prominently in Costner's film career, most notably in "Field of Dreams," "Bull Durham" and "For Love of the Game."