96
COLLEGE BASEBALL WORLD SERIES
Where?
Rosenblatt Stadium
1202 Bert Murphy Avenue
Omaha, NE 68107
When?
Every year from mid-June until the end of the month.
Significance:
While not having the stature and following of its professional counterpart, the College World Series (CWS) has a strong and loyal following among baseball fans. Sure they borrowed a bit from Major League Baseball’s World Series moniker, but it signifies the best of the best in NCAA Division I Baseball. Setting attendance records of over 300,000 every year, over 6 million fans have attended since the CWS’s start at “The Blatt” in Omaha, Nebraska. Millions more watch at home on ESPN.
In 1988, the College World Series changed from a pure double-elimination tournament into two four-team, double-elimination brackets. Starting with the 1999 championship tournament, the field increased from forty-eight to sixty-four teams. The four-team brackets were determined by the results of regional and super-regional play, similar to the NCAA basketball tournament.
Winning one NCAA Division I Baseball championship is challenging, let alone winning two consecutively. To date, only five colleges have that distinction. Dual champions include Oregon State in 2006 and 2007, Louisiana State University in 1996 and 1997, the University of Texas in 1949 and 1950, and Stanford University in 1987 and 1988. The University of Southern California reigned as champs from 1970 to 1974.
Who attends?
College baseball fans and family members of the athletes, some who will likely be the major leaguers of tomorrow.
How to get there?
Rosenblatt Stadium is located in Omaha off of I-80 and 13th Street.
Tickets:
For secondary ticket access, consider:
GoTickets, Inc.
2345 Waukegan Road, Suite 140
Bannockburn, IL 60015-1552
Toll-Free: 1-800-775-1617
Fax: (919) 481-9101
E-mail: sales@gotickets.com
www.gotickets.comAccommodations:
Doubletree Hotel
1616 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 346-7600
Fax: (402) 346-5722
Toll-Free: 1-800-766-1164
www.hilton.comNote: Nine miles from the stadium and in the heart of downtown Omaha.
Embassy Suites Hotel-Downtown Omaha
555 South 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 346-9000
Fax: (402) 346-4236
Toll-Free: 1-800-EMBASSY
www.embassySuites.comNote: For the guest who prefers a more upscale, full-service environment, not to mention a full suite.
Courtyard Omaha Downtown
101 South 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 346-2200
Fax: (402) 346-7720
Toll-Free: 1-866-204-9388
www.marriott.comNote: Enjoy the views of the Mississippi River and the restored brick buildings of the Old Market. Walking distance from Rosenblatt Stadium.
On-Site Hospitality:
The stadium has two meeting rooms available. The Stadium View Club restaurant overlooks the field and the Hall of Fame Room can provide accommodations for large groups. Reservations are required for both rooms. In addition, an excellent assortment of concession stands with souvenirs can be found in the concourse under the seating area. There are many places to park, and best of all the parking is free.
Travel Packages:
If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must See Sporting Event.
Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
E-mail: requests@tseworld.com
www.tseworld.comwww.pcevents.comPremiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
E-mail: sales@sportstravel.com
www.sportstravel.comDining:
Bohemian Café
Note: A local favorite since 1964. Czech and European cuisine is on the menu with everything from roast duck to homemade apple strudel.
Lo Sole Mio Ristorante
3001 South 32nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: (402) 345-5656
Fax: (402) 345-5859
www.losolemio.comNote: Authentic Italian dishes including freshly made pastas and sauces in a casual, informal setting.
Greek Island
3821 Center Street
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: (402) 346-1528
Note: Best known for gyros, Athenian salads, and other Greek delectables. Fully stocked bar includes imported Greek wines and beers.
Flatiron Café
Note: Upscale restaurant located in the historic Flatiron Building. The seasonal menu is ever changing with Miso Marinated Sea Bass and Grilled Breast of Duck on the list.
Airport:
Eppley Airfield
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best way to watch the action:
With multiple expansions, it’s hard to claim a bad seat in the house. The seating sections run as far as the foul poles down each line. Bleacher sections occupy the outfield area. For those who want to get out of the elements, there are plenty of seats under the cover for those who desire shade from the sun and shelter from the rain.
Best place to get up close:
The Stadium View Club provides a restaurant to dine in while watching the best that college baseball has to offer. Just find 249 of your best friends to join you as the capacity is 250. Reservations are required.
Best travel tip:
If you come early or stay late, you can return to “The Blatt” to see an Omaha Royals, a Triple A affiliate of the KC Royals, Pacific Coast League baseball game. A great environment to enjoy baseball with unique promotions and giveaways from time to time.
Notable Quote:
“From a coach’s standpoint, this (Omaha) is a great spot. When coaches talk to their teams and their fans they don’t talk about going to the College World Series. They talk about going to Omaha. And everybody knows what that means. Anybody that knows anything about college baseball knows what going to Omaha means.
We know it’s a great, great spot.”—DAVE KEILITZ, Executive Director, American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)
Relevant Websites: