CWS 2022 EVENT GUIDE: What you need to know before heading to the College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Who’s ready for some baseball?

As you prepare to head to downtown Omaha in the coming days for food, fun — and yes, also baseball — 6 News is On Your Side helping you make your plans to attend this year’s College World Series.

HIGHLIGHTS

ACTIVITIES: This year’s Baseball Village is bigger and better than ever. Dozens of vendors and more places to shop — with boutique stores are now in the mix.

Fan Fest is back this year after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. It features games for all ages, including a home-run derby, lacrosse, and even basketball.

FOOD COURT: It’s bigger than ever before with more food options, including vegetarian items, with long-time vendors adding new attractions.

There are picnic tables this year and a new way to purchase drinks at the Old Mattress Factory, where they’re testing out a pilot program allowing card purchases — the rest of the tents are still cash-only. Organizers reminded fans that there are ATMs available throughout Baseball Village.

SCOOTER RESTRICTIONS: While it’s definitely tempting to hop on a scooter to zip around the CWS area, the city has scooters geo-fenced to keep the big crowds of those walking around the park from having to dodge those riding scooters.

GETTING AROUND: The Circulator is back in action, moving people from the Old Market to the ballpark with a bunch of stops in between. It’s especially handy for those parking a ways from the stadium.

The Circulator runs all day during Opening Day; on game days, it will run from an hour before the start of the first game until an hour after the second game ends.

WALL OF CHAMPIONS: The main reason teams are here for the NCAA college baseball tournament is to bring home a championship.

The wall on the south side of the stadium features every College World Series champ. It has a new addition this year: Mississippi State won CWS last year, it’s first in any sport.

If you’re wondering, Texas has the most baseball championships of any team here this year; they’ve won six.

OPENING DAY

The 2022 College World Series gets underway this week with several opening day activities and special celebrations set for Thursday.

Teams will begin practicing at 9 a.m., and Fan Fest will open at 11 a.m.

That evening, join baseball fans far and wide for a special screening of “Field of Dreams” at 6:30 p.m. at Charles Schwab Field, just ahead of Opening Ceremonies at 9 p.m., which will include a fireworks finale.

GAME DAYS

Games get underway at 1 p.m. Friday, when Oklahoma and Texas A&M take the field. Game 2, matching up Notre Dame and Texas, is set to start at 6 p.m.

Games 3-12 follow that same schedule through Wednesday, June 22. Finals start Saturday, June 25.

THEME DAYS & GIVEAWAYS

Fans are encouraged to participate in theme days planned throughout the tournament.

• June 20: On Teacher Appreciation Day, the first 250 teachers get a Levy gift card when they present their teacher ID for Game 7, starting at 1 p.m. For the 6 p.m. game, kids can run the bases during Youth & Family Night activities.
• June 21: There will be a sunglasses giveaway at Game 9, starting at 1 p.m.
• June 21: Game 10, starting at 6 p.m., will honor “Heroes in the Heartland” with a flyover in recognition of those serving in U.S. armed services as well as first-responders.
• June 22: At Game 12, starting at 6 p.m., fans are encouraged to wear their favorite country apparel for Country Night. Fans attending the 1 p.m. game can collect a Rawlings keychain.
• June 23: Get out your favorite vintage gear to celebrate Throwback Thursday.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Omaha Police shared details Wednesday about what to watch for to stay safe during this year’s tournament.

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Reporters Ashly Richardson and Brian Mastre contributed to this report.

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