Every June, eight teams from across the country will travel to Omaha, Neb. to compete for the title of the NCAA baseball champion. As someone who attended the event multiple times, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Here are eight reasons why.
1) The talent
The players who play in the College World Series are some of the best players from throughout the country. Many of them were drafted or will be drafted in the future and this is your chance to see them before they make it big. The good thing about college players in this event is that they hustle and display a much stronger work ethic than the pros.
2) The dogpile
Depending on the sport, championships are celebrated in many different fashions. College World Series champions traditionally dogpile to celebrate their win. With the fireworks going off in the background and fans exalting, this is one of the most iconic moments in sports.
3) The venue
Although many people (myself included) were sad to see the old Rosenblatt Stadium gone, the new TD Ameritrade Park is a beautiful facility in downtown Omaha. With a capacity of 24,000, the stadium is known for forcing teams to rely on pitching and defense to win games as home runs are few and far between.
4) The nostalgia
Baseball is "America's pastime" and it is hard to think of a more perfect way to celebrate the summer than to catch a baseball game with family. Soaking in the sun and celebrating the great game is an almost spiritual experience. The college-aged players remind fans of youth spent playing catch with their friends.
5) The history
The College World Series has been around since 1947 and it has been held in Omaha since 1950. Many great players have played in the tournament and many special moments have happened on the field. Statues such as the Road to Omaha sculpture remind fans of the events that have unfolded at this event.
6) The prices
Unlike major league games that can run upwards of $250 per ticket, the College World Series is affordable for the entire family. With reserved seats going for approximately $30 per seat and outfield bleacher seats for $10, going to a game or two won't break the bank.
7) The food
The city of Omaha is known for its delicious food, especially its steaks. Old-time favorites such as Zesto's serve shakes and burgers that will remind you of the food stands of your youth.
8) The parity
Unlike college football, being a bigger (richer) school doesn't mean that a team has a better shot of winning the College World Series. Throughout its history, over 100 different teams have made the tournament. Recent small-school winners include Rice, Cal-State Fullerton and Fresno State.
