Are you ready for one of the most exciting events in sports this weekend? If not, I feel for you because the College World Series is one of the most unique tournaments, fueled by Jell-O Shots and raucous fans.
I understand that there are a lot of people who have not caught the college baseball bug, but putting that aside, a trip to Omaha, Nebraska should be on your bucket list of events to attend if you're a sports fan.
Whether it's the tailgates that are happening in the parking lot just past the left field wall or the party that is going on at Rocco's Pizza & Cantina that includes a Jell-O shot challenge that has taken over social media during the 11-day event.
I've never seen so many folks willing to spend thousands of dollars just to beat another team in a drinking contest, but never underestimate the power of liquor and college baseball fans.
Unfortunately for Rocco's, they don’t have LSU coming to town after the Tigers destroyed the challenge last season with 68,888 Jell-O shots, which looked more like the Georgia vs. TCU national title game in 2022.
Now, if we've seen anything in college sports, you know the Kentucky's ‘Blue Mist’ will travel well, being this is their first ever CWS appearance. So if there's any fan base that could challenge LSU, there are certainly some Kentucky boosters who are prepared to spend a load of cash on winning at least one challenge in Omaha.
There are just three teams making a return trip this season, as Tennessee, Virginia and Florida were all in Omaha in 2023.
College World Series Schedule, Let The Games Begin
If you aren't familiar with how the College World Series works, it's a double-elimination tournament that starts on Friday. One of the best parts about attending the event is that you are guaranteed at least two games. Unlike the NCAA Basketball Tournament, you're not going to spend a lot of money to attend a sporting event and get bounced after the first loss, giving fans a reason to stick around Omaha for a few days.
There's not a perfect scenario for picking the right time to go. I know a lot of fans cannot afford to spend 10 days in Nebraska, so you have to decide if you're going to attend the opening weekend, or wait to see if your team can grab two wins to start the tournament.
HOOVER, AL - MAY 26: Tennessee Volunteers pitcher Kirby Connell (35) and Tennessee Volunteers infielder Christian Moore (1) hold the trophy after winning the 2024 SEC Baseball Tournament championship game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the LSU Tigers on May 26, 2024 at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
I will say, if you decide to wait until potentially Monday or Tuesday to travel, there will be a few teams that are eliminated, so getting a cheaper hotel room might work to your advantage. But please do not take me as a travel agent, make your own decision.
Here are the opening round games that start on Friday.
- #4 North Carolina vs. #12 Virginia (1 p.m. CT)
- #1 Tennessee vs. #8 Florida State (6 p.m. CT)
Saturday Games
- #2 Kentucky vs. #10 NC State (1 p.m. CT)
- #3 Texas A&M vs. Florida (6 p.m. CT)
Following these four games, teams will move into either the winner's or loser's bracket, with two games scheduled for Sunday and two games scheduled for Monday. All of these opening round games will be played on ESPN.
For the rest of the schedule, click here.
Betting Odds For College World Series: Tennessee Is Favorite
If you are lucky enough to have online betting wherever you reside, then let the fun begin. Just a tip, but if you're in Omaha for the tournament, drive across the river to Council Bluff, Iowa and hit up the Harrah's casino, which is a great spot for golfing, dining or hitting the blackjack tables.
Before you head to Nebraska, make sure to place your bets, as online mobile betting is not legal in the state. But luckily, if you have the itch while in Omaha, just head to the previously mentioned Harrah's casino across the river and place your bets at the sportsbook.
As for the gambling odds heading into the opening weekend, the Tennessee Vols are the current favorite to hoist the trophy in eleven days. Here are the current betting odds according to FanDuel.
- Tennessee (+260)
- Texas A&M (+350)
- Kentucky (+470)
- North Carolina (+700)
- Florida State (+850)
- Virginia (+1000)
- Florida (+1000)
- NC State (+1100)
So, either get your bets in while in a state that allows it, or make sure to stop by the casino if you;re making the trip to the Colege World Series.
What To Expect In Omaha, Things To Do From Home
If you aren't making the trip to Omaha this year because your team isn't playing, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fun while sitting at home with some buddies. You can easily start a drinking game between your fellow group of baseball fans, taking a shot everytime one of the play-by-play announcers think a baseball is about to leave the park on the count of a home run.
But pace yourself, as there will be a lot of close calls, with this field not being a home-run derby type of atmosphere, mainly because of the size, and occasional winds. To be honest, you could be hammered by the 4th inning.
If you are making the trip, make sure to check out ‘The Drover’ steakhouse, which might be one of the best steaks I've ever eaten. For all you sports memorabilia fans, please make a pit-stop at ‘Stadium View Sports Cards’, which is located on 13th street in Omaha. You will be floored by all the history and sports memorabilia for sale inside this iconic venue.
OMAHA, NE - JUNE 27: Fans enjoy the site of Rosenblatt Stadium before the University of Florida takes on Louisiana State University during the Division I Men's Baseball Championship held at TD Ameritrade Park on June 27, 2017 in Omaha, Nebraska. Florida defeated LSU 6-1 for the national title. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Make sure to stop by the Omaha Zoo, not only for the animals. Home to the College World Series from 1950-2010, Rosenblatt Stadium was the epicenter for college baseball before being torn down in 2012. Luckily for you, there is a memorial for the iconic stadium in the Omaha Zoo parking lot that attracts thousands every year.
There aren't many college sporting events that come close to the College World Series, and for the next eleven days all eyes will be on the teams in Omaha. If you're on the fence about whether to tune in, I'd urge you to give it a shot.
It beats the heck out of watching that carnage that's transpiring in the NBA Finals.
Let the party begin, as the College World Series is finally here.
