The Magic of Omaha: Why the College World Series like no other in sports is worth the trip

If you’re on the fence about taking a trip to Omaha this week to root for your favorite team in the College World Series, just buy a ticket or call.

Outside the gates of Charles Schwab Field sits the bar that started one of the most intense contests to take place outside the actual stadium. How much alcohol are you willing to drink, to help your team earn the title of champion of the Jell-O-Shot challenge?

No, I’m dead serious. Thanks to a brilliant idea started by Rocco’s Pizza, the alcohol-infused contest has become a social media platform, with a leaderboard updated every few hours so fans not in Omaha know the challenge.

And yes, one of the smartest ideas in recent memory, with a large percentage of the proceeds going to a local food bank.

TEXAS TECH’S BRENDAN SORSBY TAKES 2nd PLACE BUT NCAA RETURNS AT HOME

So, buying alcohol actually helps people, think of it that way.

But, that’s not the main reason why you took a trip to Omaha. Not even close.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM

I took my first flight to the beautiful state of Nebraska eight years ago, and it may have been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my entire life regarding a sporting event.

TROY’S ‘JABE RUTH’ PROVES COLLEGE SPORTS CAN BE SAVED BY A MISCELLANEOUS HOME RUN.

In fact, when you get off the plane at Eppley Airfield, you’re stuck. Walking through the small terminal, with about eight gates, anticipation builds for what will happen over the next five days at least.

Everything is within driving distance, doing well with opposing fans at CWS

Fortunately, if you have the money to spend on a hotel within five miles of downtown Omaha, the entire College World Series is within walking distance. I promise you that the people in charge of this event, as well as the members of the local community, will make this trip a lasting memory.

Perhaps you take a trip to the old grounds of Rosenblatt Stadium, the former home of the storied event, where a unique setup still holds many memories.

Whether it’s the tailgates happening in the parking lot just past the left field wall or the party going on at Rocco’s Pizza & Cantina with a shooting contest.

OLIVIA DUNNE, PAUL SKENES THROW DOWN ARMYS OF JELL-O WITH LSU FANS BEFORE THE COLLEGE WORLD GAME

Rocco’s Pizza & Dozer Park outside Charles Schwab Field in downtown Omaha (Trey Wallace-OutKick)

I’ve never seen so many people willing to spend thousands of dollars just to beat another team in a drinking contest, but never underestimate the power of alcohol with college baseball fans.

For the love of all that is good, please remember to walk slowly. If you book a one-way flight to Omaha, prepare for about 12 long days in Nebraska. It’s going to be expensive, so maybe spend a few nights outside of the city area to help with your finances, but make sure you splurge at least once or twice while you’re there.

The double ending part only adds to the intrigue of it all.

Be sure to enjoy these places while you have free time.

• Drover (I promise your taste buds will thank you later)
• Omaha Prime Steakhouse.
• “Bob the Bridge” looks tempting, but make sure you have your walking shoes. Trust me
• The Omaha Zoo (I promise it’s worth a quick drive or Uber ride)
• Be sure to visit the “Antique Market” for some amazing bargains
• And for all that goodness, head over to “Field View Sports Cards” for a trip down memory lane, and buy some awesome memorabilia or baseball cards. Sit down, talk about sports. You will not be disappointed.

The magic of being inside Charles Schwab Field

But, it’s inside the stadium where everything comes together for a baseball fan. Even if you’re not a big fan of college sports, if you are, experiencing the atmosphere in Omaha is worth the trip. I thought of it as a bucket list item 10 years ago, until I got to the end and was able to participate in a place that brings together eight different groups of fans from all over the country to one city that will leave you wanting to come back.

We talk about the “greatest experience” in college basketball or football, but being there as fans chatter in the streets surrounding the arena, while enjoying everything this beautiful city has to offer, may be one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.

An event that involves standing on a street corner waiting for the team buses to arrive, or watching the team go through a 12-day tournament to win the national championship. Honestly, it’s hard to put your finger on one part of the College World Series that makes it worth the trip.

LSU Tigers fans salute the team after winning the NCAA College World Series baseball final against the Florida Gators at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb., on June 26, 2023. (Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)

Take this year as an example. It’s an underdog story for the Troy Trojans starting in Omaha, outside of the Sun Belt Conference. Or, West Virginia fans are ready to bring out that beautiful song “Country Roads” to hopefully celebrate the win.

Perhaps, the Georgia Bulldogs are looking to put the stamp on an SEC championship winning season, or Ole Miss is riding one to ensure a return trip to Omaha for the first time since 2022 when the Rebels won it all.

Heck, North Carolina, Alabama and Texas all have a chance to win the national championship, which only adds to the intrigue of playing in the College World Series.

I think I know who’s going to win, but I also know that there have been times when I’ve been completely caught. Yes, I’m talking about Coastal Carolina in 2016 winning the national championship.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM

It’s up to the baseball gods right now, so just enjoy the ride while you’re in Omaha.

After that, be sure to share your experience with me or find me around the forum. Enjoy the trip to the College World Series!