| Charles Schwab Field Omaha | College World Series Quick Guide |
|---|---|
| Primary Event | NCAA Men’s College World Series |
| Opened | April 16, 2011 (formerly TD Ameritrade Park Omaha) CWS was formerly head at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha |
| Capacity | ~24,505 |
| Best Value Seats | Upper-deck infield sections and outfield reserved seats |
| Premium Seating | Champions Club, luxury suites, club-level seating |
| Top Ballpark Foods | Nebraska beef burgers, BBQ, local craft beer |
| Nearby Bars/Eats | Old Market district, Capitol District, Blatt Beer & Table |
| Closest Hotels | Hilton Omaha, Omaha Marriott Downtown, Cambria Hotel Downtown |
| Transit Access | Walkable from downtown; shuttle routes during CWS |
| Unique Highlights | Purpose-built for the College World Series; electric multi-school atmosphere; downtown Omaha becomes a week-long baseball festival |
🔍 Need a custom College World Series plan?
Use Gameday Guides Planning Tool for ticket strategy, session tips, seating views, hotels, and where to eat and celebrate during the College World Series.
Best Seats at Charles Schwab Field
Charles Schwab Field isn’t a place baseball fans stumble upon by accident—you come to Omaha because you’re chasing something specific, and the ballpark is ground zero for that obsession. Built in 2011 and hosting the CWS since, this 24,000-seat stadium sits downtown with sightlines that’d make MLB designers jealous, a 360-degree walkable concourse, and an energy that doesn’t happen at regular-season college games. The crowd here is genuinely invested. Everyone knows this is the biggest stage. Fair warning: June in Omaha is hot, the parking fills up before you’ve finished coffee, and tickets for weekend games near the finals can rival minor league professional baseball. But if you love college baseball and haven’t been here, you’re missing the event that defined the sport.
Seating Guide
Charles Schwab is compact but brilliant in its design. Every seat here gets a real view—there’s no “nose-bleed section” or obstructed view nonsense. The field sits in a classic bowl, so sightlines radiate evenly. That said, sun exposure during afternoon June games is no joke, and some sections genuinely outperform others depending on when you’re playing.
Behind Home Plate (Sections 112-116, Rows 1-15): This is the championship view. You’re eating what the pitcher’s throwing. Early rows sit so close you’ll feel the roar. Rows 5-10 are the perfect middle ground—close enough to see the spin but far enough back to take in the whole diamond. Afternoon games? You’re in full sun until around 4 p.m., then the shade creeps in from the first-base side. If you can swing the premium price ($400+), this is where legends get made.
First-Base Line Premium (Sections 110-111, Dugout Boxes, Rows 1-8): These “Dugout Boxes” put you so close to the action that foul balls are a genuine concern. The sightline on the pitcher is perfect. Sun hits hard on afternoon games, but there’s something about being near the home team’s dugout that makes it worth it. Rows 4-8 balance proximity with comfort. [This is where Creighton’s home fans park themselves, and the energy is contagious.]
Baseline Sweet Spot (Sections 102-107, Rows 1-12): Often overlooked because fans anchor to home plate, the lower baseline seats offer exceptional views of the entire infield and outfield action. You catch the pitcher’s release and the batter’s reaction. Afternoon sun doesn’t nail these as hard as you’d think because the club-level roof provides partial shade by mid-game. Great value compared to home plate premium.
Club Level (Sections 210-234, Rows 1-8): Here’s the secret: club-level seats on the first-base side (214-220) get shade earlier than field level because of the roof curve. You’re elevated, padded, air-conditioned access nearby, and you see the game better than most premium seats. Not as expensive as home-plate dugout boxes. The tradeoff? You’re slightly removed from the on-field intensity, but your back will thank you.
Upper Deck Value (Sections 310-334, Rows 1-10): The upper deck at Charles Schwab isn’t the bad option here. Thanks to the shallow field dimensions and bowl design, even upper rows get legit sightlines. Rows 1-8 especially. These seats can run $75-$150 per game and they’re genuinely watchable. The tradeoff: it’s far, you miss some nuance, but for families or groups on a budget, it’s better than settling for obstructed angles elsewhere.
The Shade Math
June sun in Omaha is relentless. Solar noon is around 12:30 p.m. central time. For afternoon games (1 p.m. first pitch), expect zero shade first-base side until 3:30-4 p.m. Third-base side and outfield stay baked all day. The small roof over club level (sections 204-220) helps a bit but doesn’t fully cover field level. Here’s the real move: front rows of upper deck sections 310-318 (first-base side) get shade from the club-level overhang by mid-game.
Night games (6 p.m. start)? Shade sweeps in by third inning and covers most first-base side by the 6th. Find your spot. It matters.
What to Avoid
Far outfield corners (Sections 135-140, 125-130): View angles are weird, you’re far from the action, and these don’t discount enough to justify it. Skip.
High upper-deck third-base side (sections 330-334): You’re looking into the sun for innings 1-7 if it’s an afternoon game. Every fan around you is squinting. Not fun.
Seats directly behind home (upper deck, sections 312-316): The view is so steep and far that you’re basically watching on a screen instead of being at the park. Field level behind home is worth the upgrade.
That said, the CWS is a special event so if you want to be in the stadium for it, you should go.
Charles Schwab offers a tiered premium experience that actually makes sense financially. Unlike some stadiums, the club options here have genuine perks that justify cost.
Premium Seating Options
This may be a minor league stadium, but let me tell you—those Club Seats are the VIP experience you never knew you needed! Great sightlines that let you see these legendary games play out right in front of you. Its worth it if you can swing it. Here are some details:
Club Level Seats (Sections 210-234)
Club level wraps around the infield on the second deck. Exclusive elevator access via the Club Entrance on 13th Street or Gate 2. These seats come with padded chairs, wider spacing than field level, and—this matters—climate-controlled lounge access.
Access to an indoor club lounge with TVs, air-conditioning (crucial on 85+ degree days), complimentary food stations during games, full bar, private restrooms, and in-seat service if you’re feeling extra. The lounge isn’t catering-style buffet; it’s more like grabbing from available stations. Decent quality concessions, better than regular field-level stands. Beer, wine, soft drinks included. You can eat and watch the whole game without leaving your seat or dealing with lines. [I’ve sat club during a 95-degree CWS game, and those 45 minutes in the air-conditioned lounge between innings legitimately saved the day.]
It’s not lavish—think clean, modern, with multiple TVs showing the game and the scoreboard. There are high-top tables, bar stools, and soft seating. Not a party atmosphere; it’s more for comfort and practicality. Bartenders are solid. Crowd is mixed—families, older fans, business groups.
Who this is for: Anyone sitting afternoon games in June heat. Parents wanting to escape with kids for a few innings without missing anything. Business entertainment. It’s not for the die-hard who wants to live and die with every pitch; it’s for comfort and good sightlines.
Reality check: Club seats are worth it for hot afternoon games. If you’re going to an evening game (6 p.m. first pitch), the premium cost is less justified because field-level is perfectly fine temperature-wise. Early-round games (June 13-15) are cheaper and less crowded—good value for club testing. Finals (June 21-23) push premium costs high enough to question the ROI.
Suite & Group Options
Stadium Suites stretch from first to third base on the club level, just below the press box. These are typically corporate season holders and group packages. If your crew is 8+ people and you’re not squeezing into bleachers together, you can inquire about availability through the box office (402-645-1800). Most are locked up, but last-minute availability happens. Pricing is custom but assumes $3,000-$8,000 depending on game and group size. You get climate control, dedicated bar/food service, and your own space. Book early or call directly.
Charles Schwab Field Seating Chart
Charles Schwab Field has a seating capacity of 24,000. The stadium has the ability to expand to accommodate up to 35,000 spectators. It was opened in 2011 as a replacement for the historic Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. Here is the current Seating Chart To Charles Schwab Field.
Tickets to the College World Series
It is important to note that tickets for the College World Series are often sold out well in advance of the tournament. If you are interested in attending the College World Series, it is a good idea to start looking for tickets as early as possible. Since most schools fans find out the week before who will be in the tourney, here are some tips for getting tickets to the College World Series:
- Get your College World Series Tickets Here! Start here with Vivid Seats to try to secure tickets on the resale market for games.
- Be flexible with your dates: If you’re wanting to just attend and don’t care about a certain team, the College World Series is a two-week tournament, so there are a variety of games to choose from. If you are flexible with your dates, you may be able to find tickets to a game that is not as popular and that is less expensive.
- Be patient: It may take some time to find tickets to the College World Series. Be patient and keep checking online and with the schools that are playing in the tournament. You may eventually be able to find tickets that fit your budget and your schedule.
- Be prepared to pay a premium: Tickets for the College World Series are in high demand and can be expensive. Be prepared to pay a premium for tickets, especially if you are trying to get tickets to a popular game.
Charles Schwab Field Bag Policy
Allowed: 12″x12″x6″ clear plastic bags, one-gallon clear freezer bags (Ziploc), small clutches max 4.5″x6.5″. That’s it. No backpacks, no oversized purses. Security actually checks. Leave your bag in the car or at the hotel. Bring one 20-oz-or-smaller clear water bottle (refill stations at sections 104, 107, 120, 123, 127, 134). Staff cannot hold bags for you, so don’t bother asking.
Additional Policies to Know
Mobile Tickets Only: All CWS tickets are mobile-only. Download the official NCAA CWS app or Ticketmaster app. Screenshots don’t work. Add to your phone wallet before arriving.
Service Animals Welcome: Bring your service dog. They must stay with you in the seating area (not the aisle).
Cashless Park: All concessions, merchandise, parking. Cash-2-Card machines throughout.
College World Series Insider Tips
The tournament officially kicks off with a free celebration at The Riverfront (just north of the stadium) featuring a concert, autograph signings, and a fireworks show. This is usually the the day before games start. It’s free and it’s where you’ll feel the real CWS energy. Locals, alumni, families, everyone. Go.
Fan Fest Strategy: Fan Fest is a free zone just outside the stadium (Mike Fahey Street between 10th-12th Streets) running daily 11 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (with exceptions). It’s games, food trucks, merchandise, and live music. If you’re bringing kids or going solo, spend 90 minutes here before first pitch. You’ll feel the tournament atmosphere, meet fans from other schools, and break up the wait. It’s genuinely fun and costs nothing beyond overpriced food truck meals. Merch supplies are limited on popular items—buy early if you want something specific.
Tailgating 101: Where Locals Get It Right
Tailgating is allowed in Lots A, B, and D only (north and south of the stadium). Lots open at 8 a.m., and this is where the real CWS happens. The energy here is immense—grills smoking, coolers stacked, school flags flying, alumni groups organizing watch parties.
The insider move: Arrive by 6:30-7 a.m. if you want a solid tailgating spot in Lot B (south side, most crowded). Setup rules are tight: you must fit within your single parking stall, no tents staked into ground, cooking equipment must be 3 feet away from crowds/vehicles. All gear goes away before you enter the stadium.
The hack: If you hate the parking-lot grind, Rocco’s Pizza & Cantina and the surrounding bars (Barrett’s Barleycorn, Blatt Beer & Table with rooftop views) are CWS central. Rocco’s is basically the unofficial tailgate bar—the Jell-O shot challenge is a rite of passage. [I’ve seen grown-ups who flew in from nowhere find their people at Rocco’s and tailgate there instead of a parking lot. It works.]
There’s also Blur Tailgate (partnership with Hilton Omaha), which offers all-day tailgate packages ($64+) with buffet and bar access. Less chaotic than the lot, more social than your car. Good middle ground.
The Re-Entry Hack
You can leave the stadium and come back. Scan your ticket out, take a walk/hit a bar, scan back in. This is clutch on doubleheaders (the CWS schedules 3-4 games in a single day to fit the bracket). Between games 1 and 2, duck out, cool off, grab food outside. Reentry gets tight during peak times (between first and second game), so plan ahead. But this option exists and most fans don’t know about it.
Parking & Transportation That Actually Works
Parking fills up fast, especially Lot B. Pro tip: Park at Creighton University (free, includes tailgating, walkable via campus) or grab street parking in neighborhoods east of downtown, then rideshare in. Alternatively, ORBT (Omaha Rapid Bus Transit) runs free Ballpark Bus service. Park at Westroads Mall (free), hop on ORBT, get downtown in 25 minutes. No parking stress, no post-game traffic.
Ride-share from downtown: If you stay downtown (Hilton, Homewood Suites), it’s walkable or a $10 Uber. Much easier than driving from the suburbs.
Motorcycles/scooters: Bird and Lime scooters are available downtown. Just follow traffic laws (cops are out). Not ideal from far away, but if you’re staying downtown, they’re lightning-fast.
Food Inside the Park
The concession situation is standard ballpark fare—hot dogs, nachos, pizza, burgers, beer. Nothing special but not terrible. The real move: Bring snacks. Yes, bring clear-bagged food. Fans regularly bring sandwiches in clear plastic bags and eat them at their seats. Security doesn’t care. This saves you $40+ per person.
Two College World Series Specific Hacks
Hack #1 – The Shade Timing Spreadsheet: Screenshot this: first-base side gets shade starting around 4 p.m. for afternoon games. Club-level first-base side gets it by 3:30 p.m. Upper deck first-base side gets partial shade by mid-game. If you’re booking an afternoon ticket and heat is a factor, target sections 214-220 (club) or upper 310-318. Most fans don’t think this through and end up baked. You won’t.
Hack #2 – The Ticket Price Curve: Early-round games (June 13-15) are 40-60% cheaper than finals because teams haven’t been eliminated yet and the matchups are less predictable. BUT the tournament atmosphere is just as good. Want to experience CWS for less? Book early-round games. The Friday-Saturday weekend openers are packed, so target Sunday (June 15) or Monday-Tuesday games first round. Fewer out-of-town fans = lower prices + easier parking.
The 24-Hour Cash-To-Card Conversion
Charles Schwab Field is fully cashless. Brought cash by mistake? Cash-2-Card machines (reverse ATMs) throughout the stadium convert cash to Visa debit cards instantly with zero fees. This isn’t a hack, but it saves people mid-game when they realize their card got declined.
Stadium Tours
One-hour tours ($10) run most days during the tournament. Book at box office. You’ll see the dugouts, clubhouse, batting cages, press box. Tours are way better on non-game days when you get full access, but during the tournament, grab what you can. Good if you’ve got family visiting or want to kill time.
The Road to Omaha Statue
Just north of the stadium (corner of 13th and Cuming) sits a bronze statue commemorating the CWS history. It’s free, it’s photo-worthy, and most tourists grab a selfie here. Quick stop, worth it.
The Omaha Storm Chasers (Mid-Season Bonus)
Charles Schwab Field hosts the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They play May through September, so if you’re visiting outside CWS (June), this is your chance to see top-tier minor league baseball. The crowd and energy are completely different—way more relaxed, cheaper tickets ($10-$25), and you’ll actually see future major leaguers. Regular season games have a local, neighborhood feel versus the CWS tournament intensity. If you’re an Omaha repeat visitor, catching a Storm Chasers game in April, May, or late August/September gives you the full year-round ballpark experience. One tip: weeknight games (Monday-Thursday) are nearly empty—you can sit anywhere and catch legitimate baseball for next to nothing.
Bars/Restaurants in Omaha for the CWS
The real CWS experience happens off the field in downtown Omaha and Old Market. These spots are where fans gather, celebrate, and soak in the tournament energy. Forget the stadium area—there’s nothing there.
Rocco’s Pizza & Cantina (The CWS Institution) – This is ground zero during the tournament. The Jell-O shot challenge is a rite of passage. It’s chaotic, loud, and absolutely electric with school pride. Go before games to absorb the energy, go after to celebrate. The pizza is solid, beer flows, and you’ll make friends instantly. [This is where you understand what CWS means to Omaha.]
Blatt Beer & Table – Rooftop views, craft beer, upscale casual vibe. Great for postgame wind-down without the chaos. You can actually hear people talk here.
Barrett’s Barleycorn – Classic dive bar, good burgers, cheap beer, CWS energy without being overwhelming. Solid middle ground between Rocco’s intensity and Blatt sophistication.
The Berry & Rye – Cocktail bar, well-made drinks, quieter crowd. Good for a drink before heading to the park or a sophisticated postgame stop.
Old Market District – Walk around after games. Historic neighborhood with live music, local restaurants (try Kinaara for Indian or Omaha Prime for steak), unique shops. It’s got real character and is actually interesting to explore. Way better than stadium-area chain restaurants.
Hotels Near The College World Series In Omaha
Stay downtown or Old Market—don’t stay near the stadium. The area around Charles Schwab Field is just ballpark, no restaurants, no bars, no life. Downtown is walkable to bars and restaurants. Old Market is charming and historic. Both connect to the stadium via free ORBT bus (25 minutes) or a quick Uber ($10-15). You’ll save money, have way more to do, and actually experience Omaha.
Best Options
Hilton Omaha (1 block from stadium downtown) – CWS central during the tournament. Pre-game lobby buzzes with fans and alumni groups. Direct access to downtown energy. Most pricey option but proximity matters if you want constant action.
Magnolia Hotel Omaha (downtown) – Boutique vibe, stylish rooms, rooftop bar. Walking distance to restaurants and bars. Good middle ground between price and location.
Hotel Deco (downtown) – Art Deco-inspired, rooftop terrace, sophisticated atmosphere. Walkable to the Old Market and best downtown spots.
Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District (downtown) – Rooftop pool, modern rooms, central location. Good for groups and families wanting to explore.
Hyatt Place Omaha/Downtown-Old Market (Old Market) – Free breakfast, indoor pool, historic neighborhood setting. More character than corporate downtown, still walkable to everything.
Budget Options
Best Western Plus Midwest Inn – Basic comfort, pool, fitness center. Farther from downtown but saves money if you don’t mind rideshare.
Super 8 by Wyndham Omaha West Dodge Road – Budget-friendly, pool, near Old Market area. Good value for wallet-conscious travelers.
Getting to Omaha
If you’re going to fly into Omaha, here are a list of airlines that fly directly into Eppley Airfield (OMA)
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
OMA is a major hub for Southwest Airlines, which offers the most flights to and from Omaha. Other airlines that offer direct flights to Omaha include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. There are also a number of smaller airlines that offer seasonal or charter flights to Omaha.
Fun Things to do at the College World Series in Omaha
- Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: One of the world’s best zoos, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium features an array of exhibits and interactive experiences with animals from all over the world. From the indoor rainforest to the desert dome, there’s something for everyone at this top-rated attraction.
- Explore the Old Market: This historic district is full of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and entertainment venues. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, browse unique stores, or take in a live show.
- Enjoy the Heartland of America Park: Stroll along the scenic riverfront, take in the beautiful fountain displays, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this urban park. During summer evenings, the park hosts a captivating light and water show.
- Visit the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum: Located just outside of Omaha, the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum features a vast collection of aircraft and artifacts from the Cold War era. Visitors can explore exhibits and displays on aviation history, technology, and the role of the Strategic Air Command in national defense. The museum also offers a flight simulator and guided tours for an immersive experience.
- Walk or bike along the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: This picturesque bridge spans the Missouri River and connects Nebraska to Iowa. It’s a great place to take a walk or bike ride and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and river.
- Durham Museum: Delve into Omaha’s history at this former train station turned museum, featuring exhibits on regional history, including Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and exhibits on Omaha’s railroad heritage.
- Orpheum Theater: Attend a Broadway show, concert, or performance at this beautifully restored theater, known for its stunning architecture and top-notch entertainment.
- Take a riverboat cruise on the Missouri River: Embark on a scenic riverboat tour and learn about Omaha’s river history while enjoying breathtaking views and perhaps even spotting wildlife along the way.
- Omaha Children’s Museum: If you’re traveling with kids, spend a fun-filled day at the Omaha Children’s Museum, featuring interactive exhibits, educational activities, and hands-on learning experiences for children of all ages.
- Discover the Lauritzen Gardens: Surround yourself with the stunning natural scenery of the 100-acre botanical garden. It showcases different types of themed gardens, such as rose gardens, a Victorian garden, and a children’s garden. Explore the peaceful walking trails, seasonal displays, and educational exhibits, making it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts.
The College World Series isn’t just a tournament—it’s a pilgrimage. Eight teams, 10 days, June in Omaha, and a city that stops for baseball like nowhere else in America. Charles Schwab Field is where college baseball peaks. The atmosphere here is raw because everything matters and teams know it. You’ll meet fans from schools you’ve never heard of. You’ll see kids who might play in the majors next year. You’ll understand why coaches call this the “Super Bowl of college baseball.” Bring sunscreen, arrive early, embrace the heat, and let the chaos of bracket baseball wash over you. Once you’ve been to Omaha, you’ll understand the obsession. [I’ve sat through four CWS tournaments, and I still get chills thinking about that opening-weekend energy.]
Here are some other great guides to check out:
If you’re a College Football fan (you probably are) check out College Football Guide.
Here is our Memorial Stadium in Lincoln guide for Husker Football
And some other random ones in the region:
Kauffman Stadium and Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.