CWS 2024: Omaha Police helping fans stay safe at the College World Series
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - College World Series games start Friday, and security is top of mind for Omaha Police.
The eve of the CWS last year literally started with a bang: The security and grounds team saw a suspicious package, and called the bomb squad. It turned out to be a toolbox from one of the workers.
But as Omaha investigators told 6 News, there’s nothing better than a real test to make sure everyone is on the top of their game.
“Have a game plan when you come to the stadium,” OPD Capt. Mark Desler said. “Know what you can and can’t bring.”
The rules this year are much the same as in past years: bags must be clear, no noisemakers, and no weapons.
And leave the Yetis at home.
CWS 2024 INFO
What you need to know about CWS 2024
The 2024 College World Series is here and thousands of fans have begun to descend upon Omaha for “The Greatest Show on Dirt.”
“Everyone is bringing in those big drink glasses and Yeti containers — those are not allowed in the stadium,” Desler said.
But you can bring in a clear — and empty — 20-ounce bottle to use at the hydration stations. Many got the message; on a hot Thursday, several youngsters were refilling their clear water bottles.
OPD and their law-enforcement partners always have extra staff on hand during the College World Series because there are so many fans in one place. They’ll have drones watching above; the footprint around Charles Schwab Field keeps getting bigger.
Authorities also urge the public to share when something doesn’t seem right.
“If you see something, say something. Omaha Police encourage all patrons to be vigilant throughout the MCWS and urge the public to immediately report any suspicious behavior or unattended items to nearby officers, or to call 911,” the OPD release states.
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
You can bring an empty 20-ounce (or smaller) colear plastic water bottle to fill up at water stations throughout the ballpark, but there’s lot of things you can’t bring inside:
- No weapons but also no fake weapon or objects resembling weapons are allowed in the stadium, or at Fan Fest and Baseball Village areas outside the stadium. “This includes permit holders possessing or carrying lawfully concealed weapons in or around the facility,” according to the Omaha Police news release.
- No alcohol, drugs, or illegal substances. As Charles Schwab Field Omaha is a smoke free facility, you’re also not allowed to bring in vaping materials or e-cigs.
- No professional cameras or any camera with a lens longer than three inches are allowed. You also can’t bring in detachable lenses, and camera bags must also be clear plastic.
- No audio or video recording equipment, including selfie sticks
- No laser-pointers or glow sticks
- Drones are prohibited throughout the ballpark area
- No bicycles, hoverboards, heelys, skateboards, or rollerblades
- No disruptive noises are allowed, including bells, whistles, and air horns
- No large or golf umbrellas, and no chairs
- No beach balls, bubbles, footballs, Frisbees, or balloons
- No fireworks or pyrotechnics
- No confetti, glitter, or aerosols
- No signs or banners
- No outside food or drink
- No abusive, foul, or disruptive language
- No obscene or indecent clothing
- No animals, with the exception of service animals
- No items deemed to compromise public safety
“Banned items must be disposed of before an individual may gain entrance to the ballpark,” according to an OPD release on CWS safety protocols.
Copyright 2024 WOWT. All rights reserved.
