CWS 2024: Fan Fest adds ferris wheel to College World Series fun, traditions
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - With less than 24 hours before the first pitch of this year’s College World Series, excitement for the days ahead is building. But the eve of Game 1 is really all about the fans.
The day has been full of really young kids hoping to get a home run ball during batting practice — and maybe an autograph — or just hanging out in seats you may not be able to afford once the games get started on Friday.
Fans weren’t just waiting inside for autographs; they catch the players moments after they get off the team bus.
Players also make one a stop for an official NCAA team photo in front of the “Road to Omaha” statue; then each player individually.
CWS TEAMS PRACTICE
Coaches, players speak to media ahead of opening weekend
Teams were at Charles Schwab Field on Thursday prepping for their run at the championship. Games get underway on Friday.
Just hours into the fun, lots of people were already enjoying the latest addition to the College World Series Fan Fest: a ferris wheel.
While teams got their first day of practice at Charles Schwab Field, lots of CWS fans lined up for the carnival ride while others checked out this year’s food and drink options, batting cages, and even a spot to dye your hair the color of whichever of the eight teams you’re rooting for.
The executive director of the College World Series told 6 News that organizers wanted to go all out this year, their 74th year.
“The most important thing is this is free and open to the public throughout the series. Even if you don’t have a game ticket, you can come down and enjoy the atmosphere and all the fun things to do,” he said.
Visitors are also reminded that if they want to bring a bag into the event, it must be clear.
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.”
Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina’s Jell-O shot challenge was also getting started Thursday. The competition translates into donations for local charities.
They told 6 News that Jevo was making the shots again this year and had plans to have 96,000 at the ready for 12 days so they don’t run out like last year. LSU fans went through more than 68,000 of them last year. That translated to about $148,000 in donations.
Teams also have folks working behind the scenes, too, getting all that equipment unloaded. It’s nowhere near football or hockey gear — but there’s more to it than you think. Tennesee brought their own buckets for infield practice, plus a special gift for each player to help them remember this year’s run at the championship.
Copyright 2024 WOWT. All rights reserved.
