Casagrande: A love letter to Omaha

This is an opinion column.

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly why the Men’s College World Series and Omaha are such a perfect match. Maybe it is the pleasant weather, the genuine warmth of the locals, or specific individuals like Ike Pane and his wife, Henrietta. Regardless, after spending a week in Nebraska, I am sold: this event is a must-see for any sports fan's bucket list.

A Jewel on the Missouri

Sitting in a packed Charles Schwab Stadium on a clear, 74-degree day, it is easy to see why this 24,000-seat venue is considered paradise for baseball fans. It is the perfect marriage of city and sport. While Omaha can get hot in the late spring, the atmosphere transcends what you can experience through a television screen.

Omaha’s dedication to this annual tradition is evident everywhere. Take the elevator, for instance—a task managed by Ike and Henrietta Pane. Ike, a retired high school principal over 80 years young, has been a fixture at the event since it arrived in the city 76 years ago. The duo spends their days moving folks up and down, offering the kind of folksy cheer that gives a metro area of over a million people the heart of a small town.

More Than Just a Tournament

The city's relationship with the College World Series is similar to the SEC baseball tournament in suburban Birmingham. Think of Omaha as Hoover, but without the hills. While I recently wrote that the SEC baseball tournament belongs in Hoover, Omaha takes that hosting energy and amplifies it. Hosting the event is woven into the city’s DNA.

Since 2011, the event has called this downtown ballpark home, following years of magic at the now-demolished Rosenblatt Stadium. The area around the park is a sports enthusiast’s playground, featuring destinations like Blatt Beer & Table and Rocco’s, the latter being the famous home of the Jello Shot Challenge. Between the fan fest, the Ferris wheel, and the vibrant nightlife, the city offers a 10-out-of-10 experience.

Memories in the Making

At its core, the Men’s College World Series is about the memories created. Walking around the stadium, you see youth teams and fathers who traveled from across the country to share these moments. Even Alabama coach Rob Vaughn, after his team’s season-ending loss to Texas, emphasized the importance of stepping back to enjoy the experience with his nine-year-old son.

Troy coach Skylar Meade, who played in the 2007 series with Louisville, noted after his team was eliminated by West Virginia that Omaha is the most unique sporting destination in the world. While I will always hold a soft spot for the Rose Bowl, Omaha’s unmatched hospitality is truly something special.

With the NCAA under contract through 2035, the event is staying put. Whether it is the dedicated grounds crew, the 120,000 Jello Shots, or the hospitality of people like the Panes, Omaha proves it gets the significance of this tradition. If you have the chance, make the pilgrimage. Omaha gets it, and you will too.