You’ve got your College World Series™ tickets, you know when you need to be at Schwab Field… now what? This College World Series guide is designed to help you plan a trip to Omaha for the games. If you don’t have hotel reservations, read on for suggested places to stay. If you don’t have a restaurant plan for dining before or after the game, read on. Feel free to comment with any specific questions – I’m happy to help!
UPDATE: This post was first published in 2019 and has been updated in May 2023.
You should also check out: Essential Guide To The College World Series
Hotels for College World Series fans
Omaha has plenty of hotels, but if you’re looking for a room within walking distance of Schwab Field (formerly TD Ameritrade Park), you’d better book early. The closest hotels will be full when the College World Series start in June.
If you want some hotel recommendations, here are my top picks for CWS hotels:
- If you want to be within walking distance to Charles Schwab Field Omaha, look at Holiday Inn Omaha Downtown, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, and Cambria Hotel.
I can vouch for Holiday Inn being a great location for families, especially with its small indoor waterpark. But for great views, check out Cambria.
- The Old Market has several hotel options as well, and they could be within walking distance if you’re willing (and don’t mind the heat!). Many will likely have some sort of shuttle service, too.
My family’s favorite is Embassy Suites because the rooms are large, the manager’s happy hour is great, and it has possibly the best complimentary hot breakfast in town.
– If North Downtown and Old Market hotels are booked (or out of your price range), look further afield. Consider looking at hotels that are near the airport, on the outskirts of downtown or in Midtown Omaha.
DoubleTree is a great option, and for a more chic historic stay, check out Magnolia. While Magnolia doesn’t have a pool, Pickles Travel stayed there with her family and wrote a good review of the Magnolia family experience.
At Midtown Crossing, you’ll find Element. It’s one of Omaha’s more eco-friendly accommodations.
Downtown restaurants & bars suggestions for CWS fans
This is my favorite topic: Eating. Omaha has a lot of great restaurants, so you’re in for a treat when you visit during the College World Series! I’ve written about the 40+ must-try restaurants in Omaha, so it’s a good post to start with.
Tip: If you’ve brought kids with you to the CWS, start with this list of downtown Omaha restaurants that are great for families.
I asked my Facebook fans to share some of their restaurants recommendations, and they mentioned a few great places to eat near Schwab Field. Near the stadium, Emily K. recommended Blatt Beer and Table. I’d have to second this recommendation – there’s a reason why it shows up on all of my “best of” restaurant lists for Omaha.
However, due to its proximity to the stadium, be ready for a wait. But, hey, if you snag a seat on the rooftop, it’s worth it, right?
Like parties? If you’re looking for a restaurant or bar scene that’s going on the nutty side, insiders tell me that Capitol District and Mattress Factory will have the largest parties. There are several other bars outside the stadium that are a blast to be at pre- and post-game.
Not looking for a party? I’d recommend getting out of the NoDo area around the stadium. Head to neighborhoods like Benson and Blackstone for a variety of local restaurants and bars without the rowdiness (usually).
In the Old Market area, bars to head to include Barry O’s or the Stadium Club. Several bars around Omaha become specific spots for teams. Barrett’s on Leavenworth Street, for instance, is definitely big for LSU fans. Dannel T. recommends you try Big Mama’s Kitchen And Catering, which was featured on “Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives.” You’ll get your fix of Southern good eats there.
Another recommendation was in Midtown Omaha, Ann D. suggested Spezia. Spezia is an Italian restaurant with a pretty big steak selection. There are a ton of places to get steaks in Omaha (and who comes to Omaha and doesn’t seek out the best steak??!).
Want some more food ideas?
The following lists will include restaurants in downtown Omaha, but also many that are a few miles away from Schwab Field. Note the address, especially if you’re relying on public transportation or Lyft.
So, let’s see, what are you hungry for?
- For the best pizzerias in Omaha, read this post.
- Need breakfast inspiration, check out these 19 places to get breakfast in Omaha. If you just want donuts, read this post instead.
- Want to cool off with ice cream? Here are 8 great places to get ice cream in Omaha.
