By Hunt Palmer
OMAHA, Neb.– A purple and gold invasion of Omaha is in progress.
The first week of the College World Series wasn’t LSU’s finest showing from a crowd perspective. That’s going to change for the championship series.
Many of you will be coming back to Omaha for the fourth or fifth time. Many of you are making your maiden voyage. Either way, do so safely.
I’m no local or member of the Chamber of Commerce, but I’ve spent 17 days and nights in this fine city and know my way around the College World Series. If you’re coming up with no itinerary and would like some suggestions, I have you covered.
This won’t be a comprehensive list of hangouts and activities, but it’s an attempt to help some of you have as enjoyable experience as possible.
ACCOMODATIONS
Omaha knows what it has in the CWS. Room rates reflect that. It can be pricy. Sometimes a look at Council Bluffs, Iowa can be useful. The Ameristar is a casino resort with a gaming floor, sports book, great breakfast, and it’s a $12 and 10 minute Uber to the ballpark. I’ll be broadcasting from the ESPN Bet Sportsbook Friday, Saturday and perhaps Monday.
Be sure to search in Council Bluffs in addition to Omaha for a comprehensive hotel search.
The team is staying at the Embassy Suites/Old Market Hotel at 555 S. 10th St. There will be a sendoff there before each game.
PREGAME
Charles Schwab Field is surrounded by places to grab some food. All of these are an easy walk to the ballpark (except Barrett’s). There are plenty more that I have not listed. They’ll all be rather busy and a little loud. It’s a big tailgate. If you’re looking for a quiet lunch, you’ll have to leave the ballpark area.
- The Matt (Previously The Old Mattress Factory) is a large restaurant and bar with a lot of tables and TVs. If you’d like to sit down, this is a good place to try.
- Addy’s is a sportsbar vibe. Burgers, wings, TVs
- The Fat Putter is an indoor minigolf bar with five nine-hole courses and a full bar.
- DJ’s Dugout was the Arkansas bar, but Jared Jones took care of that. It’s another sports bar.
- Blatt and Rocco’s are the loud/party bars. If you’re looking to hear loud music, take Jell-O shots and tie one on before the game, this is your spot. The Rocco’s vibe is similar to Lucy’s before and after a Saints game with an overflow crowd spilling toward the street. Blatt is a rooftop bar that is always packed because it’s just beyond the right field bleachers.
- Fan Fest is located just beyond the outfield wall. Food and drinks are available in a festival-like environment. They’ve got some tented areas to sit and find some shade.
- I can’t leave Barrett’s Barleycorn out. It’s not walking distance to the ballpark, and it’s not packed like it was when I came in 2009 and it was the only place LSU fans went, but if you go to Barrett’s for lunch one day or postgame on Saturday, it’ll be 95 percent LSU fans. The bartenders will be in “Geaux” shirts. And you’ll run into someone you know. I don’t think a trip to Omaha is complete without going to Barrett’s to just feel the 40 years of history LSU has in that place. It’s a short drive. Grab a cheesesteak and a draft beer in a plastic cup.
OLD MARKET
The old market is just a few blocks from the ballpark-area bars. It’s a really cool vibe to walk around in.
I ate dinner at M’s Pub this week and had a good meal. There are over a dozen more food and bar options intertwined with shops. Find your own way, but it’s a very different flavor than the sports bars around the park.
FOR THE KIDS
The Henry Doorly Zoo is rated among America’s best. I have never been, but I have heard a lot of positive reviews. The players actually seemed to enjoy their trip last week.
The Infield at the Zoo is the “memorial” of Rosenblatt Stadium, home of six Tiger national titles. I highly, highly suggest going to check it out even if you don’t go to the zoo. The site is now the parking lot for the zoo. Home plate is still in in the same spot, and the foul poles are still standing. You can walk over near the right field pole where Warren Morris’s ball nestled over the fence. It’s great for photos. My dad has a picture of us from 2023 in his office.
The Fan Fest just outside the stadium is awesome for kids. They have a wiffle ball home run derby set up, different carnival games, a spot to dye hair purple and gold and a ferris wheel.
STEAKS
You can get a great steak in Omaha. I can’t claim to have eaten them all, but three seems to stand out when you talk to locals.
- The Drover is famous for its whiskey-marinaded steaks and massive salad bar. It’s classic Omaha and is fairly casual for a steakhouse. I have been to The Drover and can confirm it’s great.
- 801 Chophouse is more fine dining. It’s a white tablecloth place with great steaks and a fantastic prime rib. This one also has my approval
- Brother Sebastian’s is the one I have not been to but have heard great things.
TICKETS
I just wanted to point out that there isn’t really a terrible seat in the ballpark. It’s not very tall, and the modern architecture made sure everyone has a good view of the field. I have now sat at basically every vantage point in the park, and if you’re thinking of saving a few bucks with seats that you’re worried are too far from the action, I didn’t feel that way.
AIRPORT
Just be advised that the airport is undergoing a massive renovation, so it’s a construction zone right now. Maybe when you come back in 2026 to see the Tigers again, it’ll be finished.
Enjoy Omaha. I’m not expert, and there’s certainly more to do than what I’ve listed. These are touristy, but you’re coming for the city’s main event. Hit the high notes.
I’ve loved my time here, and you will too.
Cheers.
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