CWS 2026: Omaha hosts three major events as College World Series fans arrive

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Omaha is hosting three large events this week, with fans already filling downtown streets a day before the opening game of the Men’s College World Series.

The College World Series is bringing in over 150,000 fans alone over the next 10 days. The Sheriff’s Convention, being hosted in Omaha for the first time, brings in around 3,000 visitors each year. The Slumpbusters youth baseball tournament attracts an additional 23,000 visitors, according to Visit Omaha.

“We’ve also got a record breaking number of little league teams coming in for the Triple-Crown Slumpbuster tournament. That’s 801 teams. That’s a lot of boys running around. They are playing on 95 fields throughout the metro area, and I am telling you they are the ones that fill up the hotel rooms,” said Jasmyn Goodwin, executive director of Visit Omaha.

Hotels and reservations are already filling up.

First-time visitors praise Omaha hospitality

Many of the teams playing in the College World Series are making their first trip to Omaha, bringing new visitors to the metro.

“It’s just super kind, cordial, the hospitality is through the roof,” said Sean Cannon, a Texas fan.

“It was a cool feeling, you feel like you’re home,” said Brooks Buehler, a Troy fan.

Chase Anderson, a Texas student manager, said Omaha is “our second home.”

Fans said they plan to visit local restaurants and attractions during their stay. David Buehler, a Troy fan, said he plans to get a steak and ice cream at the Old Creamery. Kent Rocky, a North Carolina fan, said visiting the Drover Steakhouse is a tradition.

“I can’t think of a better spot to have this event here,” said Patty Cannon, a Texas fan.