Note: this post has been updated as of May 20th, 2021, to reflect current recommendations and information.
Come summertime, you can’t think of Omaha without thinking of the Collegiate Baseball Championship. The annual tournament blends America’s favorite pastime with Omaha’s flair for celebration (and food). Locals look forward to it all year and baseball fans reserve their spots at games, in hotels, and at tailgates months in advance.
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably counting down the days until game time. Use our guide to find details about what’s going on during the series, our favorite nearby hot spots to grab a bite, and even events taking place outside of the tournament!
Collegiate Baseball Championship | June 19 – 30, 2021
For more information and game schedules, visit their website.
COVID-19 Policies for the 2021 Series
Based on updated recommendations from the Series’ COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group on May 19, local public health authorities will now determine fan capacities at the 2021 Collegiate Baseball Championship. All season ticket holders will receive direct communication about this update and what it means for your tickets via email. Unless mandated by public health authorities, masks and physical distancing will not be required. Each person attending a game should make an informed decision about wearing a mask and physical distancing in keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information, click here.
The History of the Series in Omaha
Before we get started though, let’s brush up on a little bit of history. The Collegiate Baseball Championship has been held in Omaha, Nebraska since 1950. Before our famed TD Ameritrade Park was constructed, games were held at the beloved Rosenblatt Stadium from 1950 through 2010. In 2011, the first tournament was held at the brand new park—also home to the Creighton Bluejays!
Tailgates
Photo courtesy of Blur Parties
Tailgates are a traditional part of the series and you’ll find plenty of them! All you need to do is walk around the TD Ameritrade parking lots as game time rolls around. Rest assured, there will be a place to celebrate—even as early as 8 a.m.!
Blur Parties hosts an annual tailgate just 40 yards from the stadium. In 2021, the event will include a mouth-watering food buffet, non-alcoholic drinks, a cash bar, games and plenty of social opportunities with other diehard fans. Buy your tickets before game day to ensure you get in!
Parking at TD Ameritrade Park
During the Collegiate Baseball Championship, parking at the stadium and at the CenturyLink Center costs $15 and are first-come, first-served. This applies to all lots other than D and B as those are reserved for season-ticket and premium-seat holders. You can find more information on parking near the center here!
There is also plenty of parking throughout downtown Omaha itself! Check out ParkOmaha.com for a full list of available public parking spaces and garages.
Where to Eat
If you’re looking for something other than hotdogs and stadium nachos, step outside TD Ameritrade Park to get your meals. Omaha is bustling with burger joints, steakhouses, BBQ restaurants and even 21 delicious vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. You can also check out our roundups of The 15 Best Meals Under $10 in Omaha and The 14 Best Tacos in Omaha + Council Bluffs.
Or, opt for one of the following destinations within walking distance around the park!
Blatt Beer & Table
Distance to TD Ameritrade Park: 1-minute walking distance
If you want to be a part of the action, you should be at Blatt Beer & Table. It’s across the street from the stadium and offers some of the most delicious pub fare in the city. Nothing goes better with baseball than a cold brew and their famous Bavarian Pretzel Bites!
The Session Room
Distance to TD Ameritrade Park: 6 minutes walking distance
The Session Room is a rustic bar and grill just down the block from the stadium and it’s the best place to go if you can’t decide what you’re craving. We suggest starting with Cheese Curds and Sidewinder Fries, then trying one of their famous Pizza Cones—a pizza served in the shape of an ice cream cone!
The Old Mattress Factory
Distance to TD Ameritrade Park: 6 minutes walking distance
The Matt is famous in Omaha and amongst series regulars. That means it’ll be crowded, but if you’re looking for the best selection of craft beer, pub meals and cocktail specials, don’t miss out! Snag a classic Omaha Reuben between games then come back afterward for live music.
The Old Mattress Factory also hosts the Omaha Baseball Village at 501 N. 13th Street — your headquarters for all things baseball! You’ll find giveaways, live games on the 13-foot Jumbotron, live music between games and a beer garden.
DJ’s Dugout
Distance to TD Ameritrade Park: 9 minutes walking distance
DJ’s Dugout has five Omaha area locations, but the Downtown restaurant is less than ten minutes from TD Ameritrade Park. With TV screens covering most of the walls, you can even watch the game from the comfort of a booth with a mouth-watering burger in hand!
Where to Stay
Photo courtesy of Hilton Omaha
There are plenty of places to stay in Omaha—whether you’re looking for quiet and quaint or lively and baseball-themed! Check out our blog posts, Places To Stay When Visiting Omaha and A Visitor’s Guide to Omaha for more details.
Please note: You may have to join the crowds staying in Lincoln as Omaha hotels sell out quickly!
Hilton Omaha
The Hilton Omaha is just a five-minute walk to TD Ameritrade Park, so it’s an excellent option if you want to be in the middle of the action! It’s also connected to the CenturyLink Center via an enclosed sky bridge so you can get to the Baseball Hall of Fame Tour without going outside.
Hampton Inn & Suites
This newly renovated hotel in downtown Omaha is just on the north side of TD Ameritrade Park. When you leave through the front doors, you’ll be right in the middle of the action! And you can peruse the tailgates on your way to the stadium’s main entrance.
The Marriott at Omaha’s Capitol District
Located in the heart of downtown Omaha, the Capitol District is Omaha’s newest entertainment district. It was built to serve as Omaha’s central entertainment hub, offering a public plaza filled with adorable shops, gourmet restaurants, cozy cafes, swanky bars and overnight accommodations at the 333-room Marriott Omaha Downtown. It’s the perfect way to experience a new side of Omaha while remaining within easy reach of the ballpark. Read more about the Capitol District here.
Other City Events Taking Place That Week
The entire city will be celebrating the series (which just so happens to fall on Father’s Day weekend) with special events during the week! When you’re not watching games or exploring classic tourist attractions, check out these opportunities.
Omaha Freedom Festival
When: June 19, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
On Juneteenth 2021, head out to the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation Amphitheater for an open-air festival featuring education, entertainment and other resources for the community. The Keeshea Pratt Band, the 2018 Blues Challenge winner from Houston, TX, will be performing at the evening concert and the Bruce Katz Band and the John Primer Band at the free festival in the afternoon.
Omaha Family Picnic Day
Where: Midtown Crossing
When: June 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
It’s a beautiful weekend to dine outside! Head to Turner Park in Midtown Crossing on June 26th for a day of picnicking and other family-friendly activities. While you’re free to bring your own snacks, you’re also encouraged to support Midtown Crossing restaurants while you’re there! (Psst… they are offering freebies to people who present the Swishboom app, so be sure to download it before you go!).
Wheels of Courage Car Show
Where: Quaker Steak and Lube
When: June 26, 11 a.m.
The 6th Annual Wheels of Courage Car Show is revving up for another great year! Stop by for an exciting outdoor car show with a variety of car categories that are open to the public to enter and win. There will also be an auction and raffle with amazing and unique prizes. Proceeds support the Spirit of Courage Charitable Patient Fund at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital.
Bloody Mary Jazzfest
Where: Werner Park
When: June 27, 1-4 p.m.
Join the Rotary Club of Omaha West to see who has the best Bloody Marys in Omaha! Local bars and restaurants will compete for $2,000 worth of prize money in different categories so go out and sample some of the best Bloody Marys in the area. There will also be plenty of great jazz music, raffle prizes and more.
Have fun!
Do you have any additional tips and tricks for visitors? Let us know in the comments below!