Men's College World Series

• NCAATickets.com is the official seller. Single-game tickets usually go on sale in April, before the regionals and super regionals, and fans can sign up for a presale. Demand jumps once the eight teams are set, and sold-out sessions can get more seats or verified resale later. Tickets are mobile only.

  Tickets on NCAA Tickets (NCAATickets.com)

• The official hospitality packages include a game ticket plus a pregame tailgate tent or a VIP lounge with food, drinks and a trophy photo. They go on sale in the fall before the series.

  Tickets on NCAA Fan Experience by On Location

A team's fans should plan five to seven nights, since a run through the bracket and finals can last ten days. Neutral fans can see four or more games in a three-night trip over the opening weekend.

About 3,500 hotel rooms sit within 3 miles of the ballpark, and the closest ones fill months ahead. The rest go within days once the eight teams are set, and downtown rates often double or more. Book a refundable room early, or look at Council Bluffs and west Omaha.

• Downtown and the Capitol District

  5 min, walk

  Hotels such as the Hilton Omaha and the Omaha Marriott Downtown sit a block or across the street from the ballpark. This is the easiest base and the first to sell out.

• Old Market

  10 to 15 min, walk

  The brick-street bar and restaurant district is a short walk from the ballpark and is where fans gather before and after games.

• Midtown and Blackstone

  10 min, rideshare

  Restaurants and hotels along Dodge Street and Farnam Street with shorter lines than downtown. A quick ride to the ballpark.

• Council Bluffs, Iowa

  10 to 15 min, drive

  Across the Missouri River with casino hotels and often lower rates. An easy drive over I-480 to the ballpark.

• West Omaha and Aksarben Village

  20 min, drive

  Chain hotels near I-680 and the Aksarben area cost less. Plan to drive and park.

• Fly into OMA

  Eppley Airfield is about 3.5 miles from the ballpark, roughly 10 minutes by car. Several downtown hotels run free airport shuttles.

• Fly into LNK

  Lincoln Airport is about 55 miles southwest of the ballpark, close to an hour by car on I-80.

• Fly into DSM

  Des Moines International is about 135 miles east, a little over two hours by car on I-80. It can be cheaper when Omaha fares spike after the field is set.

• Fly into Eppley Airfield

  OMA is about 3.5 miles from Charles Schwab Field. The Courtyard Omaha Downtown and the DoubleTree downtown both list free airport shuttles.

• Walk from downtown

  The ballpark is at 1200 Mike Fahey Street in north downtown, a short walk from the Old Market, the Capitol District and Millwork Commons.

• Drive and park

  Surface lots cost $10 and garages $15. During the series, Lot A and the CHI Health Center garage are $15, Lots B and D are for permit holders only, and there is no in and out parking. MECA lots open at 8 a.m. during the series.

• Drive in on I-80

  Most road trippers come in on I-80 and I-480 and exit toward downtown at 14th Street or Dodge Street. Traffic and road work can change the route, so use live maps.

• Rideshare

  Uber and Lyft are the simplest option from Midtown, Council Bluffs or west Omaha. Expect surge prices right after night games.

Bag policy

Clear, uncolored plastic totes, one-gallon clear freezer bags and small clutches up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches are allowed, one bag per ticket holder. The ballpark will not hold bags that break the rules.

Cash or card

The ballpark is cash free, from the box office to the bars. Free Cash-2-Card machines on the main concourse turn cash into a prepaid card.

Food and drink

Ballpark food goes past hot dogs: look for the NachOmaha at Batter's Box near section 122 and the Grounds Crew Tatcho at Great Plains Grill near section 119.

Gates open

MECA parking lots open at 8 a.m. during the series and close 90 minutes after the last game. Tailgating is allowed in MECA lots, but alcohol and open containers are banned in the parking lots and glass is not allowed.

What to wear

Wear your school's colors, a hat and sunscreen, since day games in the open seats get hot. The ballpark bans cameras with lenses over 3 inches, selfie sticks and tripods.

Weather

Omaha in late June is often in the upper 80s to 90s Fahrenheit and humid, with a chance of evening thunderstorms that can cause delays.

• Photo, free

  Road to Omaha sculpture

  The 1,500-pound bronze of four players piling up at home plate was unveiled in 1999 and now stands at the northwest corner of the ballpark. It is the series' classic group photo.

  1200 Mike Fahey St, Omaha, NE 68102

• Outing, $$

  Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

  A large zoo and aquarium about 3 miles south of downtown. It fills a morning before a night game.

  3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107

• Tour, $

  The Durham Museum

  Omaha's old Union Station is now a history museum with a working soda fountain and candy shop. Cool off between day and night games.

  801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108

• Tour, free

  Joslyn Art Museum

  Three buildings of art covering 5,000 years, with free general admission every day. It is air conditioned and a short drive from the ballpark.

  2200 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102

• Outing, $$

  Kiewit Luminarium

  An indoor science center on the riverfront, good for families and rain delays. It is closed Mondays.

  345 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102

• Outing, free

  The RiverFront

  Three linked downtown parks, including Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park, open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Walk them on the way from the Old Market to the river.

  900 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68102