Sooner Nation's Official Omaha Travel Guide For The College World Series

Hello Sooner Nation! If you are looking for where to hit up this week in Omaha at the College World Series, you’ve come to the right place.

I once lived in Omaha for a year, as I worked as an anchor/producer for Gray Television’s Local News Live, when the network launched in 2021. I had a wonderful experience in Omaha, and it reminded me of my hometown of Tulsa, which a lot of you are very familiar with, a colder version of T-Town of sorts.

The College World Series is a must-see event for every sports fan, even if you don't have a rooting interest. I've had the pleasure of going to it on four different occasions, both as a fan and media member, and to this day, it is still one of my favorite events I've ever been to.

I might also add, I know a thing or two about travel. Throughout the summer, I'm on the road almost every weekend in an event I like to call, the #SummerOfJones (which you can follow along on Instagram @TylerJonesLive).

As many you make your way up to Nebraska this week, I figured I would help you out and give you the places that you have to hit up while you are in town for the College World Series.

1. Rocco's Pizza & Cantina

Let’s begin with the obvious one. This is the home of the infamous jello-shot challenge that occurs right across the street from Charles Schwab Field in downtown Omaha. In 2022, despite making it to the College World Series Finals, Sooner fans were embarrassed, finishing in fourth place with only 843 jello-shots consumed.  

By comparison, Ole Miss, who won the challenge, took down 18,777 jello-shots. I know Sooner fans can drink. I’ve seen it firsthand at Campus Corner. This let-down cannot happen again. Buy a jello-shot for yourself, your friends, strangers, whatever it takes. When you drink, you score. When you drink, you win. Don’t let your fellow Sooners down, this is your most important fan duty at the College World Series.

2. Upstream Brewery

When you’re in Omaha, you will need somewhere to go eat, and my top recommendation is Upstream Brewery. The food is fantastic and there is something for everyone there. It is the Old Market neighborhood, which is where all the action will be, outside of downtown. 

The drink selection is incredible too. If you are looking for a nice meal with a group or your family, you can leave there with an affordable meal and still be very satisfied with what you had to eat.

3. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The Omaha Zoo is a must when you visit the city. It is believed by many to be the best smalltown zoo in the country. My favorite part of the zoo is the ski lift, which provides an incredible view of all the animals in the zoo.

Fair warning, be prepared to walk, and walk A LOT. If you are looking to get your steps in, this is the place to be. One cool thing they are offering during the CWS on the 18th and 25th is a late night visit if you are 21 and over from 7-10pm. Could be a cool way to see all the animals from a different perspective than you would normally get.

4. Crescent Moon

The Crescent Moon is an iconic fixture of Omaha’s Blackstone District. Omaha is known for the reuben sandwich, and the best one you’re going to find is right here. Don’t listen to the locals that try to tell you to go to Runza, that’s way overrated and average, but they are right about the reuben.

Also at the Crescent Moon, they have a very cool dive bar scene. My favorite beer, Boulevard Wheat, is available on tap here, which is hard to find at most places. If you’re looking to meet some singles while you’re in town, start at the Crescent Moon, and then navigate the Blackstone District from there.

5. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

We cannot forget about the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. It is an iconic fixture of Omaha, and you will see it in every aerial shot of the city when they show the ballpark on TV. If you’re looking for that Instagram post with your special someone, this is the place to do it.

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is unique because you can be standing in both Nebraska and Iowa at the same exact time. If you’re bringing your canine on the trip, this is a pet friendly place to walk your animal as well. When you get across the bridge though, go back the other way. There’s no need to hangout in Council Bluffs, Iowa for any reason whatsoever, just trust me on that.

Hopefully you find this travel guide helpful and enjoy your time in Omaha at the College World Series. Omaha is a special place for CWS, and I hope it never leaves as they have done a terrific job hosting each and every year.

Go eat a good reuben, crush some jello-shots, walk the bridge, see some animals, drink a cold one, and help the Sooners bring home a national championship!