One of the Men’s College World Series’ most popular attractions is back again in 2025 with new activities and attractions.
The Omaha Baseball Village is returning for its 15th year downtown. This annual event began in 2011, the year that the College World Series moved from Rosenblatt Stadium to Charles Schwab Field (then TD Ameritrade Park).
Marketing director Jenny Peters said that the Village offers various things for everyone to enjoy, including boutiques, food vendors, and merchandise vendors just to name a few. She said that when they started it, they wanted to make sure that they had a little bit of everything for people of all ages to partake in.
“The vision was to just be the new 13th Street, and try to encapsulate what happened along 13th Street, all in our property,” Peters told Hurrdat Sports. “And kind of be a place for everyone, 2 to 92.”
Community and charity are some very important aspects to the Omaha Baseball Village. In 2011, the Omaha Baseball Village bought the Rosenblatt flag poles and raised them on the south end of the property, where they stand year-round. As part of their Flying Flags for Charity operation, the Village raises team flags on opening night which also represents eight charities the OBV partnered with. This year, that includes Macy’s Way, Children’s Nebraska Foundation and Ronald MacDonald House among five others. She said that they enjoy getting to help these organizations and make a difference.
“Flying Flags for Charity was born of that purchase and mounting those flag poles on our site,” Peters said. “We wanted to recognize eight local nonprofits and so we’ve worked with over 85 over the years and just to share the ministry that they’re doing, their mission. It’s been everyone from food pantries to Children’s Hospital, who we have this year.”
Another important tradition is the Omaha Baseball Village’s Hero Day. Each year, the Omaha Baseball Village welcomes people — often children — in the community who are battling health issues for a personalized VIP experience with their families at the Village. The heroes are chosen through a nomination process, and in the past, the experience has included a police escort downtown, appearing on the video board during a game, receiving memorabilia, to name a few. She said that they want to make the day as special as possible.
“It’s so emotional,” Peters said. “And the vendors and the fans are unbelievable in their generosity. It’s heartwarming to know that goodness is that strong still everywhere. So definitely our favorite day.”
The Gold Glove Award is another cool thing that the Omaha Baseball Village has at its event. This award is given to the best MLB player at each fielding position and is based on individual performance throughout the year. The Omaha Baseball Village will host a Gold Glove trophy for fans to come see and take pictures with. Peters said that it’s cool having this award in Omaha.
“It’s a privilege,” Peters said. “Really an honor to have it here.”
College World Series fans can find the Omaha Baseball Village in the parking lot of The Old Mattress Factory Bar and Grill on 13th and Cass, one block from the ballpark. The event begins on Thursday and runs throughout the entire College World Series.
“So come and see all the new vendors for sure,” Peters said.
