You don’t need a game ticket to have a great day at the College World Series! Omaha Baseball Village and MCWS Fan Fest are each free, all-ages, and just one block from the ballpark. Here’s how to tell them apart, and what you need to know about each.
Quick Things to Know About Omaha Baseball Village & CWS Fan Fest
Cost: Both events are free!
Dates (2026): Both Baseball Village and Fan Fest run alongside the College World Series, from June 12–22, with kickoff events on June 11.
Hours:
- Baseball Village opens daily at 11 a.m. and is open for all ages until around 7 p.m. The 21-and-over Beer Garden runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with DJs every night.
- Fan Fest hours run in conjunction with games—usually from 11 a.m. to 6:30 or 7 p.m.—with variations depending on game schedules. Fan Fest hours on June 11 are from noon to 4 p.m.
Where:
- Baseball Village is at 501 N 13th St, in the parking lot of The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill.
- Fan Fest is set up in Lot C and the northeast corner of Lot B, just outside Charles Schwab Field.
Baseball Village vs. Fan Fest: What’s the Difference?
This trips up almost every first-timer. There are two free fan zones at the College World Series, and they’re run by different organizations. Fan Fest is the NCAA’s party by the stadium, and Baseball Village is Omaha’s party at The Matt. You can visit both—they’re just a one-block walk apart!
Omaha Baseball Village
The Omaha Baseball Village is the privately run block party at The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill (“The Matt”). This is the one with the local boutiques, the food vendors, the beer garden, the nightly concerts, and the Gold Glove trophy on display. It’s also free and all-ages during the day.
MCWS Fan Fest
The MCWS Fan Fest, presented by Capital One, is the NCAA’s official festival—set up right outside Charles Schwab Field. It’s where you’ll find the championship trophy for photos, the NCAA Authentic Team Store, interactive games and batting challenges, sponsor giveaways, live music, and—in recent years—a Ferris wheel overlooking the ballpark. It’s free, all-ages, and open daily during the CWS.
From Rosenblatt to Today: The Story of the Omaha Baseball Village
To understand the Omaha Baseball Village, you have to understand what Omaha lost—and then rebuilt.
The CWS Rosenblatt Era
For more than half a century, the College World Series lived at Rosenblatt Stadium, where the magic wasn’t only on the field. It was out on 13th Street: the homes-turned-tailgates, the sidewalk carnival, the smell of cooking, the strangers from eight different fan bases becoming friends for a week. When the Series moved downtown to the new ballpark in 2011, the worry was that the soul of the thing would get left behind.
It didn’t. It just moved.
“I think Omaha and baseball just go together. This is definitely a baseball Mecca, and Rosenblatt proved that.” — Jenny Peters, Marketing Director for Omaha Baseball Village
Early Omaha Baseball Village
The Village wasn’t an overnight success, and Peters is the first to say so. Before there were a hundred tents, there was a single beer garden—run for two years on a sloped, muddy hill while the team studied exactly what made Rosenblatt special. The whole idea, she says, was to become “the new 13th Street”—to take everything that happened along that legendary stretch and rebuild it on one downtown block.
“It’s not just about selling cold beer on a hot day. It’s about making everybody feel like there’s something welcoming for them here.” — Jenny Peters
The Old Mattress Factory & Rosenblatt’s Legacy
That welcome was the dream of Fred Suarez, the Old Mattress Factory owner who founded the Baseball Village and turned an empty parking lot into one of the CWS’s most beloved traditions. Suarez passed away in 2024, but his fingerprints are on every corner of the place, from the family-first spirit to the “everyone’s invited” energy. As Peters puts it, the Village was built for “everyone, 2 to 92.”
Scattered throughout the Village are pieces of the old ballpark itself, giving the space a sense of living memory. The original Rosenblatt flag poles stand year-round on the south end of the lot, anchoring the Flying Flags for Charity tradition each opening night, when team flags are raised to honor local nonprofits. Rows of the familiar red, yellow, and blue Rosenblatt seats are tucked through the grounds for fans to sit in, and Peters can point out the old brick road and other relics hiding in plain sight around the property. The Village is also the setting for Hero Day, when kids facing serious health battles are welcomed for a VIP day with their families.
“The Omaha Baseball Village is founded on the tradition of Omaha baseball, started at Rosenblatt.” — Jenny Peters
What to Expect at the 2026 Baseball Village
The Village reinvents itself a little every year, and 2026 is no exception.
New this season: A Texas Roadhouse fun zone, more batting, added golf games, glow ball, and a fresh slate of vendors.
Here’s what’s waiting when you walk in!
- Plenty of food: Tacos, burgers, chicken strips, barbecue, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and frozen yogurt, plus dozens of specialty vendors. Come hungry—this is the easiest, cheapest meal of your CWS trip.
- Unique shopping: Local boutiques, baseball brands, custom apparel, and headwear fill the tents. Grab your team’s cap or a one-of-a-kind find—see the full lineup below.
- Stuff for the kids: Step into the throwing tent to clock your fastball, or take cuts at the batting tee. Explore the new fun zone and games. There’s plenty of free family fun built for all ages!
- The Gold Glove: This iconic award is on display for fan photos.
- The Beer Garden: Cold drinks, big TVs broadcasting every pitch, and the best people-watching in Omaha. Don’t have a game ticket? Doesn’t matter—you can catch the whole thing from here. It’s all-ages until 9 p.m., then turns 21-and-over until 2 a.m., with a DJ every night.
The Matt: 2026 Concert Schedule
After the last out, the Village turns into the best night out downtown. Live music and DJs run all week at The Matt—from hometown talent to acts out of Vegas, Chicago, Nashville, and New York.
| Date | Lineup |
| June 11 | DJ Chicks |
| June 12 | DJ Deville |
| June 13 | JAB, SamEC, & KRANCE |
| June 14 | DJ Devon Dupree & Justin Fisher |
| June 15 | DJ Don Carlo |
| June 16 | Montez Beats & DJ Buzz |
| June 17 | Crabrangucci & Friends |
| June 18 | EDM Night (ft. Darkwood, Kevy Cav, Nick Hyde, & KRANCE) |
| June 19 | Ticketed all-day event* (ft. PetRock Band during the day and DJ Even Steve at night) |
| June 20 | DJ Scooter |
*Friday Night Live (June 19) is the can’t-miss event—an all-day party during the bracket break, featuring live music, drinks, and nonstop downtown energy. It’s the lone ticketed event of the week. Get Friday Night Live tickets here.
Who’s at the Village: The 2026 Vendor Lineup
Vendors are spread across three areas—North, South, and the Bullpen. Some highlights include sports apparel shops like Baseballism, boutiques like Disohrted Vintage, and local food stands like Runza and Outside Scoop. Visit Omaha Baseball Village for the full vendor list.
Day vs. Night: How to Make the Most of It
Omaha Baseball Village has two completely different personalities, and the savvy move is to catch both.
During the day, it’s a family affair—frozen yogurt, the throwing tent, shade, and room to roam before a day game. Get there close to the 11 a.m. open, and you’ll beat the crowds and the heat.
At night, after the final out, the music kicks on, and the energy goes up a notch. The beer garden fills, the DJs start, and that old 13th-Street-after-dark feeling takes over.
A few local tips to get the most out of it:
- You don’t need a game ticket. Post up in the beer garden and watch on the big screens—it’s one of the best free seats in town.
- Make it a meal. The vendors are cheaper and faster than fighting concession lines.
- Plan for June 19. Buy tickets in advance if you want to attend the Friday Night Live party.
- Park once, walk everywhere. The Village, Fan Fest, and the stadium are all within a block or two. See our CWS parking guide for the cheapest and closest options.
More CWS Guides from Hurrdat One
- Best Bars & Nightlife in Omaha for the CWS
- Guide to Tailgating at the CWS
- Best Places to Stay in Omaha for the CWS
- CWS Know Before You Go
- Restaurants to Try During CWS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Omaha Baseball Village free?
Yes. The Village is free and open to all ages. You only pay for what you buy—food, drinks, and merch.
What are the Omaha Baseball Village hours?
The Village opens daily at 11 a.m. throughout the College World Series (June 12–22 in 2026), with live music every evening after the last out. The Village is all-ages during the day, with a 21-and-over Beer Garden in the evening from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Do you need a game ticket to go to Omaha Baseball Village or Fan Fest?
No, both the Baseball Village and the MCWS Fan Fest are free and open to everyone—no game ticket required! The beer garden even broadcasts the games on big screens.
Where are Omaha Baseball Village & Fan Fest?
The Omaha Baseball Village is at 501 N 13th St in the Old Mattress Factory parking lot, about one block from Charles Schwab Field Omaha. The Fan Fest is set up right next to the stadium.
What’s the difference between the Baseball Village and Fan Fest?
Fan Fest is the NCAA’s official festival by the stadium (featuring the championship trophy, team store, a Ferris wheel, activities, and more). The Omaha Baseball Village is the privately run block party at the Old Mattress Factory (featuring vendors, a beer garden, concerts, the Gold Glove trophy, and more). Both are free and located just a block apart.
Can kids go to Omaha Baseball Village?
Absolutely—Baseball Village is built for families. Kids can practice their pitch in the throwing tent, take swings at the batting tee, grab frozen yogurt, and hit the Texas Roadhouse fun zone (new for 2026). The Village has something to offer for people of all ages.
Is there food at Omaha Baseball Village & Fan Fest?
You’ll find tons of food drink options at both Omaha Baseball Village and Fan Fest. Choose from tacos, burgers, chicken strips, barbecue, frozen yogurt, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and dozens of specialty vendors. For more local eats, see our Ultimate MCWS Restaurant Guide.
What can you buy at Omaha Baseball Village vendors?
Find everything from local boutiques and baseball brands to custom apparel, novelty items, and team gear.
What trophies are on display at Omaha Baseball Village & Fan Fest?
The Gold Glove trophy is at Baseball Village. The College World Series championship trophy is at Fan Fest.
Is there parking near the Omaha Baseball Village?
The Village sits in the Old Mattress Factory lot, so plan to use the same downtown and stadium parking as for the games. MECA’s stadium lots open at 8 a.m. on game days (Lot A and the garage run about $15, first-come, first-served), and you can reserve downtown spots through Park Omaha / ParkMobile. For the cheapest and closest options, see our full CWS parking guide.
Gearing up for the 2026 CWS season? Check out Hurrdat ONE for useful CWS visitor guides, as well as things to do in Omaha beyond the ballpark.
