“We’re very excited to announce this agreement with the NCAA which extends the great tradition of the Men’s College World Series in Omaha for five more years,” Diesing said. “The historic partnership between the City of Omaha and the NCAA over the past 56 years is unprecedented—no other NCAA championship can claim the longevity the College World Series has enjoyed in Omaha.  It has become one of the signature events in college athletics each year and we’re proud to keep it here through 2010.”

The contract also locks in a right of renegotiation provision beginning Aug. 1, 2009. 

According to Dennis Poppe, NCAA managing director of baseball and football, most NCAA championship contracts are for one or two years, leaving the Men’s College World Series unparalleled in its partnership with Omaha.  “An agreement may be for three years if the championship has been at one site for a long time, but it’s unheard of to have a five-year agreement.  No NCAA championship at any level has remained in one location even close to the 55 years the Men’s College World Series has been in Omaha,” Poppe said.

“The fact that we have this agreement is an indication of our confidence in the people of Omaha to provide the best possible experience for the student athletes and fans and to make sure that we measure up with other major sporting events.  When you stop and think about it, it’s amazing how long we’ve worked together and it just continues to get better,” Poppe said.

The new five-year agreement, which will go into effect in 2006, contains several improvements to Rosenblatt Stadium, the home of the event, including a new video board and scoreboard, the installation of protective fencing in front of each dugout, laser grading of the field, enhanced photo-journalist boxes and press conference rooms and an expanded umpire’s locker room to accommodate eight umpires.

“The Road to Omaha is more than a dream come true every year for eight college baseball teams, and the people of Omaha ensure that our stadium and our city extend only the highest quality services and entertainment,” said Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey.  “As proud hosts, the City of Omaha not only meets the aspirations and goals set, we surpass them making this tournament stand out from the rest. Our new contract with the NCAA and College World Series, Inc. is a testament to Omaha's commitment to always offer the very best.”

According to Diesing, the support of both public and private institutions, as well as the people of Omaha, have been instrumental in the success of the College World Series over the years and will continue to ensure that it stays in Omaha in the future.

“We have a great partnership that has withstood the test of time.  Each year, the people of Omaha get behind the College World Series and continue to improve the event in order to provide the best experience for the student athletes and fans that participate.  We look forward to continuing that trend for many more years to come,” Diesing said.

Preparations have already begun for the 2005 Men’s College World Series, which kicks off on June 16 with the Opening Ceremonies at Rosenblatt Stadium.  Creighton University will again serve as the host institution for the 2005 Men’s College World Series – a tradition that dates back nearly 50 years.

“We have enjoyed our longstanding relationship with this premiere event since its early days in Omaha. Creighton has grown along with the College World Series and Omaha and we look forward to being a part of it for many, many years to come,” said Rev. John P. Schlegel, president of Creighton University. 

Updated information about the 2005 Men’s College World Series is now available online at CWSomaha.com, including ticket availability, where to stay in Omaha, local attractions to visit and a Press Center. Series information also is available on www.ncaasports.com.

Fans will again be able to purchase general admission ticket books through the Web site beginning in April.  The feature is designed to make purchasing general admission tickets more convenient for out-of-town fans who do not have the option of buying tickets through participating businesses and service clubs in the greater Omaha area, Diesing said.

As the 2005 Series approaches, new information about the Opening Ceremonies and other events connected to the Series will be added to the Web site.

College World Series of Omaha, Inc. is a non-profit organization and the local organizing committee for the annual NCAA Men’s College World Series.  This year’s event gets underway with Opening Ceremonies on June 16, and concludes June 26 or 27 with the final Championship game.  For more information, visit www.CWSOmaha.com.