The NCAA Division I Baseball Committee has announced changes to the format for the 2022 NCAA Men’s College World Series.
Beginning next year, the Men’s College World Series will revert to the format that was used from 2003 to 2007, with competition beginning Friday, June 17, and the best-of-three finals starting Saturday, June 25, the next weekend. Since 2008, the Men’s College World Series has started on a Saturday, with the finals beginning just over a week later on a Monday. Under that format, there was a chance no games would be played over the second weekend.
“The committee evaluated the pros and cons of the start and finish dates with the current format, and we all decided that having games on the second weekend and one less day of competition provides a better experience for student-athletes and spectators,” said Jeff Altier, chair of the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee and director of athletics at Stetson. “Starting the finals on a Saturday allows MCWS fans to see more championship series action on the weekend, and playing games on back-to-back weekends also benefits the city of Omaha and shortens the stay of participating teams. The committee really believes this will be a win-win situation for all parties.”
The College World Series of Omaha Inc., a longtime local organizing committee and NCAA partner, chimed in with a positive review of the change.
“We’re excited about the opportunity this format offers for both the fans and the participating teams,” said Chairman Jack Diesing Jr. “This format offers fans not able to travel during the week the alternative of picking between two weekends to experience the College World Series — ‘The Greatest Show on Dirt.’ It also creates an even better championship environment for the teams. The Omaha metropolitan area’s business community, hotels, restaurants and attractions will have a guaranteed second weekend to showcase all we have to offer to the Men’s College World Series teams and to college baseball fans from across the country.”
The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority, which is responsible for the operation of TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, echoed the sentiments of all parties in regard to playing baseball on consecutive weekends.
“MECA shares the NCAA’s commitment to providing the best possible experience for both student-athletes and fans. For that reason, we support the decision to modify the scheduling format for the 2022 Men’s College World Series,” said Roger Dixon, president and CEO. “Operations at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will remain seamless during this change, and MECA’s event staff will welcome the opportunity to host even larger weekend crowds, eager to enjoy the pinnacle of college baseball.”
Play in the upcoming Men’s College World Series begins Saturday, June 19, at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska. Follow the 2021 Division I baseball season at ncaa.com/sports/baseball/d1.
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