MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –The WVU Mountaineers are preparing to travel to Omaha for the College World Series for the first time in program history, and according to West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association President Rodney Miller, the city is also preparing to host the eight teams competing in the series, which begins later this week.
Miller, who is in Omaha for the National Sheriffs’ Association Annual Conference, said he has seen firsthand the extensive preparations the city has made, including the setup of venues, Fan Fest activities, and the NCAA branding and merchandise associated with the College World Series.
“It is something to behold, I think the fans are going to have a great time, the players are going to be taken care of very well, it’s an atmosphere, for those that are coming they’re going to have a good time,” Miller said on MetroNews Midday Tuesday.
Miller, former Boone County Sheriff, said he was able to see Charles Schwab Field Omaha, where the College World Series will be played, from his hotel room.
WVU punched its ticket to the College World Series by sweeping Cal Poly in the Morgantown Super Regional, outscoring the Mustangs 29-3 across two games Friday and Saturday. The other teams competing in Omaha are Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi State and Auburn.
The College World Series has been held in Omaha since 1950, making the city synonymous with college baseball’s premier championship event.
Miller said he was given a tour of the stadium Monday and could sense the history of the venue, as well as the excitement surrounding the upcoming College World Series.
“You walk through and see the portraits, and the team logos and the players photographs and all of this that comes with it and its historical in nature while it just exciting to see everything that’s about to happen and unfold,” he said.
Miller said WVU’s postseason run has attracted national attention. He said games from the Mountaineers’ Super Regional were playing throughout the stadium during his tour.
“That makes the game exciting, whether you’re watching it on television or happen to be in-person, it’s something to behold, and people are paying attention,” he said.
WVU will depart for Omaha on Wednesday and open the College World Series on Friday against the Troy Trojans, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.