13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |City may try to land College World Series

City may try to land College World Series

Kris Kirschner/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - The College World Series could move to Indianapolis in 2011, drawing tens of thousands of baseball fans to the city. But another city is getting first crack at the series.

Sports web sites and newspaper columns report the College World Series may leave Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium, its home of 58 years, for greener pastures, possibly Indianapolis' Victory Field. The latest speculation came in Tuesday's edition of the Omaha World-Herald, by writer David Kotok.

"When people speculate, I think Indy comes to mind because you have a modern stadium right downtown, things the NCAA likes. The NCAA likes events in Indy," Kotok said in a phone interview.

The NCAA let cities know this month the College World Series may be up for bid.

In an email to Eyewitness News, a spokesperson said, "It is true the contract expires in 2010, but the NCAA is in current discussions with the city of Omaha about future options with the College World Series. There has not been any discussion about moving the CWS to Indianapolis or any other city."

Yet Kotok says his city is feeling the heat.

"Well, we think you're breathing down our necks," he said. "You are a model for attracting amateur sports."

A spokesperson for the Indiana Sports Corporation, the organization that would lead the bid process for the College World Series, said only if given the opportunity would they take a close look at bringing the Series to Indianapolis. But other city leaders who would also likely be involved in the process say it's probable the corporation is already putting together a game plan.

That plan would likely study the feasibility of hosting the estimated 300,000 people who attend the 12-day event. Victory Field's capacity is 14,500, but some speculate adding bleachers to the outfield would add another 8,000 seats.

Meanwhile, Omaha city officials are pushing for a new stadium.
 
"There's big participation," Kotok said. "If we can find the right answer, it will stay here."

But if they strike out, Indianapolis may score a victory -- adding another major sporting event to its roster.