When Does the College Baseball World Series Start in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · January 3, 2043

The 2025 College Baseball World Series (CBWS) is scheduled to begin on May 30, 2025, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. This marks the start of the double-elimination tournament for both the Men's and Women's College World Series events, culminating in championship games around June 12–18, following the NCAA postseason structure.

What Is the College Baseball World Series?

The College Baseball World Series is the culmination of the NCAA Division I baseball season, featuring the final eight teams competing in a double-elimination format. Held annually in Omaha, Nebraska, it is one of the most prestigious events in collegiate sports.

Key Facts About the CBWS

Organized by the NCAA for Division I men's baseball
Held at Charles Schwab Field since 2011
Features 64 teams in the initial tournament, narrowing to 8 for the CWS
Lasts approximately two weeks, ending with a best-of-three championship series
Television coverage primarily on ESPN networks

2025 Tournament Schedule Overview

The road to Omaha begins with regionals in late May, followed by super regionals, before the final stage: the College World Series.

Key Dates for 2025

Regionals: May 30 – June 2, 2025
Super Regionals: June 6 – June 10, 2025
College World Series Start: May 30, 2025 (Opening Round)
CWS Finals: June 15 – June 18, 2025

Year	Start Date	End Date	Champion	Runner-Up	Location
2024	May 31	June 19	Tennessee	Florida	Omaha, NE
2023	June 9	June 24	LSU	Florida	Omaha, NE
2022	June 17	June 27	Oregon State	Arkansas	Omaha, NE
2021	June 18	June 30	Mississippi State	Vanderbilt	Omaha, NE
2019	May 31	June 13	Vanderbilt	Michigan	Omaha, NE

Table data source:1, 2

The historical data shows that the CWS typically starts between May 30 and June 10, with recent years favoring a late-May kickoff. The 2023 and 2024 editions began in early June due to scheduling shifts, but the 2025 date reverts to a traditional late May start. Tennessee's 2024 appearance marked their first CWS finals run, while LSU and Vanderbilt remain dominant programs.

How Teams Qualify for the College World Series

Qualification involves a rigorous postseason path consisting of three stages.

Path to Omaha

NCAA Regionals: 64 teams split into 16 brackets; winners advance
Super Regionals: 16 teams in best-of-three series; 8 winners go to CWS
College World Series: 8 teams in two four-team double-elimination brackets

The selection committee announces the field on Selection Monday, typically the day after conference tournaments conclude. Automatic bids go to conference champions, while at-large bids are awarded based on RPI, strength of schedule, and quality wins.

Where Is the College World Series Held?

Since 2011, the event has been hosted at Charles Schwab Field Omaha, a downtown stadium with a capacity of approximately 24,000. Previously held at Rosenblatt Stadium from 1950 to 2010, the venue change modernized facilities and enhanced fan experience.

Stadium Highlights

Location: 1200 Mike Fahey Street, Omaha, NE 68102
Opened: 2011 (as TD Ameritrade Park)
Surface: Natural grass
Hosts both Men's and Women's College World Series

Frequently Asked Questions About the College Baseball World Series

When does the 2025 College Baseball World Series start?

The 2025 College Baseball World Series is set to begin on May 30, 2025, with the first games of the double-elimination bracket at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska.

How many teams play in the College World Series?

Eight teams qualify for the College World Series. They are the survivors of the 64-team NCAA tournament, narrowed down through regionals and super regionals.

Where is the College World Series played?

The College World Series is held annually at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. The city has hosted the event since 1950, first at Rosenblatt Stadium and now at its current downtown location.

How long does the College World Series last?

The College World Series lasts approximately two to three weeks, beginning around May 30 and concluding with the best-of-three championship series in mid-June.

How are College World Series teams selected?

Teams are selected through a combination of automatic bids (conference champions) and at-large selections by the NCAA committee, based on metrics like RPI, strength of schedule, and head-to-head results.