NCAA® 2007 Men's College World Series - Omaha, Nebraska

(OMAHA, Neb.  May 6, 2008) -- A signed Memorandum of Understanding between the NCAA and the College World Series (CWS) of Omaha Inc. sets the stage for an unprecedented 25-year contract that will keep the Series in Omaha through 2035, according to Jack Diesing Jr., president of CWS of Omaha Inc.

“We’re here today because of Omaha's tremendous public-private partnership, which has created an environment for CWS of Omaha Inc. to succeed as host of the Men’s College World Series for 59 years,” Diesing acknowledged. “This unique partnership fostered a visionary approach based on our understanding of the NCAA’s core values that are dedicated to the student-athlete experience, fan enjoyment and family atmosphere. With this agreement,  student athletes who play college baseball will continue to aspire to attain the pinnacle of success in their sport by traveling the ‘Road to Omaha’ for the next 25 years.”

Diesing emphasized that the College World Series is the only event conducted by the NCAA in which the organization has a long-term contract with the local organizing committee. For the first four decades of the College World Series, the event operated under one-year roll-over contracts. Since 1990, the NCAA and CWS of Omaha Inc. have agreed to five-year contract extensions.

"There are many professionals who have dedicated countless hours and effort in turning our dream of a 25-year agreement into this Memorandum of Understanding signing,” Diesing noted. “We look forward to consummating the long-term contract with the NCAA at the actual signing of the Definitive Agreement in June, prior to the start of this year's Men’s College World Series, which starts on Saturday, June 14."

"Omahans should take pride in our ability to secure this unprecedented agreement,” added Mayor Mike Fahey. “This would not be possible without 59 years of support and loyalty from the citizens of Omaha. Together we have built the Men's College World Series into one of the premier championships in sports today and now generations of future Omahans will be able to enjoy this event for many years to come."

College World Series of Omaha Inc. is a non-profit organization and the local organizing committee for the annual NCAA® Division I Men’s College World Series®. The 2008 Men’s College World Series® will start on Saturday, June 14, with the first game of the Series Finals beginning on Monday, June 23. The new schedule has the Series concluding on Tuesday, June 24, or Wednesday, June 25.

About the NCAA®

The NCAA® is a membership-led non-profit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for more than 380,000 student-athletes at more than 1,000 member colleges and universities. Each year, more than 54,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA championships in Divisions I, II and III sports.

Visit www.ncaa.org and www.ncaa.com for more details about the Association, its goals and members and corporate partnerships that help support programs for student-athletes. NCAA® and Men's College World Series® are registered trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.