The College World Series might never rise to the stature of the Final Four in basketball or the College Football Playoff, but it continues to set records and reach new levels of popularity.
The 2023 CWS drew a total attendance of 392,946 and a per-game average of 24,559 for the 16-game event. Both figures, beating pre-tournament expectations, are the best in the CWS’ 73-year history in Nebraska. LSU’s clinching victory over Florida on Monday drew 24,878.
The event benefited from a large and vibrant fan base traveling from Louisiana to Charles Schwab Field Omaha to support the Tigers. The throng of LSU faithful on hand included former star Tigers quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and current Cincinnati Bengal Joe Burrow, as well as Kim Mulkey, coach of the 2023 national champion LSU women’s basketball team, and LSU football coach Brian Kelly.
“We have the best fans in the country,” said LSU first baseman Tre’ Morgan. “They’re all on the rail, standing up, cheering, chanting ‘LSU.’ If that didn’t give you goosebumps, then I don’t know what else would.”
The latest attendance totals add momentum from prior event records set in 2021 and 2022. The CWS figures also support a $54 million effort to make Omaha a national youth sports destination. The planned project is centered around renovating the public Tranquility Park field complex.
The CWS championship win was LSU’s seventh, but first since 2009. The Tigers’ win also is the fourth consecutive CWS title won by a Southeastern Conference team.
