CWS 2024: North Carolina arrives in Omaha early, seeking program's first College World Series title

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - North Carolina is the first team to arrive in Omaha for the College World Series.

The Tar Heels made into town late Tuesday afternoon, one day ahead of the rest of the field. They have the first session of Thursday’s open practice day at 9:10am and will open CWS play Friday at 1:00pm against Virginia.

Head coach Scott Forbes took the advice of coaches who have made it to CWS, who said an early arrival could help settle his team.

“They said if you feel like you’re going to play Friday, try to get out there and let your guys get acclimated and let them have a day to enjoy Omaha,” Forbes said. “It gives us time to get used to this time [zone]. Even though it’s an hour. That’s the secret sauce, trying to adjust quicker.”

UNC returns to the College World Series for the 12th time in program history, but the first under Forbes.

“It’s all about our players, this group hasn’t been here,” he added. “Not one player on the team has been here, so that’s what was most important to me and what I’m most excited about.”

The experience is the ultimate dream for a college baseball player. But Forbes doesn’t want his team to be satisfied with just participating in the Greatest Show on Dirt.

“You’ve got to be here to try to win a national championship,” he said. “I think some teams sometimes they get here and they’re just happy they made it here. I talked to our team. We don’t want to be one of those teams. That’s for sure.”

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