The NCAA has announced that the Men’s College World Series will continue in Omaha through 2035 under the terms of an agreement that goes into effect in 2011 when the series moves from Rosenblatt Stadium to the new 24,000-seat ballpark in downtown Omaha.

Jack Diesing Jr., president of College World Series of Omaha Inc., said the 25-year agreement is the result of the historic partnership between the City of Omaha and the NCAA over the past 59 years.

“No other NCAA championship comes even close to the longevity the College World Series has enjoyed in Omaha,” he said. “The series represents one of the signature events in college athletics, and we’re excited to keep it in Omaha for the next 25 years.”

NCAA President Myles Brand said the relationship between the NCAA and Omaha is anchored by mutual trust, success over an extended period and “a willingness to dream of an even better future.”

“Omaha’s decision to build a new stadium in the heart of downtown is another example of the city’s innovative approach to enhancing the relationship and a commitment to college baseball. It is unique in intercollegiate athletics and for the NCAA championships program,” Brand said.

The Men’s College World Series began being played in Omaha in 1950 after two years in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and one in Wichita, Kansas. Texas won the first Omaha title over Washington State. Since then, 22 institutions have had their teams crowned as CWS champions, including Southern California a record 12 times (11 in Omaha).

The 2008 series begins this Saturday, with the first game of the finals on Monday, June 23. Georgia, Florida State, Rice, Stanford, North Carolina, LSU, Fresno State and Miami (Florida) compose this year’s field.

“An agreement may be for a few years if the championship has been at one site for a long time, but it’s unheard of to have a 25-year agreement,” Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey said. “The unprecedented nature of this agreement is an indication of the confidence the NCAA has in the sponsoring organizations, the City of Omaha and the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, to provide the best possible championship experience for the student-athletes, NCAA member organizations and fans.”

The MECA is part of the stadium design advisory committee and will work with the NCAA to market naming rights, suites and club seats under the agreement.

Diesing called the agreement a testament to Omaha’s commitment to providing the NCAA with the best experience and venue for the CWS.

“Our partnership has stood the test of time as each year the people of Omaha set new attendance records and support the best college baseball teams in the country,” he said. “The people of Omaha can be proud of what this contract signing represents for the city and future generations who will enjoy this world-class stadium and The Road to Omaha for the next quarter century.”