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Dreaming of going to the College World Series? You need to move fast and have a thick wallet

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Could this be the great, historic year that Tennessee finally wins the College World Series?

The team finished as the runner-up in 1951, the closest it has come to winning. In total, the Vols have made it to Omaha five times.

If there’s even a chance they make it happen, you have to be there. But how exactly are you going to make it work? And how much money will it cost you to have a seat at that sweet, sweet game?

We hope you’re a fast reader, because you need to finalize your itinerary ASAP to make Game 1.

Get your hands on College World Series tickets

First thing’s first. Let’s make sure you’ve got a seat at the sporting event of your dreams.

The best-of-3 series will occur over two or three days, depending if Game 3 is required. Omaha is in the Central time zone, but we’re listing them here in Eastern (we don’t want to mess with anyone relying on us at home for first pitch times).

  • Game 1: Saturday, June 22, 7:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game 2: Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m. EDT
  • Game 3 (if necessary): Monday, June 24, 7 p.m. EDT

Fans looking to attend one of the games will need to be ready to shell out some big bucks for a ticket (and those prices are sure to rise if the series is extended). Prices for Game 1 already are starting at more than $300 per seat.

Game 1 (From $332): https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/0e9O0jY

Game 2 (From $181): https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/QLawqxE

Game 3 (From $22): https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVkv2q1

Get in the car …. like, now

Driving is possible. Waze says Vols fans can arrive at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha in 13 hours with no stops (ha, good luck with that). It’s more than 900 miles through Nashville, St. Louis and Kansas City.

As of June 20, there’s a flood warning in effect until early Saturday afternoon along the route in Buchanan, Missouri, according to Google Maps, so drivers will also need to keep alternative routes in mind, extending an already lengthy journey.

Gas will cost about $219 round trip, according to AAA’s website.

Or, grab that credit card and book your flight

You’d be cutting it close by leaving Saturday morning, so dedicated baseball fans will need to fly out to Omaha early Friday. In case Game 3 happens, we’re accounting for a Tuesday return flight too.

Knoxpedia: Your guide to flying into and out of Knoxville at McGhee Tyson

That brings round-trip ticket prices for flights from Knoxville to Omaha to a total to $2,545 through United or $3,102 through Delta, according to Google Flights.

The good news is Delta offers two free checked bags, so at least all that Vols merch flies free.

Getting to Omaha under budget

Spent all your money on game tickets? We hope you’re packed because you’ll need to hop on a Greyhound Bus stat.

Each bus is almost full. But if you’re lucky, you can find a seat leaving Knoxville late Thursday night and arriving in Omaha late Friday night. Prices are between $203.55 and $246.94, according to the Greyhound website.

What about lodging?

Obviously, you’ll want to stay close to Charles Schwab Field. And while you’re at it, go ahead and book the Hilton Omaha for a ballpark view so you don’t miss a thing.

It’ll run you about $8,600 for your Friday through Tuesday stay. Several other hotels in the area have already sold out of rooms, so hopefully price isn’t an object.

Grand slam? What about the grand total?

If you’re flying, you can count on spending $12,237 on your big trip to Omaha − and that’s not even counting the three days worth of stadium dogs. If your wallet’s big enough − or if you’re a true VFL − well, bon voyage.

And if you’re trying to do it on a budget by driving instead of flying? Good call – that’ll cost you only $9,354.

Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com.

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