For the first time at this year's College World Series, alcohol "will be available" to fans in general seating at TD Ameritrade Park "through a one-year pilot program," according to a front-page piece by Steven Pivovar of the OMAHA WORLD-HERALD. The policy also "will be in effect" at the women’s CWS in Oklahoma City. The new one-year waiver to the NCAA bylaws "limits the sales to beer and wine." Sales also "will take place at concession stands only and not by roving vendors." The men’s and women’s series "will be the first NCAA championship events to allow alcohol to be served to the general public." Former NCAA Managing Dir for Championships & Alliances Damani Leech said that after the '13 decision "allowing alcohol sales on the club level at TD Ameritrade Park," the organization "would further study the issue." CWS of Omaha Inc. President Jack Diesing Jr. said that he "doesn’t believe that allowing alcohol sales will damage the family-friendly atmosphere that long has been associated with the CWS" (OMAHA WORLD-HERALD, 1/21). Diesing Jr.: "We're moving slowly but surely into the 21st century in determining what's good for the fans. This allows controlled access to beer and wine at concession stands, and I think it'll work out to be a fan-friendly result" (AP, 1/20).
