The 2009 College World Series got underway Saturday afternoon, though getting to and from Rosenblatt Stadium isn’t always fun and games.

The CWS means baseball, food, souvenirs and of course, traffic, which was already slowing down on westbound I-80 at the Missouri River three hours before game time. One hour before the first pitch, exit ramps at 13th Street were clogged.

For most fans, that drive to the stadium meant a long walk from their parking spots. Mike Bartlett of Pineville, Louisiana walked about three-quarters-of-a-mile, but said it was worth it. "Traffic's real congested, but it's an experience that you need to go through. It's a lot of fun."

"You consider the hectic traffic driving in and out of that area down there and the cost of the bus against the cost of parking down there, it's just so much more convenient," said Todd Kmiecik of Omaha, talking about the Metro Area Transit shuttle buses that run from six different locations around the metro.

"It's a lot more convenient, you don't have to worry about a parking place, you can get down there, you can get right in and it's always waiting for you when you get out,” echoed Joe Lape of Omaha.

If you still want to drive, about the only way to beat the backup is to come early. "I usually would leave, my husband and I, 5:30 in the morning, be down there by six, get in line,” said Connie Gudenrath of Omaha. “This is my 55th year of going to the series."

Once the CWS moves downtown to the new stadium in 2011, parking should be better than it is at Rosenblatt, but getting to any large event like the CWS will always be a challenge no matter where it is.

The shuttles leave about one hour and 15 minutes before each game. The cost is $3 each way. For more information, visit our College World Series Guide.