Weather Delays LSU vs UCLA Matchup in College World Series

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Severe weather interrupts the College World Series in Omaha.

News Summary

A severe weather delay interrupted the crucial College World Series game between LSU and UCLA in Omaha, causing a three-hour halt after three innings. LSU was leading 5-3 when rain and lightning struck. The game is set to resume, with both teams facing critical elimination considerations later in the day. Meanwhile, Omaha is also experiencing social unrest, with protests linked to recent ICE raids, prompting a state of emergency declaration. The event underscores the unique intersection of sports and social issues in the community.

Omaha, Nebraska – The highly anticipated matchup between No. 6 LSU and No. 15 UCLA in the 2025 College World Series was interrupted by severe weather on June 16, leading to a three-hour delay. The game was halted due to rain and lightning after three innings, with LSU leading 5-3. Play is set to resume on June 17 at 11 a.m. ET, where the teams will pick up from the top of the fourth inning.

The NCAA made the decision to delay the game as thunderstorms swept through the greater Omaha area, affecting not only the college baseball event but also the local community. The outcome of the LSU-UCLA match holds significant implications, as the losing team will need to face an elimination game against No. 3 Arkansas later the same day at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, schedule for the day includes another matchup between No. 8 Oregon State and Louisville set to begin at 2 p.m. ET.

The first inning of the game prior to the delay featured a flurry of scoring, with a combined total of seven runs. LSU managed to overcome an early 3-0 deficit with impressive performances, including contributions from several freshmen players and standout efforts from Kade Anderson of LSU.

Amid the sporting events, Omaha is also dealing with social unrest. Nebraska’s governor has declared an emergency and activated the National Guard in light of planned protests related to incidents of civil unrest in various American cities. This declaration emphasizes the protection of free speech while underscoring that lawlessness will not be tolerated during the College World Series.

Organizers of the protests anticipated hundreds to participate in marches, particularly in response to a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in South Omaha. The mayor of Omaha has assured that police plans would allow for demonstration while prioritizing public safety and ensuring the sporting events continue without interruptions.

The protests have already seen significant action, as nearly 80 people were detained during the disruptions that occurred in conjunction with the College World Series. The ICE raid, which took place at Glenn Valley Foods, resulted in 76 detentions, with many of those taken into custody reportedly using false Social Security numbers.

In response to the ICE raid, pro-bono legal services and local consulates have stepped up to offer assistance to those affected. The local community continues to feel the impact of both the College World Series and the surrounding social issues, creating a charged atmosphere in Omaha.

The College World Series is being held at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha from June 13 to June 22/23, featuring an eight-team field competing in a double-elimination format. With an action-packed schedule and significant community events surrounding it, Omaha is experiencing a unique mixture of sporting excitement and social activism.

As the weather clears and the game resumes, both the teams and the city of Omaha must navigate the complexities of sporting events amid broader societal issues, showcasing the dual narratives playing out simultaneously within the community.