The opening game of the 2026 College World Series finals between the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the Oklahoma Sooners has been rescheduled to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on June 20.
The change comes as forecasters predict inclement weather that could affect play, leading organizers to move the start time to ensure a safe and competitive environment.
The game will be televised live on ESPN, and all tickets already issued for Game 1 remain valid, allowing fans to attend the rescheduled contest.
Parking facilities surrounding Charles Schwab Field will open at 8 a.m. Central Time, with gates unlocking at noon CT, two hours before the first pitch, while the stadium box office will begin serving fans at 10 a.m. CT.
Teams poised for historic milestones
The Tar Heels arrive with a 53‑12‑1 record, chasing their first national championship in program history, while the Sooners, sitting at 41‑22, are aiming to capture their fourth title, a feat that would cement their place among the most successful programs.
The matchup will take place at the NCAA‑owned Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, a venue that has hosted the Series finals in recent years and is equipped to handle the large crowds and logistical demands of the event.