Omaha Bar Where Brian O’Connor Once Worked Transforms into Mississippi State Fan Hangout
OMAHA, NE — One of Omaha’s most iconic College World Series watering holes is getting a Southern twist this summer. The neighborhood bar where Brian O’Connor, now the legendary head coach of Virginia baseball, once bartended in his younger days is being reimagined as a spirited Mississippi State fan headquarters for the 2025 College World Series.
The transformation of the historic establishment, formerly known simply as The Rail, is the result of a creative collaboration between the bar’s current owners and a passionate group of Mississippi State alumni. Located just blocks from Charles Schwab Field, the bar has long been a favorite for baseball fans during the June tradition. But this year, maroon and white will dominate the décor as Bulldog Nation descends on Omaha with hopes of capturing another national title.
“We wanted to create a true home-away-from-home for Mississippi State fans,” said Jason McCall, one of the organizers behind the conversion. “There’s so much tradition and energy around this team, and Omaha is the epicenter of college baseball. This is our chance to bring Starkville vibes right into the heart of the action.”
The bar, which has already undergone a partial renovation, now features a Mississippi State-themed mural, a custom cowbell wall, and a revamped menu highlighting Southern-inspired fare. Expect to see dishes like pulled pork sliders, Delta catfish tacos, and even fried okra served alongside specialty drinks named after Bulldog legends.
Adding to the intrigue is the bar’s connection to Brian O’Connor. Before becoming a coaching icon and leading the Virginia Cavaliers to multiple College World Series appearances — including a national title in 2015 — O’Connor worked behind the bar during his college summers. Locals still recall the friendly, hardworking bartender who never missed a pitch when the games were on.
“It’s wild to think that a future NCAA champion coach used to sling beers here,” said bar owner Jenna Fischer. “We’re proud of our roots, and we think Coach O’Connor would get a kick out of seeing how the place is evolving for this year’s series.”
Mississippi State fans have a storied presence at the College World Series. Their loyalty and numbers are legendary, often taking over entire sections of the stadium and creating an atmosphere that feels like a home game. The decision to establish an unofficial headquarters for them in a historic bar aligns perfectly with that tradition.
“We know Bulldog fans travel well, and we wanted to give them a place that feels like their own,” said McCall. “Whether it’s a win or loss, this is the place to raise a glass and be part of the Mississippi State family.”
As the College World Series kicks off, all eyes will be on the diamond — but just a few blocks away, in a bar with a history as deep as the tournament itself, another kind of magic will be unfolding: the blending of Omaha legacy with Southern pride, echoing with cheers, cowbells, and maybe a toast to a former bartender who made it big.
