The Smiths are loading up their Ford Fusion for the 488-mile drive west from Champaign.
Tim, Sara and their 16-year-old son Walker leave Friday and need to be in Omaha, Neb., in time for Sunday's third game of the College World Series.
Their favorite player, Centennial and Parkland graduate Luke Smith, is a junior pitcher at Louisville. The Cardinals open against powerhouse Vanderbilt in a 1 p.m., game at TD Ameritrade Park.
"Man, this is something we've worked for all year," Luke Smith said. "Being able to make it this far with this group of guys is something that's incredibly special.