--- title: "The Experience" slug: "experience" date: "2026-05-30T02:09:36.241Z" updated: "2026-06-16T20:45:55.714Z" --- # The Ballparks Experience. Custom jerseys and hats, pro-style lockers, teams suites, media day, opening ceremonies, skills competitions, Home Run Derby, Family Feasts, Ballparks After Dark, and elite competition. ![Aerial view of a modern baseball field with bright red roof buildings and manicured grass.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/c7d7c32c77/chicago.jpg) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) [experience](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/experience) ## Come for the Baseball. Leave with Lifelong Memories. Play against national competition on five MLB Replica fields. Compete in skills competitions and the home run derby (prelims and finals), contend for the championship. The baseball is great — the rest of the week makes it unforgettable. ![Aerial view of a modern baseball field with bright red roof buildings and manicured grass.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/c7d7c32c77/chicago.jpg) **— Iconic Fields · MLB Replica** ### Two-thirds-scale replicas of the iconic MLB ballparks. St. Louis, Chicago, Boston, Kansas City, Brooklyn. Synthetic turf, professional sports lighting, stadium-style seating. Every field, every game. ![Young baseball team in red and navy uniforms smiling together at the field.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/ecdcd596d1/10u_around_the_horn.jpg) Nearly 1,000 teams will play at Ballparks in 2026 — from California to Connecticut, Canada to Australia. The competition is real. ![Young baseball player in red uniform holding bat with pitcher blurred in background.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/6b5a0f8243/batter_receiving_a_pitch_1.jpg) Around the Horn Plus, Road Runner, Turnin' 2, and Team Relay - how does your team stack up? ![Young baseball player in red uniform swings bat at ball during youth tournament game.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/64063a3a86/dsc_1626.jpg) **Home Run Derby** Find out what player has that smooth and consistent long ball swing. Both prelims and finals. There's nothing like the sound of home runs landing on the roofs behind Chicago field. ## Players feel like big-leaguers when they step on campus. The whole week is built around it — MLB replica fields, custom jerseys and hats hanging in pro-style lockers with their individual nameplates, team suites, media day, their image on custom baseball cards. By Sunday morning they're not at a tournament, they're in the Big Show. ![Six young baseball players displaying light blue pinstriped uniforms with their names and numbers on hangers.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/ef2f8c9b11/dsc_2131.jpg) Every team designs their own customer hats and jerseys — design, color, logo, lettering, and they are hanging in their individual lockers with their souvenir nameplates when they arrive. ![A sports locker room with wooden cubicles displaying numbered jerseys and team equipment on hangers.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/5df040bdde/img_3625.jpg) Each player has their own pro-style locker with a souvenir nameplate above it — same setup as an MLB clubhouse. Players take the nameplate home. ![Teenagers help a younger child try on a Florida Thunder sports jersey and medal at an indoor event.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/674ce07dff/dsc_2175.jpg) Parents/Team Moms - this is your time to shine! After the Coach checks in, send your players to explore campus while you decorate their suite. Streamers, signs, big heads, buckets of candy and snacks ... make the room special for your players. ![A novelty baseball card featuring a player in a UFO-themed design with aliens and cityscape background.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/163da26019/img_9430.jpg) Custom trading cards available for every player. Upgrade to inserts, holographic, and short prints. Make sure Mom grabs some for family and friends before the players trade them all away. ![A baseball pitcher in white and red uniform prepares to throw the ball during a game.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/83aff6cd15/1i2a0079.jpg) Feel like an MLB player just called up to the big leagues. Each player has a professional photographer shoot their media day images, complete with staging and green screens. ![Multiple youth baseball teams lined up around a field during opening ceremony at a modern stadium.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/80cec0f081/opening_ceremony_2.png) The week officially kicks off with Opening Ceremonies. Bring your team banner any fun hats or other items to highlight the moment. Teams parade into St. Louis Stadium for team introductions, National anthem, and an interactive performance. ![A baseball field at sunset with players scattered across the grass and infield during evening practice.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/90f4429cd7/chicago_sunset.jpg) ## Ballparks After Dark. When other tournament complexes shut down, Ballparks gets a second wind. Our stadium lights stay on until midnight every night, on every field. Players can compete against our Blitzball personalities in pitching and hitting competitions, challenge other teams to a game of their choosing, or just run free and be a kid. Our food outlets and glow mini golf, laser tag, and the Upper Deck batting cages all stay open late as well. It's the part of the week families don't expect — and end up remembering the most. ## Two formats. One unforgettable week. [See Everything Included](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/tournaments-hub) ## One walkable campus. Five MLB replica fields, four campus eateries, and entertain (batting cages, escape rooms, laser tag, arcade, glow mini golf) — all under a five-minute walk. ![Baseball stadium campus map showing playing fields, buildings, and amenities with numbered locations and legend.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/c8eaede9ea/map.jpg) [Open the 360° Virtual Campus Tour](https://cloud.threshold360.com/locations/8457650-629495434) Interactive walkthrough — walk the campus before you book the week. ## White Water is in our backyard. Every player gets a 5-day pass. ![Children sliding down multiple blue water slides at an outdoor amusement park on a sunny day.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/904d17f066/ww_kapau_plummet.jpg) ### What's included. **Players: Multi Day White Water pass.** Every registered player in a Ballparks Summer Tournament receives a 5-day White-Water pass that is active for the days of their tournament. (Don't feel obligated to use all five days). **Families: exclusive pricing.** Coaches, Parents and siblings get exclusive pricing on White Water and Silver Dollar City — well below gate rate. Tickets can be purchased in advance through EventConnect or day of at Guest Services. ## Game's over. Fun begins. Laser tag, themed escape rooms, Upper Deck batting cages, and the brand-new Glow Mini Golf. Built into the campus, open late into Ballparks After Dark. ![Indoor baseball facility with multiple batting cages, green turf, and red clay diamonds under bright lighting.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/1c25bf4f46/upper_deck_pic_2.jpg) 3 lanes equipped with FungoMan pitching machines capable of throwing baseballs and softballs, changing speeds, and even throwing curveballs. The place for players to get in their extra swings. ![Indoor laser tag arena with illuminated purple and red neon lighting and silhouetted player figures.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/589d45e064/img_3694.jpg) Immersive laser tag experience built around a zombie apocalypse storyline. Can your players hold back the zombies and contain the outbreak? ![A Victorian-style parlor featuring a fireplace, teal curtains, plants, leather sofa, and vintage decor.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/473ce47caf/dsc_2510.jpg) *Coming Soon* Brand-new baseball escape-room themes. Solve the room, beat the clock. 60 minutes. Best in 4–8 player teams. ![Neon sign for Grand Slam Glow mini golf at Ballpark of America with baseball theme.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/f02e4606bf/mini_golf.png) Black-light themed mini golf — a brand-new offering on the campus. Open late into Ballparks After Dark every night. ## The shop behind Chicago Field. Tournament apparel, swag, sporting goods, batting gloves — everything a player or family forgets at home, plus the gear families come back wanting to wear. ![Baseball-themed retail store displaying merchandise including t-shirts, jerseys, helmets, and wooden hangers.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/88a6aa31a4/proshop3.png) ### What you'll find inside. **Tournament apparel.** Hats, tees, hoodies, jackets — Ballparks-branded and tournament-specific designs. **Player essentials.** Bats, gloves, batting gloves, sliding gloves, apparel from Ballparks and your favorite brands, sunscreen — the stuff that breaks or runs out mid-week. **Cashless Campus.** Debit, credit, or pre-loaded gift cards. Cash exchanges for gift cards available only at the Pro Shop. ## Five spots. No driving anywhere. Three on-campus meals daily for teams, plus food and drink options families can grab between games. Cashless facility — debit, credit, or gift cards. ![Bullpen Concessions stand with red metal exterior and signage displaying snacks and baseball-themed branding.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/debe002096/bullpen_1_scaled.jpg) Have a game on Brooklyn or Boston fields? Need a drink or snack? Head over to the Bullpen Concessions. ![A pulled pork sandwich with melted cheese and green peppers served with waffle fries.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/31b54ffd26/philly.png) Full-service campus restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Elevate baseball food at its best. Plenty of air-conditioned seating. ![Coffee beans beside a white cup of black coffee with the Grounders Coffee Shop logo above.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/51714089f6/grounders.png) Coffee bar, smoothies, refreshers, and even boba. Start your morning at Grounders for coffee and swing back by in the afternoon for a refresher. ![Two ice cream cones with red cherry toppings and colorful sprinkles in a black bowl at a sports field.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/d2f249281c/img_8426.jpg) It lives up to it's name. The Sweet Spot is your place for a vast variety of candy and hand dipped ice cream sundaes, floats, cones, and the soon to be famous - **Ice Cream Nachos!** ![A youth baseball team in light blue uniforms sits together at a picnic table during a break.](https://www.ballparksofamerica.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,/https://a.storyblok.com/f/287282975935756/2da3627cb7/team_eating.png) Team meals for coaches and players are served in the clubhouse. Rotating weekly menu — chicken, pasta, salads, fruit, all-the-water-they-can-drink. > Ballparks of America is the experience every young player dreams about. They walk in as kids and walk out feeling like big-leaguers. The fields, the lights, the lockers — it's all done right. **Mike Sweeney · 5× MLB All-Star · KC Royals Hall of Fame** ## The week they're still talking about.