Frequently asked questions.

Ballparks Summer Tournaments are 11U–14U. (10U was eliminated for 2026 and 2027 due to lack of interest from the age group.) 14U is the maximum age on Ballparks fields. Babe Ruth 13–16 and 16–18 teams stay at Ballparks but play on surrounding, larger fields. Partner tournaments host wider age groups.

Parking and admission is free for Ballparks of America summer tournaments. Admission is charged for all partner tournaments, including the Major 70 Cal Ripken World Series.

Ballparks of America is cashless in all areas except for the Pro Shop and parking fees, if required during a partner event. Most debit and credit cards are accepted. Cash can be exchanged for a gift card – which can be used anywhere on campus – in the Pro Shop.

Each field at Ballparks of America features some stadium seating. There are also picnic tables at some fields, but we encourage parents to bring portable chairs or blankets to sit on. Portable tents are also allowed and encouraged for shade.

Yes. Our food outlets are Double Play Cafe (on-campus restaurant), Grounders (coffee and smoothie shop), Sweet Spot (candy and ice cream shop), and Bullpen Concessions. Hours of operation will vary depending on the daily game start times and the last game of the day.

Our first priority is the safety of everyone at the facility. If the fields are judged unsafe, we will suspend, postpone, reschedule or cancel games as needed. There are numerous factors in deciding when games are allowed to continue, and we weigh each of those carefully before making a decision.

In the event of rain, we will do everything within our power to stay as close to the game schedule as possible. However, because of limited field availability, we may have to deviate from the posted times.

If we need to alter the schedule, we will use the following priorities as our guide:

– Our first priority will always be to make sure each team plays its minimum number of games.

– We will attempt to have a championship game.

– We will never name a champion of a tournament without a championship game.

– We may eliminate the quarter-final or semi-final round to ensure a championship game.

Outside coolers are allowed on campus. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Friendly pets are welcome at Ballparks of America. All pets must be leashed at all times, well-behaved, and cleaned up after. Pets are not allowed on the fields. BoA management reserves the right to remove a pet and their owner at any time.

Yes, handicapped accessible parking is available in multiple locations on our campus.

Ballparks of America is staffed 24 hours to ensure the safety of our guests. Additionally, team suites have key card access at two separate points of entry. Coaches chaperone their teams, bunking in semi-private areas of each team suite for added security.

Teams may check into their team suite starting at 3:00 PM on Saturday of their tournament week.

The player roster will be limited to 14 players and 4 coaches. If teams have additional players or coaches, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, but note – Team Suites have a maximum of 18 beds and 14 lockers. Teams can have 4 coaches and one additional scorekeeper in the dugout.

Game balls will be provided by Ballparks of America. Teams should bring their own practice balls.

Coaches are expected to dress appropriately. They should wear either team or Ballparks of America apparel. It is preferred but not required that coaches match during Opening Ceremonies and Championship Day.

No. Ballparks of America provides all tournament umpires. There is no additional fee to your team for this.

All age groups will have 2 umpires for each pool play game. Semifinals and tournament championship games may have up to 4 umpires.

There are no pitching limitations set by Ballparks of America. Coaches are responsible for monitoring and controlling their own pitching staff.

Pool play games are 1 hour and 40 minutes. Bracket games are 1 hour and 45 minutes. Championship games are untimed. If time limit is reached, the inning will finish as needed.

Ballparks of America uses MLB official rules with youth modifications. For a complete list of our rules, please check our Tournament Prep Kit located on your EventConnect team portal.

The initial $1,000 deposit is non-refundable. Subsequent payments are non-refundable after the due date has passed.

Team registration payment schedule: $1000 due upon registration $3000 due November 30 $3000 due January 30 Remaining balance due April 1

A packing list in the Tournament Prep Kit for your tournament. Visit your EventConnect team portal or our Know Before You Go page.

Teams are guaranteed 6 games total. Teams will play 5 pool play games and a minimum of one single-elimination tournament game.

Teams are guaranteed 5 games total. Teams will play 4 pool play games and a minimum of one single-elimination tournament game.

Schedules and scores will be posted and updated on your EventConnect team portal. Schedules are subject to change due to weather, so be sure check the app daily during the tournament.

Tournament schedules will be available approximately one week before the tournament via your EventConnect team portal. Schedules are subject to change, so please check the website or app daily during the tournament.

Standings and results will be posted on your EventConnect team portal as soon as each game ends.

All information regarding results, standings and seeding will be pushed out to all participants through your EventConnect team portal.

Booking through EventConnect is required for teams and groups traveling from more than 75 miles away from Ballparks of America. The traveling distance is determined by the submitted address at the time of registration.

Each team is responsible to book a minimum of 8 hotel room nights by families and friends per each night of the tournament. Teams that do not meet the minimum booked hotel rooms are subject to an unmet-rooms fee due prior to team check-in:

– Weeklong tournaments: $1,200

– 5-day tournaments: $1,000

– Global Games (4-day): $800

Once your team registers for an event at Ballparks of America, you will automatically receive lodging information from EventConnect.

Every player will receive a packet of coupons for discounts at area attractions.

Yes. Souvenirs and merchandise are available in the Pro Shop, located behind Chicago Field. Tournament t-shirts are available for pre-purchase on your EventConnect team portal, and a limited supply will be available during the tournament. Pro Shop hours of operation vary depending on daily game start times and the last game of the day.