Twenty teams and tens of thousands of visitors from around the nation and world will soon gather in North Central Pennsylvania for the 79th Little League Baseball World Series.
Brian McClintock, senior communications executive at Little League International, on Friday said preparations are underway and more than half the teams arrived in Lycoming County.
“We're counting down the days,” McClintock said.
Ten national and 10 international teams consisting of athletes ages 10 to 12 will bring dreams of being world champions to the Williamsport area, the birthplace of Little League baseball.
“It's a really fun time to be in Williamsport and in this region, and obviously has a huge economic impact for us and for the region,” said Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, noting it generated about $40 million for the state’s economy.
The 38-game tournament is held at the Little League International Complex, 617 E. Mountain Ave., South Williamsport. Games are split between Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Little League Volunteer Stadium.
Slaughter said the event brings economic development grants and puts Williamsport on the world stage.
“It's an event that happens for those two weeks, but it's really part of who we are as a community,” he said. “It's a lot of what Williamsport is known for.”
Slaughter said his favorite part is welcoming the Little Leaguers to the area and observing their excitement. McClintock said the Little League World Series is one of the most heartwarming events in all of sports.
“This is one of the marquee events, certainly throughout the state, and really around the world," McClintock said. “It's where cultures and communities come together in a really fun environment where teamwork is on display.”
McClintock noted this year is the first Curaçao receives direct entry into the tournament.
Teams will compete to make it to the International Championship and United States Championship on Saturday, Aug. 29, then for the world championship at the LLBWS Championship Game on Sunday, Aug. 30.
For the full game schedule, click here.
LOGISTICS
- Admission is free.
- For most games, tickets are not required, and stadium seating is available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. There's also seating on the hill overlooking Lamade Stadium.
- Stadium seating is limited for the following games: MLB Little League Classic Sunday (Game 19), Championship Saturday (Games 35 and 36) and the LLBWS Championship Game (Game 38). These games will utilize digital ticketing this year. Fans interested in attending should complete the ticket inquiry form. If tickets become available, selected fans may receive up to four tickets. Seating for the general public will still be available on the hill overlooking Lamade Stadium.
- The complex is scheduled to open most days at 10 a.m. and will close approximately one hour after the final out of the final game of the day, but there are exceptions.
- Clear bags and clutch purses/wristlets/belt bags (6”x 9” or smaller) are permitted. Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are also permitted but may be subject to a thorough search, with early arrival recommended.
- Parking is free and located off of East Mountain Avenue directly behind the Little League International Complex.
- New this year, Little League International, with River Valley Transit, will provide complimentary shuttle services from downtown parking lots to the Little League Complex, McClintock said. The Little League Express Bus Service will provide departures from Bus Bay 12 at the Trade and Transit Center (115 W. Third St.) and the Church Street Parking Garage (11 W. Church St.) every 15 minutes. Returns to both locations will depart the complex every 15 minutes. Free parking is available in the Church Street Parking Garage. The Little League Express Bus Driver must validate your parking ticket to obtain free parking.
- Click here for more details.
Courtesy World of Little League MuseumThe World of Little League Museum in South Williamsport will host an open house this Saturday, April 26, to spotlight new exhibits and a Babe Ruth baseball that will be on temporary display from the museum's vaults.
IF YOU GO
In addition to the 38 games and pin collecting opportunities, there are several other events to check out.
- The 20th annual Grand Slam Parade steps off at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug.18, at the intersections of Maynard Street and West Fourth Street. It moves along Fourth Street and ends at Market Street. The parade welcomes the 20 teams that have made it to the series. WVIA-FM will broadcast live newscasts from the parade.
- The Opening Ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19., at the Little League Volunteer Stadium.
- The Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves will compete in the MLB Little League Classic at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Historic Bowman Field. Tickets are unavailable to the general public and most are reserved for participating teams, families, volunteers and residents of Lycoming County via a ticket lottery. The game can be viewed live on ESPN.
- Williamsport Welcomes the World is from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28. The street festival has a variety of programs, including live music, kids zones with free activities and various food and merchandise vendors.
- Teams from Berwyn, Pa., and Oakley, Calif., will compete in the Challenger Division Exhibition Game at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. WVIA-TV will broadcast the game live.
- The World of Little League: Peter J. McGovern Museum and Official Store, located at 525 Montgomery Pike (U.S. 15), is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features historic baseball artifacts and an official merchandise shop.
Slaughter encouraged visitors to take advantage of Downtown Williamsport, as well as amenities, local shops, dining and restaurants throughout Lycoming County.
“You could be out to dinner and one table might be fans from Japan sitting next to Australia, next to Florida,” Slaughter said. “It's just a really unique and very cool experience to be part of.”
For a guide on things to do throughout the county, click here.
INSIDE THE COMPLEX
This year, Lamade Stadium has a new roof with new protective netting around the seating area of the stadium and a new, modernized sign atop the area behind home plate that was installed last month.
“It's going to be a great feature during the World Series,” McClintock said.
There will also be a new walking path from the main entrance to the Little League Flagship Store near Volunteer Stadium and widened walking paths along Borderline Road.
After the tournament in August, the Little League plans to start construction on a Fan Plaza, which will be located in the area between the Flagship Store and the Pavilion.
The plaza will feature seating, shaded areas, partner and donor recognition area and opportunities to meet with fans from around the world. The 7-foot, stainless steel globe developed with the Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2025 will be the centerpiece.
WVIA's Sydney Allabaugh will broadcast live from the Grand Slam Parade during All Things Considered. Tune in to WVIA Radio from 4 to 6 p.m.
