FAQ
Find answers to all questions about your visit to Ballparks of America!
Coaches, Families, and Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups will be able to play at Ballparks of America?
We host 10U -14U youth baseball teams during the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Is there handicapped accessible parking available at Ballparks of America?
Yes, handicapped accessible parking is available in multiple locations on our campus.
Is parking and admission free at Ballparks of America?
Parking and admission is free for our Ballparks of America summer tournaments (Memorial Day to Labor Day), with the exception of the Major 70 Cal Ripken World Series, which has an admission fee. Our spring and fall partner events have admission/parking fees.
What payment methods are accepted at Ballparks of America?
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.
Do the Ballparks of America fields have seating available?
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.
Are there concession stands at Ballparks of America?
Yes, we have one concession stand – Bullpen – an on-campus restaurant called Double Play Cafe, a coffee and smoothie shop called Grounders, and the Sweet Spot – a candy and ice cream shop – at Ballparks of America.
Hours of operation will vary depending on the daily game start times and the last game of the day.
Hours of operation will vary depending on the daily game start times and the last game of the day.
What is the weather policy at Ballparks of America?
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.
What is the Ballparks of America refund policy if my team cancels?
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, 2024
$3000 due January 30, 2025
Remaining balance due April 1, 2025
Are families allowed to bring food and coolers to Ballparks of America?
No outside coolers are allowed except a team cooler for drinks. It is expected that all trash is cleaned up.
Are pets welcome on the Ballparks of America campus?
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.
What is the typical schedule like for a weeklong tournament at Ballparks of America?
- Saturday - Check in begins at 3 pm; Opening Ceremonies at 8 p.m.
- Sunday - Skills Competitions; Pool Play begins
- Monday & Tuesday - Pool Play
- Wednesday - Pool Play; Home Run Derby Championship
- Thursday - Off Day! Teams can enjoy Branson!
- Friday - Single Elimination Bracket Play; Championship Game
- *Itinerary is subject to change*
How many games are guaranteed during a Ballparks of America weeklong tournament?
Teams are guaranteed 6 games total. Teams will play 5 pool play games and a minimum of one single-elimination tournament game.
Where can I find my team's Ballparks of America tournament schedule and results?
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.
When will my Ballparks of America tournament schedule be available?
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.
When will game results be posted?
Standings and results will be posted on your EventConnect team portal as soon as each game ends.
How will I know which seed my team is prior to single-elimination tournament play?
All information regarding results, standings and seeding will be pushed out to all participants through your EventConnect team portal.
How do the families book hotels for Ballparks of America tournaments? Are discounts available?
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 – which is 48 total room nights per team.
Any teams that do not meet the minimum booked hotel rooms are subject to an additional $1,200 fee due by April 1, 2025. Once your team registers for an event at Ballparks of America, you will automatically receive lodging information from EventConnect.
Is there pin trading among teams at Ballparks of America?
Yes, there is pin trading among teams. Teams are encouraged to come ready to trade by bringing their own pins or ordering them in advance from our partner BJ’s Trophy. Visit their website bjstrophy.com or call 1-800-951-7822.
Do I receive any discounts or free access to any of the attractions during my tournament?
Every player will receive a packet of coupons for discounts at area attractions.
Are tournament t-shirts and other Ballparks of America items available for purchase?
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.
Are there concession stands at Ballparks of America?
Yes, we have one concession stand – Bullpen – an on-campus restaurant called Double Play Cafe, a coffee and smoothie shop called Grounders, and the Sweet Spot – a candy and ice cream shop – at Ballparks of America.
Hours of operation will vary depending on the daily game start times and the last game of the day.
Are families allowed to bring food and coolers to Ballparks of America?
No outside coolers are allowed except a team cooler for drinks. It is expected that all trash is cleaned up.
What is the typical schedule like for a four-day tournament at Ballparks of America?
- Friday - Check in begins at noon; Home Run Derby
- Saturday & Sunday - Pool Play begins
- Monday - Single Elimination Bracket Play; Championship Game
- *Itinerary is subject to change*
How many games are guaranteed during a Ballparks of America 4-day tournament?
Teams are guaranteed 5 games total. Teams will play 4 pool play games and a minimum of one single-elimination tournament game.
Where can I find my team's Ballparks of America tournament schedule and results?
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.
When will my Ballparks of America tournament schedule be available?
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.
When will game results be posted?
Standings and results will be posted on your EventConnect team portal as soon as each game ends.
How will I know which seed my team is prior to single-elimination tournament play?
All information regarding results, standings and seeding will be pushed out to all participants through your EventConnect team portal.
How do the families book hotels for Ballparks of America tournaments? Are discounts available?
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 – which is 24 total room nights per team.
Any teams that do not meet the minimum booked hotel rooms are subject to an additional $1,000 fee due prior to team check-in.Once your team registers for an event at Ballparks of America, you will automatically receive lodging information from EventConnect.
Is there pin trading among teams at Ballparks of America?
Yes, there is pin trading among teams. Teams are encouraged to come ready to trade by bringing their own pins or ordering them in advance from our partner BJ’s Trophy. Visit their website bjstrophy.com or call 1-800-951-7822.
Do I receive any discounts or free access to any of the attractions during my tournament?
Every player will receive a packet of coupons for discounts at area attractions.
Are tournament t-shirts and other Ballparks of America items available for purchase?
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.
Are there concession stands at Ballparks of America?
Yes, we have one concession stand – Bullpen – an on-campus restaurant called Double Play Cafe, a coffee and smoothie shop called Grounders, and the Sweet Spot – a candy and ice cream shop – at Ballparks of America.
Hours of operation will vary depending on the daily game start times and the last game of the day.
Are families allowed to bring food and coolers to Ballparks of America?
No outside coolers are allowed except a team cooler for drinks. It is expected that all trash is cleaned up.
What should players bring when they are staying in the Team Suites at Ballparks of America?
A packing list in the Tournament Prep Kit for your tournament. Visit your Event Connect team portal or our Know Before You Go page.
When can my team check-in to our Team Suite at Ballparks of America?
Teams may check into their team suite starting at 3:00 PM on Saturday of their tournament week.
Is there pin trading among teams at Ballparks of America?
Yes, there is pin trading among teams. Teams are encouraged to come ready to trade by bringing their own pins or ordering them in advance from our partner BJ’s Trophy. Visit their website bjstrophy.com or call 1-800-951-7822.
What does security look like for teams staying at Ballparks of America in the Team Suites?
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.
Are tournament t-shirts and other Ballparks of America items available for purchase?
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.
Are there concession stands at Ballparks of America?
Yes, we have one concession stand – Bullpen – an on-campus restaurant called Double Play Cafe, a coffee and smoothie shop called Grounders, and the Sweet Spot – a candy and ice cream shop – at Ballparks of America.
Hours of operation will vary depending on the daily game start times and the last game of the day.
Are families allowed to bring food and coolers to Ballparks of America?
No outside coolers are allowed except a team cooler for drinks. It is expected that all trash is disposed of properly.
Do the Ballparks of America fields have seating available?
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.
Are pets welcome on the Ballparks of America campus?
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.
Does my team need to bring baseballs to Ballparks of America?
Game balls will be provided by Ballparks of America. Teams should bring their own practice balls.
Does Ballparks of America have a dress code for the coaches?
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.
Does Ballparks require coaches to provide an umpire for the week?
No. Ballparks of America provides all tournament umpires. There is no additional fee to your team for this.
How many umpires are there for each game at Ballparks of America?
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.
What is the time limit for games at Ballparks of America?
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.
What is the maximum number of players allowed on a roster at Ballparks of America?
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.
Does Ballparks of America have pitching limitations?
There are no pitching limitations set by Ballparks of America. Coaches are responsible for monitoring and controlling their own pitching staff.
What is the time limit for games at Ballparks of America?
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.
What rules will govern tournaments at Ballparks of America?
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.
What is the maximum number of players allowed on a roster at Ballparks of America?
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.
Does Ballparks of America have pitching limitations?
There are no pitching limitations set by Ballparks of America. Coaches are responsible for monitoring and controlling their own pitching staff.
Do we need to bring baseballs to Ballparks of America?
Game balls will be provided by Ballparks of America. Teams should bring their own practice balls.
How many umpires are there for each game at Ballparks of America?
All age groups will have 2 umpires for each pool play game. Semi-finals and tournament championship games may have up to 4 umpires.
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