Families looking for a fun, affordable event and baseball fans hoping to see future major leaguers should make their way to Wichita, Kansas this summer for the 90th annual NBC World Series, powered by Evergy. Games will be played July 25-Aug. 3 at Wichita State University’s Eck Stadium.
90th Annual NBC World Series
Come join us for this action-packed baseball world series. This is a 10-day event at Eck Stadium, featuring not only baseball but fun family events like the Coleman Hill Experience. Watch upcoming baseball stars and…
History of NBC World Series
Wichitans refer to this as “the NBC,” and since 1935 summer teams have come to Wichita to compete for a national championship. The event showcases the best of the best: close to 900 NBC World Series players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, from Satchel Paige playing in the event’s infancy to current All-Stars like Ryan Helsley.
"The NBC World Series has been a summertime tradition for Wichita for 90 years now," said NBC Tournament Director Katie Woods. "With fireworks, giveaways, dedications to past tournament greats such as Satchel Paige, exclusive 90th tournament merchandise, and more, this year is going to be an incredible celebration for the community to enjoy."
Here’s what you’ll find at this beloved baseball tournament in Wichita, the Heart of the Country:
A storied Wichita baseball tradition
In 1934, sporting goods salesman Raymond “Hap” Dumont convinced the city of Wichita to build a new stadium in order to host a national baseball tournament. The first NBC tournament was a huge risk on his part, as similar tournaments had failed miserably on both coasts.
In 1935, baseball legend Satchel Paige played in Wichita during the first NBC tournament, marking the only integrated team at that time – and they won the game! Securing Paige – considered the greatest pitcher of the day – in the first year helped make the tournament an instant success. He struck out 60 batters and won four games, garnering national media coverage for the tournament. His daughter, now in her 70s, along with Paige’s grandson, will be in attendance on opening day, July 25, in a game that will be dedicated to Paige.
While Dumont was ahead of his time in many ways, perhaps one of his most impactful promotions involved hiring women as umpires for the National Baseball Congress National Tournament. In 1943, Dumont hired the first female umpire, Lorraine Heinisch, to umpire one game. This year’s tournament plans to pay homage to Heinisch and others like her who helped NBC succeed on July 30 for Celebrate Women in Baseball Night. The 6 p.m. game will feature a reunion of the 1994 Silver Bullets all-female professional baseball team, along with other special celebrations.
Top collegiate and amateur baseball in Wichita
This historic baseball tournament has brought elite amateur, collegiate and semi-pro baseball teams to Wichita to compete for a national championship every summer for nine decades.
There is a field of 16 teams, including league champions and independent at-large teams invited from across the country. Four pools of four teams each will compete over the 10-day period, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to a single elimination bracket to determine a national champion at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3. Take a look at the full schedule.
Baseball ‘Round the Clock set to return
A fan favorite – Baseball ‘Round the Clock – will return this year. Fans will have the opportunity to watch 11 games over the course of 33 hours, starting at noon on Saturday, July 27, and running through a 6 p.m. game on Sunday, July 28.
“Baseball ‘Round the Clock has historically been one of the most exciting and unique events in the NBC World Series,” said Woods. “For the 90th tournament, it was time to bring it back. We’re ready to introduce a new generation of competitors to some of the same elements – Midnight Madness, the cuckoo clock check-ins, and ‘I survived’ shirts – that diehard NBC fans remember.”
Affordable ticket options
Individual tickets range from $12 to $15 general admission and are good for all of that day’s games. Seniors, students and members of the military can get $6 general admission tickets for weekday games and $9 general admission tickets for weekend games. Kids 2 and younger are free if they are lap sitting. Kids 3 and older need a ticket. If you plan to attend the entire tournament, buy a discounted tournament pass for as low as $75 general admission and $150 reserved seating. Visit nbcbaseball.com for tickets.
Fan-friendly atmosphere
The fan-friendly atmosphere at Eck Stadium includes plenty of free parking around the stadium, multiple entrances and tall grandstands providing shaded seating options. Families love the outfield seating on Coleman Hill, where you can bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Nightly Promos!
Plus, the tournament features nightly promotions such as:
- July 25 – Opening & Satchel Paige Night: Satchel Paige Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans and festivities to honor his legacy
- July 26 – NBC in the ICT: Special guests, vendors, prizes from local attractions and more
- July 27-28 – Baseball ‘Round the Clock: 11 games in 33 hours
- July 28 – Military Appreciation Day: Current and former members of all branches receive free admission with Military ID or DD-214
- July 29 – First Responders Night: All first responders get in free with ID
- July 30 – Celebrate Women in Baseball Night: Reunion of the 1994 Silver Bullets, who will be signing autographs and meeting fans before the game
- July 31 – Educator Appreciation: With ID, educators get free admission for the day
- Aug. 1 – Little League Night: Kid-focused activities, NBC team autograph sessions and more
- Aug. 2 – Aviation Night: Stearman flyover, STEM activities, a plane on display and other celebrations
- Aug. 3 – Championship Night: A new champion crowned; post-game fireworks
Make plans to enjoy the nation’s premier amateur baseball event in the Heart of the Country this summer and find a full list of events happening during your stay in Wichita on the calendar of events page. For even more inspiration, check out the Official Visit Wichita Visitor’s Guide
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