From WNDU.com
By Mark Peterson
Simply put, about 1,000 players are expected to bring some 1,500 family and friends to town for the tourney. “So the economic impact that we’re calculating at this time is about $1.2 million, so with them being here, for such a long time that’s why the number is so high. They’re going to be eating in our restaurants, shopping in our stores, they’re going to be visiting area attractions,” said Meghan Huff.
The Waterford Estates Lodge will serve as the home base away from home for out of towners. A tourney hall of fame induction ceremony is even scheduled to take place there a week from Sunday.
While there has been some talk about the need to expand seating at Four Winds Field, that’s already happening at Bellville. Crews have worked to bring in 24 additional sets of bleachers.
Last year the tournament was held in Kitchener, Ontario, and next year, it will move to Quad Cities, but this year, South Bend had the best sales pitch.
“You will see pitching this week as fast as you’ll see anywhere in the world,” said St. Clair.
Starting Saturday, a total of 54 teams will begin playing 150 games that will continue through Sunday, August 16th.
The tourney is open to the public. Day passes for adults are $10 and $5 for children. A $50 pass allows access to all nine days’ worth of games.
A half dozen local restaurants will set up food booths for the event. Bellville will even make use of its license to sell beer on site. Click here to continue reading at WNDU.com.