The Levelland Youth Baseball League along with the Levelland Chamber of Commerce & Main Street Program and Visit Lubbock Sports Authority signed official contracts with the New Jersey based Babe Ruth Headquarters today to host this area’s first ever World Series.  On August 17-26 of 2010, the Levelland will host the 13-year-old World Series.  

In April Robert Faherty, Babe Ruth World Series Commission conducted a site visit with community officials.  Time was spent looking at game facilities including Levelland High School game fields along with city baseball facilities. All guests, fans and other officials will be housed in Levelland and Lubbock hotels.  Faherty said he was not only impressed with the community but also amazed at the town’s commitment to youth.

All participants and young athletes are required to be housed with local families.  Therefore, Levelland tournament officials will be placing kids in the homes of families in town.  This is part of the Babe Ruth tradition and has always proved to be very rewarding for the boys.   Many maintain long-term friendships and stay in touch for years.  Some have shared stories of sharing Christmas holidays together after making acquaintances at tournaments.

Per Greg McKay, local league President, The Levelland Youth Baseball League will be recruiting over 200 volunteers for the nine-day event.  While in Levelland, teams will be hosted to special events including team orientations, team gatherings and entertainment, Olympic style opening ceremonies, kick off banquet and unique once in a lifetime opportunities!  

League officials along with other hosting communities conservatively estimate this event will generate over $2 million dollars into the hosting local economies.  In order to host a tournament, a bid fee of $40,000 is required. The bid fee covers the travel arrangements to fly all qualifying teams into Lubbock from all over the nation.   Although the community has already raised over $55,000 for the 2010 event, additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

Teams must qualify to play in this tournament.  The World Series format will begin with pool play competition.  Teams will be separated into two divisions.  The three top teams from each division will advance to a single elimination bracket to determine the World Series Champion. Because of the economic impact, it will provide for not only Levelland but also Lubbock as well, the bid fee will be paid by both the City of Levelland hotel bed tax and the Lubbock Sports Authority will contribute a portion as well.