NBC World Series finds a home in Wichita for next two summer baseball tournaments

The National Baseball Congress World Series has found a full-time home in Wichita for the next two summers, first-year tournament director Katie Woods announced Tuesday morning.

After playing host to most, but not all tournament games for the past four years, Wichita State and the National Baseball Congress reached a two-year agreement for Eck Stadium to become the full-time host for the 2023 and 2024 editions of the NBC World Series.

“We are thrilled to call Eck Stadium home for the next two years and bring the tournament fully back to Wichita,” Woods said in a press release. “Wichita has been the home of the NBC since 1934 and the Wichita State athletic department has been great partners as we work to make the 89th year a fantastic one for both teams and fans.”

Since the demolition of Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in 2018, Eck Stadium has hosted championship week of the NBC World Series with Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson being the host site of the opening days of the tournament.

Many local baseball fans have been clamoring for Riverfront Stadium, Wichita’s new downtown ballpark, to host at least the championship for the NBC World Series.

While that is still a possibility in the future, the NBC World Series and Wichita State were both thrilled to continue their partnership another two years.

The premier summer collegiate baseball tournament will feature a 16-team field this upcoming summer with Santa Barbara (Calif.) Foresters and the Hays Larks, the two teams in last summer’s championship game, both receiving guaranteed bids. Tickets to the 2023 NBC World Series will go on sale in June.

“Wichita State Athletics is honored and blessed to continue our long-standing partnership with and support of the NBC tournament,” WSU senior associate athletic director Brad Pittman said. “Eck Stadium is a premier collegiate baseball facility capable of providing a first-class student-athlete and participant experience.”

Woods, who takes over for Kevin Jenks, stated two goals for her first year running the show: improving the fan experience and upping the competition level.

According to the press release, the NBC World Series is increasing team compensation by more than 25%, creating a team ambassador program, improving team transportation and meals, as well as solidifying bids for the tournament earlier in the year. Fans will also be allowed to once again bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the ball park, as Woods promised to also build more partnerships throughout the community.