Little League Softball World Series kicks off Saturday in Greenville

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The Little League Softball Worlds series is back in Greenville amid a big anniversary, and final preparations are underway for the community, athletes, and visitors to enjoy.

The tournament, featuring 12 teams from across the United States, is happening at Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park from August 4th to the 11th.

Pitt County Girls Softball League 12U All-Stars were the runner-ups last year. This year, they’re returning to the diamond with a mission and as the host team for the tournament.

Andrew Schmidt, president & CEO of Visit Greenville, NC, says he’s excited about many aspects of the tournament, including the benefits for the city like the exposure, the 50th anniversary of the tournament, and the activities for spectators and families.

The City of Greenville has been hosting the tournament for the past four years and will be until 2027, thanks to a contract extension. Little League is celebrating 50 years of girls in its program at the 50th anniversary of the Little League Softball World Series.

Schmidt says Saturday is the opening ceremony with festivities at Town Commons from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. He says the teams competing will be announced, and activities will be open for those attending. Admission to the games throughout the week are free.

For the duration of the tournament, the city will be closing Elm Street between 14th Street and 10th Street. Greenville officials say detours will use Charles Boulevard. Drivers traveling north will be detoured from Greenville Boulevard to Charles Boulevard and 10th Street. Motorists heading south will be detoured from 10th Street to Charles Boulevard and Greenville Boulevard. Only permitted traffic will be allowed in the blocked section of Elm Street during the closure.

However, transportation for players, coaches, and attendees. Public parking for the event will be available in the College Hill Drive parking lot near the corner of 10th Street and College Hill Drive. The public will access Elm Street Park from the College Hill parking lot via the Green Mill Run Greenway. Complimentary golf cart transportation will be available.

Schmidt says he’s most excited for the exposure the City of Greenville will get throughout the week. All games will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks, including ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, and ESPN+.

The Pitt County girls learned their opponent for the opening round is Negros Occidental Little League from the Philippines. They are scheduled to play on Sunday, August 4th, in their opening game at 7 p.m. at Stallings Stadium.

Copyright 2024 WITN. All rights reserved.