The inaugural tournament for the new Creekside Baseball Park was held on March 7-8, 2020. The tournament, named the Creekside Elite 8, featured 12 teams from Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri. The games were held for the 13-14 age group.
The tournament represented a soft opening for the new $8.5 million baseball complex located in the Creekside Development, near the interchange of Interstate 435 and Highway 45. The complex features six tournament quality baseball fields with synthetic infields and the latest technology for lighting, scouting and player development. Creekside Baseball Park’s aim is to take the premier location in Kansas City and turn it into one of the nation’s best destinations for youth and high school baseball. Many of Creekside’s tournaments will be a showcase for college and professional scouts.
The 2020 tournament schedule for the Creekside Baseball Park is set. Tournament play will begin on May 1st with the Creekside Classic, a 54-team tournament. For the 2020 season, there are 18 tournaments scheduled. It is estimated that 23,000 hotel room nights will be booked by teams and their families.
Parkville Mayor Nan Johnston threw out the ceremonial first pitch on Saturday morning. Johnston said, “I am honored be part of the very first tournament at the Creekside Baseball Park. We are extremely excited about the complex and the opportunities it provides our community. Not only is it an opportunity for our youth to develop and showcase their talents, it will bring thousands of people from other areas that will stay, shop and eat in our community. This level of tourism will help support Parkville businesses.