Statesville Scores Another Win as Babe Ruth Southeast Regional Tournament Brings Championship Baseball to Iredell County
Opening Ceremonies held at Jennings Park, Tuesday July 14, 2026
South Park (North Carolina) captured the Southeast Regional Championship
Over five days of competition, 10 championship teams representing North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee competed in 24 tournament games, bringing approximately 140 athletes and their families to Iredell County. An estimated 80% of participating families stayed in Statesville hotels for four nights, generating approximately 450 overnight room nights and creating meaningful economic impact for local hotels, restaurants, retailers and attractions throughout the week.
The tournament concluded Saturday with South Park (North Carolina) capturing the Southeast Regional Championship after an undefeated 6-0 tournament run, defeating Okeeheelee, Florida in the championship game. South Park now advances to represent the Southeast Region in the Babe Ruth 10U World Series in Stafford, Virginia.
Visitors stayed at hotels throughout Statesville, with the Hilton Garden Inn proudly serving once again as the tournament's official host hotel.
Statesville Mayor Doug Hendrix welcomed players, coaches and families on behalf of the City of Statesville
The tournament officially began Tuesday evening with an Opening Ceremony at Jennings Park, where Statesville Mayor Doug Hendrix welcomed players, coaches and families on behalf of the City of Statesville. Reflecting on his own experiences growing up playing baseball, Mayor Hendrix spoke about the life lessons the game teaches, encouraging the young athletes to enjoy every moment of the tournament while building friendships and memories that will last long after the final out.
Over five days, approximately 140 young athletes and their families experienced Statesville's hospitality while generating an estimated 450 overnight room nights for our local lodging partners
During the Opening Ceremony, Daniel Leatherman, Director of Iredell County Parks & Recreation and member of the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, recognized the many partners whose vision and dedication made the tournament possible.
"This tournament is the result of tremendous collaboration," said Leatherman. "We're grateful to the current and former Iredell County Commissioners whose vision and investment made Jennings Park possible, to County Manager Beth Milton and Deputy County Manager Rodney Harris for their leadership, to the City of Statesville for its partnership, to Babe Ruth of Iredell County and the Statesville Convention &Visitors Bureau for bringing this championship event to Iredell County, and especially to our Parks & Recreation staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes all week to prepare and maintain these fields. Youth sports has a unique way of bringing communities together, and it was an honor to welcome these families to our community."
"Sports tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry, and tournaments like this demonstrate what is possible when outstanding facilities, dedicated volunteers and strong community partnerships come together," said Cindy Sutton, Executive Director of the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Over five days, approximately 140 young athletes and their families experienced Statesville's hospitality while generating an estimated 450 overnight room nights for our local lodging partners. We're grateful to Wayne Harwell, Babe Ruth of Iredell County, Iredell County Parks & Recreation, the City of Statesville, the Hilton Garden Inn, our hospitality partners and the many volunteers who made this event such a success. We look forward to building on these relationships and developing a long-term strategy to bring additional Babe Ruth postseason tournaments and other regional sporting events to Statesville."
ABC Investment's, Hilton Garden Inn served as host hotel for the second consecutive year.
The success of the 2026 Babe Ruth Southeast Regional Tournament reflects a shared commitment among Iredell County Parks & Recreation, the City of Statesville, Babe Ruth of Iredell County, the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau, local hospitality partners and dozens of volunteers to create an exceptional experience for visiting athletes and families while continuing to establish Statesville as a premier destination for youth sports tourism.
As Statesville continues investing in sports tourism, partnerships like these are creating opportunities that extend far beyond the playing field, introducing new visitors to the community, generating lasting economic impact for local businesses, and reinforcing Statesville's position as a championship destination.
Tournament by the Numbers
