SUSSEX CO., Del. - A second big softball world series heads to Sussex County this year.
"I think of this as a point of pride for our state," said Gov. Jack Markell (D-DE).
Sussex County, it's time to play ball. The Big League Softball World Series makes its way to Roxana this summer after spending 19 years in Kalamazoo, Mich.
"We are becoming a huge hub for sports for kids," said Alan Levin, Delaware Economic Development.
The tournament will take place at the Lower Sussex Little League at the same time as the Senior League Softball World Series.
"It should be fairly simple running a second World Series by starting at 3 p.m., but as with anything new, we'll find out the ups and downs as we go," said Martin Donovan, World Series Director.
But this announcement goes beyond rounding the bases.
It's about identifying an economic boost for Sussex County.
Levin says that it's a "huge influx of cash" for the entire county, with an estimate of $2.5 million that will be brought in by having two tournaments in the area.
"You've got 7,000 kids, but they bring their parents so you're talking about 21,000 people," said Levin. "It's an opportunity for a parent that may own a business in Ohio or somewhere else who comes to Delaware and see what Delaware is like."
Officials say they need 150 volunteers for the softball tournaments and are also looking for local sponsors, hoping sports fans turn out in droves. This year, six games will be broadcasted live on ESPN.
"They'll want to go to the beaches and we'll be on ESPN," said Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) about the impact of the event. "A lot of places that aren't sure if Delaware is a county or a town, they'll find out we're a state and we just happen to be the state that hosts half of the World Series for softball."
Admission to every little league game, including the World Series is free.
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