FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2025
Montgomery Kicks Off Major Youth Baseball Tournament Following Lagoon Park Renovation - City celebrates record-breaking sports tourism season with 2026 World Series bid win and eyes set on 2027
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Following the City of Montgomery’s $2.4 million renovation of the Lagoon Park Softball Complex, the city is seeing immediate returns on investment, welcoming record-breaking tournaments, national attention, and securing the 2026 Diamond Youth Baseball (DYB) Regional World Series.
District 2 City Councilwoman Julie Beard, city leaders, teams, and families recently gathered at Lagoon Park to celebrate the Opening Ceremonies of the 2025 DYB Division 2 Tournament—marking both a milestone in Montgomery’s youth sports momentum and the official debut of the newly renovated complex. This success is the result of strong collaboration between the City of Montgomery, Montgomery Parks and Recreation, Diamond Youth Baseball (DYB), and Experience Montgomery—whose shared commitment to youth sports has positioned Montgomery as a top-tier tournament host across the Southeast.
The city of Montgomery investment, completed earlier this year, reflects a bold commitment to strengthening outdoor recreation and positioning Montgomery as a premier destination for youth sports tourism. Upgrades include:
- Five fast pitch-ready fields with new backstop netting
- Permanent outfield fencing and re-sodding
- A covered turf batting cage with lighting
- A new shelter pavilion for fans
- Renovated umpire locker rooms and upgraded restrooms
Montgomery Scores 2026 DYB Regional World Series
The City of Montgomery, in partnership with Experience Montgomery and Diamond Youth Baseball (DYB), officially announced that the city has secured the bid to host the 2026 DYB Regional World Series. This high-impact youth tournament previously generated over $4 million in direct visitor spending and attracted more than 750 families in 2024. With Montgomery as the 2026 host city, another major tourism and economic boost is expected.
“Montgomery is proud to be the home of championship-caliber youth sports,” said Mayor Steven L. Reed, City of Montgomery. “Securing the 2026 DYB Regional World Series speaks to the strength of our partnerships, the quality of our facilities, and the dedication of our community. These tournaments do more than fill hotel rooms—they bring families together, support local businesses, and showcase the best of what our city has to offer. As we look toward future bids, Montgomery is all in.”
“Hosting this series is not just a win for Montgomery, but a celebration of what our city can do when we work together,” added Brandon Dean, Montgomery Parks and Recreation Director. “From our grounds crews to our community volunteers, everyone plays a role in making events like these successful. We’re honored to welcome the 2026 DYB Regional World Series to Lagoon Park, and we’re committed to giving every athlete and family a first-class experience.”
Tournament Impact at a Glance
Recent and upcoming events hosted in Montgomery underscore its growing sports tourism momentum:
- DYB Rookies Tournament (June 11–14): $400K in direct spending | 600+ room nights | 36 teams
- DYB Division 1 State Tournament (June 25–30): $500K in direct spending | 600+ room nights | 37 teams
- 2026 DYB Regional World Series: Expected $4M+ economic impact | Hundreds of families across the Southeast
Later this month, representatives from the city's Parks and Recreation department, along with Experience Montgomery, will travel to Lexington, SC, to bid on two DYB World Series tournaments for 2027, which could bring up to 144 teams and thousands of additional visitors to Alabama’s Capital City.
Additional Quotes:
“Each year, we receive bids from across the state, and this time District 5 in Montgomery really stepped up. Their proposal to host all three state tournaments showed a serious commitment to DYB and youth baseball. Montgomery’s central location is a plus, but what truly sets it apart is its first-rate facilities, welcoming community, and a team that gets what we do. That’s why awarding the 2026 Regional World Series to Montgomery was an easy choice. We can’t wait to welcome teams from across the Southeast and showcase what makes this city special. At DYB, we’re built on community — ‘Where Every Child Matters and Every Kid Plays.’ This partnership helps us grow the game and remain the go-to youth sports organization for families and leagues across the region.”
— Ricky Phaturos, Alabama Diamond Youth Baseball State Director
— Ricky Phaturos, Alabama Diamond Youth Baseball State Director
“Bringing all three DYB state tournaments to Montgomery this year generated major buzz and measurable economic impact. Being selected to host the 2026 DYB Regional World Series is a proud milestone that reflects our strong partnership with DYB, the City of Montgomery, and Montgomery Parks and Recreation. This tournament will attract families from across the Southeast, allow local teams to compete at home, and keep visitor spending in our region. Montgomery’s investment in sports tourism—alongside committed partners—is delivering real results, from increased hotel nights and restaurant traffic to national visibility. The regional spotlight is on Montgomery—and we’re ready.”
— Ron Simmons, Chief Destination Officer, Experience Montgomery
— Ron Simmons, Chief Destination Officer, Experience Montgomery
"This is a win for our city, our businesses, and our families. Youth sports continue to be a powerful economic engine for Montgomery."
— Craig Brown, Tournament Director
Images from today’s announcement: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCkUpd
ABOUT EXPERIENCE MONTGOMERY
Experience Montgomery, a division of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, is the official destination marketing organization for Montgomery, Alabama, and a leading tourism driver for the River Region. With a focus on sharing the city’s powerful story and unmatched southern hospitality, Experience Montgomery promotes the region as a hub for history, culture, sports, outdoor adventure, and group travel—including meetings, conferences, and tournaments. By attracting visitors and events to the area, the organization helps drive regional economic growth, support small businesses, create jobs, and enhance quality of life throughout Central Alabama. Learn more at www.experiencemontgomeryal.org.
Experience Montgomery, a division of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, is the official destination marketing organization for Montgomery, Alabama, and a leading tourism driver for the River Region. With a focus on sharing the city’s powerful story and unmatched southern hospitality, Experience Montgomery promotes the region as a hub for history, culture, sports, outdoor adventure, and group travel—including meetings, conferences, and tournaments. By attracting visitors and events to the area, the organization helps drive regional economic growth, support small businesses, create jobs, and enhance quality of life throughout Central Alabama. Learn more at www.experiencemontgomeryal.org.
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Media Contact:
Megan Carlisle
Director, Marketing & Communications, Experience Montgomery
(O): 334-261-1114
