Shreveport-Bossier Press Release and Staff Reports
Tinsley Park is hosting six Diamond (formerly Dixie) Youth Baseball World Series tournaments starting Thursday.
The Division II AAA (10U), Majors (12U) and Ozone(12U) tournaments are Thursday through July 31. The Division I tournaments are Aug. 2-7.
According to a Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission press release, the event is expected to generate an estimated economic impact of approximately $4 million.
A total of 750 young athletes from 22 teams and their families will be in town for the competition, supporting local businesses through shopping, dining, and hotel stays.
Bossier has teams in all three tournaments in Division I. As the host teams, they received automatic entry. The Division II host teams are NOLA (10U), Blountstown (12U) and Vivian (12U Ozone).
The other 11 teams in each division qualified by winning state tournaments.
The Louisiana Division I state champions are Girard in 10U and 12U and Ponchatoula in 12U Ozone. The Division II champions are Union Parish (10U), Oakdale (12U) and Grant Parish (12U O-Zone).
Other states represented are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
“On behalf of the City of Bossier City, we are thrilled to welcome this prestigious event,” Mayor Tommy Chandler of Bossier City said. “We anticipate great participation from parents, family, and friends from across the country.
“I am deeply appreciative of Diamond Youth for choosing Bossier City as the host city, and I am proud of the work our Parks and Recreation Department has put in to bring this outstanding event together. So, get ready to ‘Take me out to the ballgame!’”
The Diamond Youth Baseball World Series is a leading youth baseball event in the United States. Hosted by DYB, this tournament provides a structured and competitive platform for youth leagues. The event features a series of state tournaments that culminate in the World Series.
“We are excited to host Diamond Youth Baseball in Shreveport-Bossier,” says Sara Nelms, Director of Sports for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “This event will bring young athletes and their families to our city, providing a significant boost to local businesses. Beyond the economic benefits, it fosters community spirit and offers a fun, competitive atmosphere for families to enjoy in Shreveport-Bossier.”
DYB will positively impact Shreveport-Bossier’s economy by driving substantial spending at local hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.
With an expected attendance of at least 3,000 people from 11 states, this influx not only supports local businesses but also positions Shreveport-Bossier as an attractive destination for future events and tourism.
Many tournament participants travel with their families, turning their visit into a full vacation opportunity and further boosting the area’s appeal.
“We are looking forward to hosting the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series this year,” says Clay Bohanan, Director of Parks and Recreation for Bossier City. “We hosted the 13 and 14-year-olds for the Dixie World Series in 2014 and 2018, so we are looking forward to having the players and their families in town to see all that Shreveport-Bossier has to offer. Big welcome to all!”
In 2019, Tinsley Park in Bossier City undertook a multi-million-dollar renovation project. The upgrade involved converting the existing baseball and softball fields to turf and developing an additional 40-acres behind the park.
This expansion introduced 5 new turf infields, a concession stand, a playground, a batting cage, an ADA-compliant playing field, and an improved parking lot with RV spots.
The park also benefits from a new lightning detection system to monitor weather conditions and ensure player safety and from enhanced LED lighting to reduce maintenance costs. These improvements are designed to attract more tournaments, such as the Diamond Youth Baseball events, and significantly boost the economic impact on the Shreveport-Bossier area.
“We are excited to bring the 2024 Diamond Youth Baseball World Series to Bossier City,” says Lee Carr, Vice President of Bossier Dixie Baseball. “These tournaments represent the pinnacle of the premier community youth baseball program in the southeast, and we believe our community is an appropriate venue for a tournament of this prestige. Champions from 11 states in 6 different divisions will enjoy some of the best youth baseball—and hospitality—in the country.”
Hosting events such as the DYB World Series establishes Shreveport-Bossier as a premier destination for future tournaments, driving tourism and economic growth. Successfully managing this event showcases Shreveport-Bossier’s ability to handle large-scale events, emphasizing its top-notch facilities and supportive community. This, in turn, can attract more tournaments and events, further boosting the local economy and enhancing the area’s reputation.