Triple Crown U.S. Baseball Championships a boon to Henrico tourism

Championship games expected to draw 5,500 visitors from across the country through August 2nd.

July 25, 2014; 12:43 PM • by Trevor Dickerson

Henrico County welcomed over 1,500 top high school baseball players from around the country—as well as college coaches and a national webcast audience—this week as the Triple Crown U.S. Baseball Championships began Wednesday.

Seventy-eight teams from 17 states, ranging from California and Washington to Minnesota, Michigan, Connecticut, New York, Texas and Virginia, are competing at 16-under, 17-under and 18-under age divisions.

A number of teams from the metro area are included in the field as well. Games are being played at several county facilities, including Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park and Tuckahoe Park, as well as other sites in the metro area. All games are open to the public.

This year marks the fifth consecutive year Henrico and the metro region have hosted the Triple Crown tournament. The event is expected to bring at least 5,500 visitors to the area through August 2nd and provide a $3.95 million boost to the local economy, according to Richmond Region Tourism.

Neil Luther, director of Henrico’s Division of Recreation and Parks, said the event showcases prospective college athletes and attracts coaches from college programs including Richmond, Towson and Stony Brook to scout players. He also said the event is another highlight for Henrico’s growing sports-tourism program.

“The Triple Crown U.S. Baseball Championships make a significant impact on our community,” Luther said. “We are able to showcase our facilities and our hospitality, and they bring dollars to our hotels, restaurants and retailers.”

The 16-under/17-under North vs. South All-Star Game will be webcast live on WatchTCS.com from the Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 27th. Admission is free.

Photo: Henrico Parks and Recreation