If you’re looking for information about the 2024 Little League World Series in Williamsport, you’re in the right place!
The Little League World Series is a tournament where the top 10 American Little League teams and top 10 International Little League teams compete to see who is THE best Little League Baseball team in the world!
The 2024 Little League World Series takes place from Wednesday Aug 14th through Sunday Aug 25th.
Why Williamsport?
Little League Baseball was founded by Carl E. Stotz in Williamsport in 1939.
From its humble Pennsylvania origins, Little League Baseball is now played in roughly 6,500 communities and more than 80 countries around the world!
The Little League World Series is widely viewed as one of the best youth sporting events in the world, with athletes, fans, and media from around the globe descending on Williamsport every August to experience the excitement of the tournament.
So whether you’re a family member of a player, a die hard baseball fan, or just checking this event off your bucket list, I’ve put together this handy guide to attending the 2023 Little League World Series, complete with parking maps and information about bag policy changes from previous years.
Where Exactly Are the Games Held?
The Little League World Series tournament takes place at the league’s stadium complex in South Williamsport, on the south side of the West Branch Susquehanna River, across from “regular” Williamsport!
Even ESPN, one of the event’s premier partners, uses Williamsport/South Williamsport interchangeably, but technically they are two separate entities.
Parking for the Little League World Series
There is a huge FREE parking area on the football/soccer fields at at the South Williamsport Sports Complex (directly across from the LLWS stadium complex) – navigate to 617 E. Mountain Ave South Williamsport PA 17702 and then follow the signs/parking attendants.
Admission to the Little League World Series
One of the many great things about the Little League World Series – admission is FREE!
All spectators must enter the Little League Complex and pass through a security screening checkpoint at the Main Entrance, located off East Mountain Avenue.
New for 2023 is a clear bag policy, consistent with what most stadiums and concert venues have been doing for years – CLICK HERE to read the particulars of LLWS clear bag policy.
If you’re wondering how the league can afford to offer free admission to this event, consider that in addition to the 13 corporate sponsors listed on the league’s website, ESPN pays a reported $7.5 million/year for the broadcast rights to the tournament.
There’s also plenty of Little League swag available, should you want to take home a souvenir and put a little money back into the league’s coffers at the same time.
Stadiums at the Little League World Series
The tournament games are played in two adjacent stadiums – Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Volunteer Stadium.
First opened in 1959 (and renovated several times since), Howard J. Lamade Stadium can accommodate roughly 40,000 spectators, with the bulk of that being “hill seating”.
The smaller Volunteer Stadium was opened in 2001, and can accommodate roughly 5,000 spectators – it is mainly used for International games early in the tournament, where smaller crowds are generally anticipated.
Food Options at the Little League World Series
Food options are plentiful and prices are very reasonable at the Little League World Series.
Hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos, roast beef sandwiches, and Italian sausage sandwiches are just some of the options.
What’s With the Kids and the Cardboard?
One of the more unusual traditions at the Little League World Series is for kids to ride a piece of cardboard in sled-like fashion down the hillside above Lamade Stadium.
With all the event’s corporate sponsors, I’m not sure why a laundry detergent company HASN’T jumped in to “sponsor” the hill sliding, but it looks like good, dirty fun nonetheless!
The Little League Museum
The Little League Museum, located on the hill above the stadiums, offers a wonderful recap of the origins of the league, as well as being a well-organized repository Little League memorabilia.
The museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the tournament, and there IS an admission fee to tour it ($8.00/adults, $5.00/seniors, $4.00/kids.)
Numerous exhibits feature memorabilia from Major League baseball players who got their start in Little League.
There’s also memorabilia from former Little League players who have excelled in fields other than baseball.
A seat used by President George W. Bush during the 2001 Little League World Series is one such display.
Final Thoughts about the Little League World Series
The Little League World Series is one of Pennsylvania’s greatest contributions to the world of sports!
Whether you’re a former Little Leaguer like me (yes I’m THAT old!), or simply a fan of all things baseball, attending the Little League World Series ABSOLUTELY deserves a spot on your bucket list.
The free admission, beautiful facilities, and “for the love of the game” atmosphere of the tournament make it a wonderful experience for fans of all ages.
If you’d like to see the most up-to-date information about the tournament brackets and schedules, please visit Little League Baseball’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
Nearby Attractions
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, located 10 miles south of the Little League World Series complex, is a zoo that specializes in exotic reptiles and amphibians from around the world!
Montgomery Pike Scenic Overlook is a gorgeous roadside overlook and picnic spot 8 miles south of the Little League World Series complex, along Route 15.
The Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat cruise in Williamsport is a relaxing, hour-long sightseeing excursion up and down the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
The Taber Museum in Williamsport tells the story of how people have lived and worked in the Lycoming County area from prehistoric times to the present day!
The Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven honors the legacy of the Piper Aircraft Corporation, which designed and manufactured aircraft in Clinton County, PA between 1937 and 1984.
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