NBC World Series Tournament Hub
WICHITA, Kan. — The defending champion Hutchinson Monarchs will play the opening game of the 92nd National Baseball Congress World Series after tournament officials released the 16-team field and schedule.
Hutchinson will face Lonestar Baseball Club at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Eck Stadium on the Wichita State University campus. The game will begin a 10-day tournament that runs through Aug. 1.
The Monarchs were placed in Pool A with Lonestar, the Seattle Blackfins and TPA Texas. Hutchinson will also play Seattle at noon Friday, July 24, and TPA Texas at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 25, before closing pool play against Seattle at 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 27.
The top three teams from each of the four pools will advance to the single-elimination bracket, which begins Wednesday, July 29.
Pool B includes the Austin Gold Sox, Junction City Brigade, Oklahoma Lookouts and Seattle Cheney Studs. Pool C features the BTL Hornets, Great Bend Bat Cats, Liberal Bee Jays and Santa Barbara Foresters. The Alaska Goldpanners, Hays Larks, San Diego Stars and Tess’s Army make up Pool D.
The first nine days of the tournament will be played at Eck Stadium. The championship game will return to downtown Wichita and be played at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Equity Bank Park, home of the Wichita Wind Surge. Gates will open at 6 p.m.
The promotional schedule begins with Opening Night on July 23, followed by Military Appreciation Day on July 24. Baseball ’Round the Clock will be held July 25-26, followed by BASEBALL! on July 27, Sonic Buyout Day on July 28 and Midwest Ford Dealers Buyout Night on July 29.
Heartland Heroes Day is scheduled for July 30, while Aviation Night and the tournament semifinals will be held July 31. Championship Night will also include Little League Night and conclude NBC World Series Alumni Weekend.
All tickets are full-day passes, allowing fans to attend every game played that day. Full 10-day tournament passes start at $50. Free parking will be available at Equity Bank Park for the championship game. Outside food and drinks will not be permitted.