Statesville, NC to Host Babe Ruth Southeast Regionals

First Time in Iredell County History

The Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is proud to announce that Statesville, NC will serve as the host city for the Babe Ruth Southeast Regional Tournament, welcoming 9U and 11U age group teams for the first time in Iredell County’s history. The tournament is organized in partnership with Babe Ruth of Iredell County and will take place next week, with team arrivals beginning as early as Sunday, July 6.

Building on the momentum of last month’s 8U North Carolina State Tournament, this regional event further underscores Statesville’s growing role in the youth travel sports landscape. Visiting teams from across the Southeastern United States will be welcomed at several partner hotels including the Hilton Garden Inn (official host hotel), Hampton Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, and Comfort Inn.

The Opening Ceremony will take place at Jennings Park on Tuesday, July 8 at 5:30 pm. Mayor Costi Kutteh will be present to offer an official welcome to athletes, families, and coaches as Statesville takes center stage for this milestone event.

Jennings Park: A Premier Venue for Regional Travel Sports

All tournament games will be held at Jennings Park, located at 141 Deitz Road in Statesville, one of the area’s most exciting new additions for organized youth athletics. The park celebrated its grand reopening in March 2025, following a comprehensive renovation led by the Iredell County Parks & Recreation Department, which began in August 2023.

Spanning 74 acres, Jennings Park is quickly establishing itself as a premier facility for regional travel sports, offering a tournament-ready environment designed to support a wide variety of youth athletic programs.

Jennings Park complements the outstanding recreational infrastructure already present in Statesville and Iredell County, helping to grow the region’s capacity to host major athletic events that drive tourism and community pride.

Special Guest Speaker: LTC Cody Roberson to Inspire Young Athletes

Adding to the excitement of the week, retired Lieutenant Colonel Cody Roberson - a former player for the Atlanta Braves and host of the television series Army Bass Anglers: FORCE on FORCE which aired on the Sportsman Channel, will be joining the event as an inspirational speaker. Roberson’s unique blend of military service, athletic achievement, and community leadership will provide a meaningful and memorable moment for players and families alike.

“We are thrilled to have LTC Roberson join us,” said Cindy Sutton, Executive Director of the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “His presence adds something truly special to this event. His story of resilience, achievement, and passion for both sports and service will leave a lasting impression on these young players.”

A Historic Milestone for Iredell County

“When the opportunity arose to host the regionals, I knew we had the right facilities and community support to make it happen,” said Wayne Harwell, State Commissioner of Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball for Western NC and longtime leader of the Babe Ruth of Iredell County Association. “We’ve been building toward this for years, and with the help of the Statesville CVB, we’re proud to bring this caliber of play to Iredell County for the very first time.”

Harwell has served as the Iredell County Babe Ruth commissioner for 33 years and has held the role of state commissioner for a decade. His deep commitment to youth baseball made him a natural partner for this milestone moment in local sports history.

“It’s an incredible honor to welcome athletes and families from across the Southeast to our city,” added Sutton. “We are grateful to partner with Wayne Harwell and Babe Ruth of Iredell County to help create a memorable experience on and off the field. This tournament reflects the heart of our community - hospitality, teamwork, and pride in our city”.

Originally posted by Visit Statesville, NC via Locable