MACON, GA – Luther Williams Field is going to be the place to be this month. With the Macon Bacon Opening Day taking place on May 31st and the GHSA Baseball State Championships taking place from May 20th-22nd, there will be plenty of baseball going on. Now, the 90-year-old ballpark is hosting another event this month: The NAIA Opening Round Tournament from May 13th through May 16th. This will be the first ever NAIA playoff event hosted in Macon.
“Play ball! We are continuing to become more and more of a hub for baseball, especially now with the addition of NAIA and GHSA tournaments,” says Mayor Robert Reichert. “With the improvements we’re making to existing fields or new fields being built around our county, kids of all ages will have more chances to play - and families have more chances to enjoy - America’s Favorite Pasttime.”
“Once again, the reborn Luther Williams Field is providing a great opportunity for the people of Middle Georgia to enjoy great events.” said Team President of the Bacon, Brandon Raphael. “We are excited to team up with Visit Macon and Middle Georgia State University to put on this tournament.”
The Opening Round will consist of six teams playing throughout the week. The host team being #10 ranked Middle Georgia State University. The teams will arrive Sunday, May 12th and attend an Opening Ceremony at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Play will take place from Monday, May 13th until Thursday, May 16th. The other five teams competing will be announced later.
“This is a unique opportunity for Middle Georgia State Athletics to partner with Visit Macon and the Macon Bacon to bring the NAIA tournament to Macon and Luther Williams Field” said Athletic Director of Middle Georgia State University, Chip Smith. “It will be great week of collegiate championship baseball.”
With having such a large collegiate sporting event held in Middle Georgia, it shows that the NAIA sees Macon as a growing city and great sports destination.
“Hosting the NAIA Opening Round Tournament for the first time allows us to showcase Macon as the perfect sports destination.” said the Director of Sales and Service of Visit Macon, Heather Wydock. “Our ability to collaborate with community partners such as the Macon Bacon and Middle Georgia State truly shows what this city can do.”
Tickets for the NAIA Opening Round Tournament will be $10. You can purchase your tickets for this event now at www.maconbaconbaseball.com under the tickets tab. Tickets will be sold as full day passes to allow fans to watch as much baseball during the day. If you are interested in Hospitality Areas for the Opening Round, please call the Macon Bacon at 478-803-1795.
https://wgxa.tv/sports/high-school/naia-opening-round-tournament-at-luther-williams
