PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH, Fla. (January 28, 2020) – One of the country’s largest collegiate spring baseball tournaments returns to Charlotte County Feb. 14 – March 22, 2020, when the Snowbird Baseball Classic swings into action. In its 12th season, the tournament welcomes 21 NCAA Division I and 23 Division III schools. Games will be played at North Charlotte Regional Park, soon to be called Centennial Park (1185 O'Donnell Blvd, Port Charlotte), South County Regional Park (670 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda), and Cool Today Park, the new spring training home of the Atlanta Braves (18800 S. West Villages Pkwy., North Port in Sarasota County).
“Fans, alumni, residents, and anyone else who appreciates baseball are encouraged to come out and support their favorite team. With the support of the community and the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners, we have grown the Snowbird Baseball Classic to be one of the top tournaments in the country. This is an opportunity to see some of tomorrow’s major league stars,” said Steve Partington, president of Snowbird Baseball LLC.
Schools from across the country will compete during the five-week event. Participating Division I institutions include The Ohio State University, Dartmouth College, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Villanova University. Division III schools include Denison University, Heidelberg University, Marietta College, North Central College, Babson College and Swarthmore College. A complete list of teams and the full schedule are available at www.snowbirdbaseball.info.
Last year’s Snowbird Baseball Classic generated an estimated $13.3 million total economic impact. Total attendance, which included in County and out of Charlotte County attendees, is estimated at 13,120. This includes spectators and 1,820 coaches, players, trainers and other staff. Out-of-town visitors stayed an average of 7.3 nights and occupied more than 23,300 room nights in area accommodations.
For additional information about the Snowbird Baseball Classic, contact Deanna Sandei with Snowbird Baseball at 708-220-2769 or deanna@snowbirdbaseball.com.
Information on Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is available at PureFlorida.com. Engage with the destination on social media at @RealPureFlorida on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For additional information about the destination, contact Jennifer Huber at 941-743-1900 or jennifer.huber@charlottecountyfl.gov.