For over two decades, Broome County has proudly hosted the NYSPHSAA Boys Baseball Championships each June. Now, with a newly awarded three-year bid, our community also welcomes the NYSPHSAA Girls Softball Championships to the newly renovated Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park.
June 13–15, marked a historic milestone as we hosted both championship events simultaneously for the first time. The result was a dynamic and much-anticipated economic boost for the region. With games played at top-tier venues including Pete Sylvester Field at Union-Endicott High School, Binghamton University, Mirabito Stadium, and Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park, the championships showcased the strength and versatility of Broome County’s sporting infrastructure—further solidifying the region as a premier destination for high-level athletic competition.
According to preliminary figures released by Visit Binghamton, our community welcomed thousands of visitors including athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters from across the state over the course of the weekend. In the inaugural year of simultaneously hosting both the Girls Softball and Boys Baseball Championships, the event generated an estimated $2.1 million in total economic impact. This figure reflects revenue from accommodations, dining, transportation, shopping, and local services, with approximately 7,100 visitors attending over the course of the weekend.
“Hosting both the state basketball and softball championships here in Broome County is a big deal. These tournaments bring energy and excitement, fill our restaurants and hotels, and give us a chance to show off all the things that make Broome County such a great place to live. We’re proud to continue welcoming athletes and fans through 2027 and look forward to the lasting impact these events will have on our region.” said Jason Garnar, Broome County Executive.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to continue to host the Boys Baseball High School State Championships here in Broome County, and now the Girls Softball High School State Championships as well,” said Broome County Legislature Chairman Dan J. Reynolds. “The newly renovated Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park is a topnotch destination for softball tournaments like the State Championships and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of new visitors to our community in the coming years.”
Brenda Gowe, Broome County Parks Director, reflected on the Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park experience. “What an amazing experience it was to see so many talented athletes and their friends and families descend upon Greenlight Networks Grandslam Park! When the park was in development it was our dream to be able to host the State Championships and to see that dream come to fruition was such a rewarding feeling. We absolutely loved seeing the Park buzzing with excitement and activity and are so proud to be able to contribute to the surrounding hotels, restaurants and other local businesses.”
Tim Harkness, co-chair of the local State Championship Baseball Championship said, “Since 2003, we have been fortunate to host the NYSPHSAA baseball championships. The tournament has evolved from a single-day, multi-site event to a two-day tournament that, in collaboration with Binghamton University and The Rumble Ponies, showcases the finest baseball facilities in the state. It is a testament to the baseball community here in Broome County that all roads lead to Binghamton in the spring. ”
‘“Our offices are very excited for the years to come. Hosting both championships simultaneously was certainly a tall order, but we’re proud that our local partners delivered excellent results. We recognize that hosting these events is a valuable opportunity, and the collaboration with Section IV, our hotel partners, and volunteers not only makes it meaningful, but also highlights how fortunate we are to have premier sporting venues in our community along with a great support system.” Said Lisbeth Koch of Visit Binghamton.
Key highlights from Year 1:
- Over 7,100 visitors from across the region and beyond
- An estimated $2.1M in direct spending in the local economy
- Boosted visibility and media attention for local businesses and tourism enhancing the city’s reputation as a vibrant destination for Baseball and Softball fields.