This year’s annual Little League World Series is special on several fronts. It marks the return of international teams to the Series after a three-year hiatus. It also marks the expansion of the tournament field, going from 16 to 20 teams participating. But perhaps most interestingly, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the LLWS, which started in 1947, and no doubt there will be all kinds of things done to commemorate that milestone.
There are quite a number of things that fans planning to attend the Series need to know. Many of these things are designed to ensure the safety of those fans.
“We are thrilled to bring back our amazing fans from all over the world this year as we come to celebrate 75 years of this great event, and we want to make sure that the fan experience is as enjoyable and safe as possible,” Patrick W. Wilson, Little League International Chief Operating Officer, and Tournament Director told Webb Weekly. “In order to ensure that fans have the fastest entry into our complex and enjoy every moment of their experience at our event this summer, we encourage all visitors to be aware of the policies and information prior to arriving at our gates. We look forward to welcoming you all back to Williamsport and hope you enjoy this year’s celebration with us.”
The access rules have changed for this year. They include: All visitors looking to access the complex will be required to enter through Gate 3, the main entrance located down the left-field line of Volunteer Stadium along Champions Way. In the days leading up to the tournament (August 11-16), the complex will be open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. During the first phase of the tournament on August 17-25, the complex will be open starting at 10 a.m. each day (7 a.m. on Sunday, August 21) and close one hour after the last out of the final game. For Championship Weekend (August 27-28), the complex will open at 8 a.m. and close one hour after the last out of the final game.
There is an updated policy on bringing bags into the complex. Starting with the 2022 LLBWS, Little League International will implement a new bag policy to help expedite entry into the complex, increase safety standards at the event, and provide visitors with the best possible experience during their time in Williamsport. As part of this policy, fans will be only permitted to bring one Clear Bag made of Plastic, Vinyl, or PVC that does not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches and one Small Purse or Bag that does not exceed 6.5 inches x 4.5 inches. Visitors with medically necessary bags and/or diaper bags (a person carrying a diaper bag must be accompanied by a child under the age of three) will be permitted but subject through a bag search at a separate, dedicated screening line at that entrance. For full details on this new bag policy, including a list of prohibited bags and frequently asked questions, please visit LittleLeague.org/Visit.
There are also revised rules regarding access to the World of Little League/Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum. Visitors to the LLBWS are encouraged to visit the World of Little League® Museum and Official Store, located along U.S. Route 15 at the top of the Little League International Complex. Individuals who have entered the Little League International Complex through its main entrance (Gate 3) will be allowed to exit at Gate 1 to access the museum. Those individuals will be given a wristband, and their hand stamped at the museum upon entry to re-enter the complex at Gate 1. Individuals who visit the museum before entering the complex first will be required to return and enter the complex at Gate 3, the main entrance located down the left-field line of Volunteer Stadium along Champions Way. For more details about the museum, including full hours, pricing, and shuttle services during the LLBWS, please visit LittleLeague.org/Museum.
The LLWS runs from August 17 to 28. The first day’s game schedule includes Caribbean vs. Latin America at 1 p.m., New England vs. Southeast at 3 p.m., Canada vs. Australia at 5 p.m., and Northwest vs. West at 7 p.m.
