Morgantown tourism officials are preparing for another busy NCAA event as the city hosts its second regional tournament this year. Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitor’s Bureau says the baseball regional brings a similar level of coordination, crowd planning, and community effort as the recent NCAA women’s basketball regional.
Communications Director Hannah Winnaught said the work feels familiar because much of the setup mirrors what local organizers handled only a few months ago. Speaking on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” she said the community played a central role in making the earlier event succeed and is again being asked to support the weekend’s traffic, visitors, and business activity.
A familiar challenge for local organizers
Winnaught said the tournament is being staged at a different venue, but the planning remains largely comparable to the basketball regional. She described the pace as a continuation of the momentum Morgantown built during March Madness, with officials now applying the same coordination to the baseball weekend.
The regional draws another major spotlight to the area, and organizers expect the experience to feel full throughout the tournament. Winnaught said the effort depends heavily on a broad local response, from tourism staff to businesses and residents who help shape how visitors experience the region.
Crowds, tickets, and visitor expectations
Tickets for the weekend games are sold out, though Winnaught said fans may still find options through reputable secondary ticket brokers online. She did not give a firm attendance forecast, but said the crowd will likely reach “a few thousand people” once the ballpark and surrounding area are accounted for.
Kendrick Family Ballpark holds up to 2,500 people, plus standing room, and Winnaught said a full stadium all weekend would keep the area busy. West Virginia is scheduled to play Binghamton Friday evening at 5 o’clock, while Wake Forest and Kentucky meet Friday at noon.
Traffic and weekend routines in Granville
Local officials are urging residents to expect heavier traffic around Granville, especially near the ballpark and key travel routes. Emmett Drive will remain closed because of a slip, and Winnaught said ground routes in and around the area will be busier than usual.
She said fans may also stop at restaurants or shops before and after games, which could add to congestion while supporting nearby businesses. Her advice to local drivers was simple: allow extra time and move through the area with patience.
Hotels able to absorb the tournament demand
One major difference from the most recent NCAA event is that local hotels can now accommodate all four teams. During the women’s basketball regional, one team and some fans had to stay outside the area, but Winnaught said that will not happen this time for the participating teams.
“Fortunately, this time we were able to host all of the teams in Monongalia County,” Winnaught said, adding that securing rooms for every team is “huge” for the county. Some fans may still need to stay elsewhere, but the ability to keep the teams local gives organizers a smoother operation.
A chance to shape the region’s image
For tourism officials, the tournament is about more than one weekend of baseball. Winnaught said residents, businesses, and employees all help form the impression visitors carry home, especially when sports events become many fans’ first exposure to West Virginia.
That is part of why local leaders are pleased to see Morgantown host another NCAA regional so soon after the last one. The event gives the community another chance to show it can support large tournaments, welcome visitors, and keep the area running through a high-traffic weekend.
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