ENID, OK - The city of Enid will continue to host the NJCAA Division 2 Baseball World Series at least through 2028. The NJCAA on Thursday announced the extended contract for the championship tournament for two-year colleges.
"The city of Enid has been a central location for this World Series over the years, continuously providing a quality tournament and excellent atmosphere for NJCAA student-athletes, coaches and fans," said Brian Luckett, NJCAA senior vice president for external affairs and development. "We are excited to have the D2 Baseball World Series in Enid once again."
David Allen Memorial Ballpark in downtown Enid has been the host site for the World Series continuously since 2009. The eight-day tournament begins on Memorial Day weekend each year, with games continuing through the following week.
This year’s 2024 NJCAA World Series will be May 25 through June 1 at the Enid ballpark. College teams from across the nation compete throughout the spring season and then qualify to participate in the World Series by winning their regional and district tournaments. Beginning this spring, the tournament has expanded to include 12 teams, the 10 district winners and two at-large selections.
"David Allen Memorial Ballpark and the city of Enid are proud to remain the home for the NJCAA Division 2 Baseball World Series," said Jeremy Hise, vice president for the Northern Oklahoma College Enid campus. "For many of us in the Enid community, these are the eight best days of the year. We will continue to work hard year-round to provide the best championship experience we can for the amazing student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans of these NJCAA baseball teams."
Hise, who formerly served as a collegiate baseball coach, is tournament director for the World Series.
“The decision to keep the World Series here is a real compliment to the Enid community,” said Bill Mayberry, ballpark director. “The hospitality and support these players and coaches and fans receive in Enid is like none other. We are pleased to have the new NJCAA contract reflecting the continued support of positive experiences in Enid.”
World Series games typically attract large crowds of both area and visiting baseball fans, with the largest crowd topping 4,000 people.
Enid residents also engage with teams off the field in some formal ways. Local youth baseball teams and community organizations are paired with each college team, ensuring local fans are cheering at every World Series game and each team has an Enid connection outside of the ballpark, Mayberry said.
David Allen Memorial Ballpark, built in 1999, is one nation’s premiere amateur ballparks. It features an artificial turf infield and natural grass outfield with a large video board scoreboard. The classic traditional ballpark appearance includes a brick exterior and red brick outfield fence. The ballpark is popular with teams and fans, hosting about 350 games each year.
The ballpark and World Series are the result of a joint public-private partnership between the City of Enid, the Enid Public Schools, Northern Oklahoma College and the non-profit David Allen Memorial Ballpark corporation. It is named after the late son of Enid philanthropists Paul and Joan Allen, who have invested substantial time and money in building and improving the ballpark.
The National Junior College Athletic Association or NJCAA, which represents two-year colleges nationwide, is based in Charlotte, N.C.
The World Series is the biggest event for Enid area hotels throughout the year, said Rob Houston, executive director of Visit Enid. In addition to drawing teams and fans from across the nation, the tournament typically attracts professional baseball scouts and coaches of four-year universities.
