Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Little League Central Region Complex
7185 South Indianapolis Road
Whitestown, IN 46075
Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: N/A
Central Region Little League
The Little League Softball and Baseball International Tournament is played around the world. In the USA, they start with local district competition followed by state championships; the next step is Regional play located at five facilities around the country.
There, 53 teams (50 states plus Washington DC, and a second team each from California and Texas) vie for the chance to move on to the World Series held at Williamsport, PA. The ten regional champs compete to become the USA champion; simultaneously, ten international champs play to determine the International champion. Those two teams play one game to see which wins the overall championship.
The softball series starts first, followed by the baseball series.
REGION | LOCATION | YEAR OPENED | STATES | NO TEAMS |
Great Lakes | Whitestown, IN | 2021 | KY, MI, IN, OH, IL | 5 |
Midwest | Whitestown, IN | 2021 | IA, MN, ND, SD, KS, NB, WI, KS | 8 |
Metro | Bristol, CT | 1993 | CT, NY, RI, NJ | 4 |
Mid-Atlantic | Bristol, CT | 1993 | DE, PA, DC, MD | 4 |
New England | Bristol, CT | 1993 | MA, ME, NH, VT | 4 |
Mountain | San Bernardino, CA | 1971 | CO, MT, NV, UT, WY | 5 |
Northwest | San Bernardino, CA | 1971 | AK, OR, WA, ID | 4 |
West | San Bernardino, CA | 1971 | AZ, HW, NOCAL, SOCAL | 4 |
Southeast | Warner Robbins, GA | 2010 | AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV | 8 |
Southwest | Waco, TX | AR, LA, NM, MS, OK, TXE, TXW | 7 | |
International | Lamade Stadium Williamsport, PA | 1959 | US & International | |
Volunteer Stadium Williamsport, PA | 2001 | International |
The age and regions of the five US facilities include San Bernardino, CA, built in 1971, and Whitestown, Indiana. Before, opened in 2021. Bristol, Connecticut, serving the Northeast began in 1993, while the regional facility in Warner Robbins, GA (2010) serves the Southeast. I could not find the opening date for the Waco, TX complex. Typically, ESPN broadcasts the last few games of each region; the ESPN and ABC networks show all of the Williamsport games.
We attended three days of games in Whitestown this 2024 season. Prior to its opening, an older facility near Indianapolis, now Burnett Park, hosted the Great Lakes and Midwest regional competition. Opening ceremonies are held the day before the first scheduled games. Early in the tournament, four games are played at 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm; the two regions play two games each day.
Food & Beverage 2
Food options are quite limited, but get the job done. All beef hot dogs are $3.50; nachos vary from $3.50 to $8; Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water go for $3. Four unique flavors of cotton candy are fun. Customers order at one window and pick up at another. Service is friendly and efficient. Credit cards are accepted.
A wide range of restaurants about one mile northwest of the stadium, on Whitestone Parkway, offers solid options for take-out.
Atmosphere 4
The stadium offers three seating areas. We recommend the section right behind home plate with green plastic seats and a roof overhead that provides shade, though no cup holders. Seats along the baselines, traditional aluminum bleachers, are in the sun for much of the day. The stadium’s backdrop, facing east, is the I-65 highway, which has constant traffic noise.
As the announcer introduces each state team, that state's university fight song is played – a clever touch. The music and PA announcements are quite loud. The scoreboard is excellent, with information about each player and the pitch count, which is very important due to Little League rules intended to protect the pitchers’ arms. Before some of the games, the players dance to the Cha Cha Slide Dance: The Cha Cha Slide Dance - YouTube
Interesting facts: the Softball Regional plays first, followed by Baseball. Softball plays on an all-dirt infield, so the grounds crew has to install new sod for the baseball games in a very short interval. This crew also does an incredible job of redoing the field for each game. Umpires, grounds crew, and ushers are all volunteers, per Little League tradition.
Neighborhood 4
This stadium resides in a suburban location with an apartment complex to the north.
There are no restaurants or bars within walking distance. About one mile northwest, a wide range of restaurants offer American and International fare that will satisfy most fans: Thai, Asian fusion, Mexican, Teppanyaki steakhouse, Sushi, Pancake House, pizza, and barbecue will meet all your needs. Moontown Brewing Company is an old converted high school, 5 miles north of the ballpark on the other side of I-69.
As expected, Indianapolis (about a 30-minute drive southeast) has many excellent tourist opportunities: museums, parks, and a zoo. The Eiteljorg Museum, Eagle Creek Park , and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Museum are suggested places. For other sports activities, check if the Indiana Indians (MiLB) are in town.
Nearby hotels (about two miles from the ballpark) are a Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, and Hampton Inn.
Fans 4
The majority of fans attending regional games are family and friends from each state. Quite a few local baseball fans join in the fun. Overall, the fans are involved and supportive of the players and their performance. Thankfully, no noise-makers are permitted!! Attendance varies; the closer the state, the more fans. As the tournament draws to a close, more fans show up for the championship games. There is a lot on the line for each team – a chance to play on the fabled Williamsport Field!
Access 4
Located just south of exit 130 off I-65, the stadium offers excellent access. A large grassy parking lot is adjacent. Unfortunately, no public transportation is available.
A shaded concrete patio has picnic tables. The air-conditioned gift shop offers official Little League regional shirts, jerseys, sweatshirts, hats, and souvenirs. Photos of earlier champions adorn the walls. Clean, modern restrooms are behind the concession stand.
Return on Investment 5
When there is no charge to go to the games and free parking is provided, the return on investment is optimal! Concessions are reasonably priced. Unfortunately, they do not offer a program or rosters for the teams. A bracket is posted near the gift store which shows the game results.
Extras 4
One point each for free entry and parking. Another for the friendly staff. A fourth for the amazing ground crew.
Final Thoughts
Little League Regional competition allows all baseball fans the chance to see some remarkable performances by young athletes; 12 years later, some of these kids are playing in the show! Free entrance and parking make it
a bargain! Pick a location near you and enjoy a game or two.
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