Championship Night Returns Downtown

Baseball
Championship Night Returns Downtown

NBC World Series Announces Return of Championship Night to Downtown Wichita at Equity Bank Park

Historic Tournament Powered by Evergy to Celebrate Baseball’s Legacy and Future on August 2, 2025

Wichita, KS — April 17, 2025 — The NBC Baseball Foundation proudly announces that Championship Night of the 2025 NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, will be played at Equity Bank Park on Saturday, August 2, 2025. This momentous decision marks the return of the NBC World Series to downtown Wichita, reconnecting the tournament with its historic roots, where it was played for over 80 years at the iconic Lawrence Dumont Stadium. The NBC World Series has been a cornerstone of Wichita’s baseball tradition for more than 90 years, drawing tens of thousands of young men from across the country who have chased their baseball dreams on these fields. The tournament has long been a summertime ritual for generations of families, fostering community spirit and creating lifelong memories.

Katie Woods, Tournament Director of the NBC World Series, shared her excitement about the announcement: “Bringing Championship Night back downtown is a powerful symbol of the NBC World Series’ regrowth and our mission to reignite a love of the game. We are committed to connecting communities and creating core memories for players and fans alike. Equity Bank Park is the perfect stage to celebrate our rich history while looking forward to a bright future.”

The return to downtown Wichita also highlights the strong partnership between the NBC Baseball Foundation and the Wichita Wind Surge, who play at Equity Bank Park. Matt Hamilton, General Manager of the Wichita Wind Surge, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with the NBC Baseball Foundation to bring Championship Night to Equity Bank Park. This partnership strengthens Wichita’s baseball culture and offers fans an unforgettable experience in the heart of our city.”

The City of Wichita also celebrates this milestone. Mayor Lily Wu remarked: “The NBC World Series is woven into the fabric of Wichita’s history. Returning Championship Night downtown honors that legacy and showcases our city’s ongoing commitment to supporting baseball and community events that bring people together.”

The Wichita Baseball Museum, located at Equity Bank Park, served as the backdrop for the announcement and features treasured memorabilia that tell the story of the NBC World Series’ storied past. Highlights include Ozzie Smith’s jersey from his time with the Clarinda A’s, a historic pitch clock—an innovation first introduced by the National Baseball Congress decades before Major League Baseball adopted it—and artifacts honoring legendary players like Satchel Paige, who competed in and won the first NBC Semi-Pro Invitational in 1935 with the Bismark Churchills.

Evergy, the title sponsor of the NBC World Series, continues to play a vital role in powering the tournament and supporting its mission to unite communities through baseball.

About the NBC World Series

The NBC World Series is one of the longest-running amateur baseball tournaments in the United States, held annually in Wichita, Kansas, since 1935. Since its inception over 90 years ago, the tournament has been a proving ground for talented players and a beloved summer tradition for families and fans. Known for its innovative spirit and deep community roots, the NBC World Series continues to celebrate the game of baseball and its power to bring people together.

All-tournament passes and group tickets are on sale now at nbcbaseball.com or by calling the NBC Baseball Foundation office at 316-295-3762. Single-day passes will go on sale on June 10th.

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