Block party at Beyer Stadium to precede USA Baseball Women’s National Team game in Rockford

From news release
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The USA Baseball Women’s National Team is coming to play in Rockford for the first time, and festivities will surround the historic stadium where the game is played.

The national team will take on the Cangelosi Sparks North in an exhibition game at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3 at Beyer Stadium, 245 15th Ave., where the Rockford Peaches once played. The game will be preceded by a free block parting starting at 3 p.m. along Seminary Street adjacent to 15th Avenue and Beyer Stadium. The party runs until 7 p.m. with attendees encouraged to cheer on the team once the game begins. It’s also free to attend the game.

“We’re honored to welcome the USA Baseball Women’s National Team to Rockford and excited to showcase this city to the world as the home of the International Women’s Baseball Center,” said Kat Williams, CEO of the International Women’s Baseball Center, which will be built near the stadium. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the IWBC and Rockford region to help continue to push women’s baseball forward, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the community as the USA Baseball WNT makes its first-ever visit to Beyer Stadium.”

Related: World renowned architect Jeanne Gang to design future women’s baseball center in Rockford 

The Block Party @ Beyer, presented by Hard Rock Casino Rockford, will serve as the official welcome celebration for the women’s national team’s debut here.

The event will include kids activities, tee/wiffle ball derby, local food trucks and vendors, a DJ, and baseball-themed activities.

The national team’s visit to Rockford serves as a tune-up game before they head to the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women’s Baseball World Cup group stage in Thunder Bay, Ontario, from Aug. 8-13.

Other sponsors funding the free event are the city of Rockford through its Forward for Fun grants, the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rockford Park District, Project First Rate, Tradeswomen United of Northwestern Illinois, and Rockford Rivets.

In addition to its exhibition game, the national team will host an open practice from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2 at Beyer Stadium.

Know before you go

What: USA Baseball Women’s National Team exhibition game vs. Cangelosi Sparks North

When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3

Block party: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3

Open practice: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2

Where: Beyer Stadium, 245 15th Ave., Rockford

Admission: free

Info: IWBC.org