IHSA Moves 1A/2A Baseball State Finals to O'Brien Field
"We are very proud and excited to be hosting the IHSA Class 1A & 2A Baseball State Finals at O'Brien Field for the next five years," said Peoria Chiefs and O'Brien Field President Rocky Vonachen. "It is an event we have wanted here since day one. O'Brien Field is one of the best ballparks in all of minor league baseball and will provide both the players and fans with a great experience. It has showcased some of the top talent in Minor League baseball and now will showcase some of the best baseball talent in the state of Illinois."
"The movement of the Class 1A/2A tournament reflects our Board's philosophy to try and make our state final events more centrally located based on the location of the participants" said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman.
O'Brien Field was constructed in 2002 and is located in downtown Peoria. The stadium has a seating capacity of 7,500 and a natural sod playing surface. The move to O'Brien Field marks the first time the baseball state tournaments will be held at separate locations since Springfield (A) and Geneva (AA), respectively, hosted in 2005. The Eastside Centre in East Peoria plays host to both weekends of the IHSA Softball State Finals.
The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (PACVB) submitted the hosting bid in conjunction with O'Brien Field and the Peoria Chiefs.
"The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is thrilled that the Peoria Area has been selected as the host for the IHSA Class 1A & 2A Baseball State Tournament," said PACVB Director of Sales Jill Gleason. "We feel the IHSA and Peoria Area have hit a grand slam bringing the baseball state tournament here. We will strive to create a memorable experience for the athletes, coaches, families and fans." Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis echoed Gleason's sentiments. "We're honored to have been chosen to host the IHSA Class 1A & 2A Baseball Tournament. Peoria has enjoyed an outstanding relationship with IHSA for the past 16 years as hosts of the IHSA Boys Basketball State Tournament. We're excited to add an additional venue at our marvelous professional baseball stadium in downtown Peoria. Batter up!"