FLORENCE-Tourism and City officials have calculated the estimated economic impact of the
recent Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken World Series which took place in early August at the Florence Sportsplex.
Visitor expenditures were estimated at $1,045,272.00 which represented categories of food, fuel,
shopping and lodging.
Teams, which traveled as far away as Australia, Taiwan, The Netherlands and Puerto Rico, stayed up to 2
weeks in The Shoals area as they competed through brackets of pool play and then double-elimination
format.
Rob Carnegie, president & CEO of the Florence-Lauderdale CVB – Visit The Shoals, said local businesses
reported record-breaking sales, with many noting their best weeks since opening. “A few days after the
tournament, we began receiving calls from area restaurants that were absolutely elated about the
incredible boost in business. Business owners stated that teams were coming in daily for lunch and
dinner,” Carnegie said.
Last year, 80 teams competed in the two World Series tournaments, where only 56 teams competed this
year. Bill Jordan, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Florence, said economic impact figures
reflected that in the 2025 report. “We were honored to host the Babe Ruth & Cal Ripken World Series,
welcoming exceptional young athletes from around the world to the Florence Sportsplex. Watching
these talented players compete at the highest level was truly inspiring, and we're proud to have
provided a premier venue where they could pursue their dreams. While 24 teams were absent this year,
representing approximately 360 players plus families, the financial impact was substantially less over
last year, but we remained committed to delivering an outstanding tournament experience. The event
exemplified the values we cherish – hard work, teamwork, and community spirit – making it a
memorable experience for all involved,” said Jordan.
Both Visit The Shoals and the Parks & Recreation Department, who partner to host the tournament, are
eager to host the event again in 2026. World Series officials have stated that the softball tournament
will return, along with one age group of the baseball tournament.
Media Release/Rob Carnegie/CEO/Florence-Lauderdale CVB – Visit The Shoals
