FLORENCE– Mayor Andrew Betterton, the Florence City Council, and the Florence
Parks and Recreation Department are thrilled to announce grand opening
new Sportsplex Pod, including the Field of Dreams. The milestone event was held
Thursday, July 25 at the Florence Sportsplex.
The new Sportsplex Pod features five all-turf fields designed to cater to various sports,
including:
• The Field of Dreams
• Softball fields
• Baseball fields
The festivities started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 pm, followed by
the inaugural game on the Field of Dreams at 4:00 pm. This special game featured
special needs kids and adults participating in a Bambio Buddy-Ball game, marking the
first game on this new field.
Following the game, the Opening Ceremonies for the Babe Ruth-Cal Ripkin World
Series Softball Tournament were held on Field #13.
The Field of Dreams is a state-of-the-art field that will provide a dedicated space for the
Bambio Buddy-Ball League, a league specifically designed for athletes with special
needs. This inclusive field is a testament to Florence’s commitment to provide
opportunities for all community members to engage in recreational activities.
The Babe Ruth-Cal Ripkin World Series Softball Tournament features 57 teams,
including 4 teams from Florence. The tournament games will commence on Friday, July
26, 2024, bringing together teams and spectators from across the world to celebrate
and compete.
Mayor Betterton expressed his excitement about the new Sportsplex Pod, stating, “The
Sportsplex Pod and the Field of Dreams are significant additions to our community,
providing top-notch facilities for our athletes and promoting inclusivity through the
Bambio Buddy-Ball League. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with the
community and welcoming teams from across the world to Florence.”
For more information, please contact the Florence Parks and Recreation Department at
(256) 760-6628.
Media Release/Elizabeth Henley/City of Florence | Executive Assistant to the Mayor
