Baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. brings 'the Ripken way' of baseball to Pigeon Forge with the Ripken Baseball Experience. This massive complex is one of the top baseball tournament destinations in the area, and offers young players the chance to experience the game like the professionals do.
Fields Modeled After Famous Ballparks
There are six synthetic fields at Ripken Baseball Experience, and each one incorporates well-known aspects of a famous major or minor league ballpark into its design. Here are the replica fields you'll find:
Fields Modeled After Famous Ballparks
There are six synthetic fields at Ripken Baseball Experience, and each one incorporates well-known aspects of a famous major or minor league ballpark into its design. Here are the replica fields you'll find:
- Camden Yards (Baltimore, MD)
- Engel Stadium (Chattanooga, TN)
- Winston-Salem Ballpark (Winston-Salem, NC)
- Fluor Field (Greenville, SC)
- Isotopes Park (Albuquerque, NM)
- Calfee Park (Pulaski, VA)
The Smokies Stadium is located in Kodak, TN, just a short drive from Sevierville. If you're coming from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, all you have to do is hop on HWY 66, and you'll run into the stadium on your right! It's a quick and easy drive for an afternoon filled with fun and baseball.
The idea behind the week-long tournaments at the complex is that teams start playing on the field designed like Calfee Park. From there, they work their way up to play the championship game on the model of Camden Yards. The fields, training areas, and batting cages are all well-lit for playing at night.
An Authentic Big League Experience
The players get to experience more than just re-creations of ballparks when they take part in tournaments at the Ripken Baseball Experience. Everything during the tournament is about as close to major league baseball as possible. The press box announces every game, each player gets a walk-up song when he or she comes up to bat, and the games stream live for free on the Trekker Live app. Additionally, players get Gatorade in the dugout and the winning teams get championship rings and other awards.
Ripken Also Hosts Spring Training
Along with the tournaments, the Ripken Baseball Experience also hosts spring training camps in March and April for high school softball teams. During the camps, players get unlimited access to 15 batting cages, bullpens, and training areas. When they play a game, the complex provides umpires and balls, the announcer calls the game over the PA system, and parents and fans are able to watch for free.
A Great Place for Watching Games
While it's obvious that the Ripken Baseball Experience is an amazing place for training and tournaments, it's also great for spectators. Head to the two-level clubhouse to find a gift shop, concession area, bathrooms, indoor seating, and a balcony that overlooks the baseball fields. Additionally, the entire complex offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. In the center of the fields you'll find a grand lawn, more concessions, a picnic pavilion, and two playgrounds for younger brothers or sisters who tagged along.
Whether you want to catch a tournament or watch some spring training, the Ripken Baseball Experience offers an unforgettable opportunity and a beautiful location for players and spectators alike.
Pigeon Forge Baseball Tournaments 2021
Insider Tip: The goal behind the Ripken Baseball Experience is to make it a memorable and wonderful time for everyone. That's why you'll never have to worry about paying for parking or admission when you visit.
