News Summary

Lexington County is hosting the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series, attracting 72 teams from 11 states and generating an estimated $4.1 million for the local economy. The tournament features a packed schedule of games and family activities, emphasizing the county’s growing reputation as a premier youth sports destination. Community support has played a key role, with local organizations and families engaging to assist visiting teams. The event also coincides with the reopening of local favorite Lizard’s Thicket, further boosting the area’s economy as families flock to the games.

Lexington County Hosts Diamond Youth Baseball World Series, Attracting 72 Teams and Generating Economic Boost

Lexington County is currently hosting the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series, featuring 72 teams from 11 different states and expected to generate an impressive $4.1 million in economic activity for the local community. The tournament runs through the weekend and includes a full schedule of games along with family activities.

The tournament attracted teams from across the nation, affirming Lexington County’s position as a key destination for youth sports events. The event was made possible due to the planning that began two years ago, which included submitting a bid and presentation to the national board of Diamond Youth Baseball. This extensive preparation, along with prior hosting experiences in 1995, 2014, and 2015, played a crucial role in securing the tournament.

Support from local organizations, particularly the Lexington Recreation and Aging Commission, has been instrumental. Community engagement is evident, as dozens of local families volunteered to host out-of-town teams, assisting them with accommodations and sharing information about local amenities. As a result of this influx of teams and their families, hotels in Lexington County are filling up rapidly.

With the increased number of visitors, local authorities anticipate heightened traffic, especially during the morning commute as families travel to the game venues. The games will take place daily at both Ballpark Road and the Midlands Complex in Pine Ridge. To ensure player safety, organizers have implemented several safety measures, which include mandatory five-minute breaks every two innings.

In addition to the baseball excitement, the local dining scene is also witnessing a revitalization with the reopening of Lizard’s Thicket, a well-known restaurant in Lexington. After undergoing extensive renovations, this local favorite, famous for its “meat-and-three” meals, reopened its doors following closures that began on March 17. The renovations included modernizing kitchen equipment and upgrading to ADA-compliant bathrooms, further enhancing the dining experience for patrons.

Located on a high-traffic corridor with an average of 40,000 cars daily, the reopening of Lizard’s Thicket is expected to contribute to the local economy, aligning with the surge in visitor activity from the baseball tournament. The restaurant’s renewed presence adds another layer of allure to families and fans alike visiting the area for the games.

As Lexington County takes center stage with the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series, additional news includes investigations by the Lexington Police Department into the theft of misting fans valued at nearly $400 from a local Lowe’s store. Furthermore, the Lexington County Sheriff, Jay Koon, recently announced several promotions and transfers within the department, which include new roles for officers and deputies aimed at improving community engagement and law enforcement efficacy.

The Diamond Youth Baseball World Series stands not only as a testament to the county’s commitment to youth sports but also as a significant contributor to the local economy. With families flocking to the area, the community is poised to enjoy both the sporting events and the excitement of local revitalization efforts.

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Columbia Prepares for a Weekend of Family Fun and Events

Additional Resources

• WLTX
• Gazette
• The State
• ABC Columbia
• Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
• Wikipedia: Lexington County, South Carolina
• Google Search: Lexington County
• Google Scholar: Lexington County
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington County
• Google News: Lexington County

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.