Pictured: Baseball field from Bernard Holland Park in Benton, AR. đź“· Google satellite view
Benton Parks and Recreation announced a major infrastructure investment Tuesday that will bring new turf infields to the city’s baseball and softball fields ahead of the 2027 tournament season.
Construction is scheduled to begin Nov. 1, 2026, with completion anticipated by March 2027, weather permitting. Read more below.
Following the turf upgrades, the city will begin accepting tournament applications for the 2027 season on Dec. 1, 2026. The application period will remain open through Jan. 1, 2027.
According to the department, applications will be reviewed individually as they are received, to build a event calendar that serves organizers, athletes, families, and the community. Evaluation criteria will include tournament size, format, anticipated participation, facility availability, and an organizer’s past experience with the city.
Benton Parks & Recreation emphasized that it welcomes tournament directors and organizations from all recognized and sanctioned baseball and softball governing bodies, confirming there is no exclusivity agreement with any single sanctioning association.
Turf availability is expected to begin in March or April 2027 and continue into future booking seasons, depending on project progress and field readiness.
Interested tournament directors can contact Special Events Manager Lauren Brown at [email protected].
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