Welcome to Laurel & Jones County — proud host city for three weeks of championship youth baseball and softball this July. Teams from across the South are coming to town. Come cheer, come explore, and make the most of your time in Laurel.
3 Weeks
11 States
174 Teams
2,600+ Players & Coaches
175+ Officials & Umpires
Teams are traveling from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Welcome, y’all!
Laurel Takes Center Stage This Summer
This July, Laurel hosts the 2026 Diamond Youth Baseball & Softball World Series — one of the most prestigious tournaments in youth sports. Over three weeks, roughly 174 teams compete across multiple age divisions at the Laurel Sportsplex, with one week of softball followed by two weeks of baseball. Whether you’re here to cheer on your team or soak up the excitement, we’re glad you’re in Laurel & Jones County.
And this is far from our first time at the plate. Laurel has proudly hosted the World Series multiple times so we know how to put on a great tournament and roll out the welcome for visiting teams and families. Come see why teams love coming back to Laurel.
Tournament Schedule
Opening ceremonies and team meals are held at the Magnolia Center the evening before each tournament begins.
| Division | Dates | Opening | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Youth Softball | Games: Thurs, July 16 – Sun, July 19 | Wed, July 15 | 60 |
| Diamond Youth Baseball — Week 1 | Games: Thurs, July 23 – Mon, July 27 | Wed, July 22 | 60 |
| Diamond Youth Baseball — Week 2 | Games: Thurs, July 30 – Sun, August 2 | Thurs, July 30 | 54 |
Where to Watch
All games are played at the Laurel Sportsplex — 4978 Hwy 84 W. Laurel MS 39440
Opening ceremonies and team meals take place at the Magnolia Center — 1457 Ellisville Blvd Laurel MS 39440
Can’t Make It to the Field? Watch Live
Every game is livestreamed, so family and friends back home never miss a play.
Make the Most of Your Time in Laurel
Between games, or after the last out of the day, Laurel is the place to refuel, relax, and explore. Most of it is just minutes from the Sportsplex. Here’s how to make your trip count.
Where to Eat
From quick grab-and-go to sit-down family meals, Laurel has you covered, and many spots can handle large groups and team-sized orders — call ahead when you can.
Quick Trips Between Games
Got an hour or two between games? Here are easy, close-by ways to fill the time:
- Lauren Rogers Museum of Art (LRMA) — A world-class art museum in the heart of the Laurel Historic District. Admission is free; donations welcome. 565 N. 5th Ave.
- Downtown Laurel — Stroll the brick streets made famous by HGTV’s "Home Town." Shop local boutiques, grab a coffee, and see the neighborhood Ben and Erin Napier helped put on the map
- Bowling at Country Lanes Entertainment — Perfect for a rained-out afternoon or burning off energy. 10 Shady Grove Moss Road, just north of Laurel off Highway 15.
- Coffee & ice cream — Find a local coffee shop like 7 Brew, Coffeehouse at Brookside in Ellisville, Lee’s Coffee and Tea or Manuscript Coffee Co., then cool off at Bennie & Maes Ice Cream Shop or the Laurel Creamery.
- Landrum’s Homestead & Village — A charming step back in time through a recreated 1800s Mississippi settlement — great for families. 1356 Hwy 15 S Laurel MS 39443 Open 9am -4 pm Thursday - Saturday.
- Laurel & Ellisville Libraries — air conditioned, wifi, and play area for littles
- Playground at Mason Park + dog park and disc golf course
Plan Your Return Trip!
Pick a weekend and trade the carpools and sidelines for some relaxation—come visit Laurel as we have short-term rentals, events throughout the year and so much more!
