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Section 1

For Parents.

Whether your kid plays travel ball or rec — what to expect, what's included, and what to pack.

What ages can play at BPoA?

Tournaments run 9U through 18U. Our core focus is 11U–14U — that's where we have the most weeks, the most teams and the strongest pricing. Local leagues run 6U through 16U.

Is the campus safe? Who's watching at night?

Campus is staffed 24/7 during tournament weeks. Suite buildings use key-card access. Coaches stay in semi-private areas adjacent to player suites for line-of-sight oversight.

What's included in the tournament fee?

Lodging in suite-style clubhouses, three meals a day at campus dining, custom jersey and hat, swag bag, opening ceremonies, skills competitions, Home Run Derby, and all umpire fees. Photography, merchandise and Branson attractions are extra.

Are parents allowed in the team suites?

No — suites are players + coaches only. Parents stay at partner hotels (booked through HousingConnect) or other Branson lodging. You'll see your kid every game and at meal times.

Can my player keep a phone in the suite?

Yes. Coaches set lights-out and quiet hours. Phones are managed at the team's discretion.

Do you handle dietary restrictions?

Yes. Tell us at registration — gluten-free, vegetarian, allergy needs are accommodated at every campus dining station.

Is there laundry on-site?

Yes. Free coin-free laundry rooms in every clubhouse building.

What if my kid gets hurt?

On-site athletic trainers staff every game day. Medical urgent care 8 minutes away. We have walk-in protocols for non-emergency injuries that get you back on the field same-day where possible.

Can I bring siblings?

Absolutely. Free admission and parking for summer tournaments means siblings can come, watch and play in Grand Slam Entertainment between games.

How early should we book?

Top tournaments fill 6+ months out. Memorial Day Classic and Cal Ripken WS often hit capacity by January. The deposit ($1,000 non-refundable) holds your spot.

Are pets allowed?

Leashed pets are welcome on campus walkways but not on the fields, in suites or in dining areas.

Section 2

For Coaches.

Roster rules, payment schedule, lodging logistics and what your team needs to know before May 22.

What are the roster limits?

Maximum 14 players + 4 coaches per team. Suites accommodate 18 beds and 14 lockers.

What's the payment schedule for summer weeklong tournaments?

$1,000 non-refundable deposit at registration. $3,000 due Nov 30. $3,000 due Jan 30. Balance due Apr 1.

What rules do you play under?

MLB official rules with youth modifications. Pool play games are 1h40m time-capped. Bracket games 1h45m. Championship games are untimed.

How many umpires per game?

Two umpires per game, four for semifinals and finals. All umpire fees included in tournament cost — no per-game add-on.

What's the hotel-night minimum?

Teams traveling 75+ miles must book a minimum of 8 room nights per tournament night through HousingConnect. Penalty for not meeting minimum is $1,200 (weeklong) or $1,000 (4-day).

Can I substitute players mid-tournament if injured?

Roster is locked at check-in Saturday. Mid-tournament substitutes for injury require Director of Baseball Ops approval and same-team-only documentation.

What's the format — pool play or bracket?

Both. Weeklong: 6-game guarantee — pool play Sun–Wed, single elimination Fri. 4-day: 5-game guarantee — pool Sat–Sun, single elimination Mon.

Can I rent a cage for pre-game hitting?

Yes. Pre-tournament cage bundles are available in EventConnect addons. We strongly recommend pre-booking — walk-in cage time is limited during tournament weeks.

Can our team practice on the fields before tournament starts?

Saturday afternoon walk-throughs included with check-in. Friday-night practice slots can be added for $250 per hour.

What's the schedule release timeline?

Pool play schedule posts to EventConnect approximately 1 week before tournament check-in. Bracket schedule generates after pool play closes Wednesday.

How do I handle parents wanting to film?

Personal-use filming is encouraged — it's part of the BPoA experience. Commercial filming requires advance approval through info@ballparksofamerica.com.

Section 3

For Visiting Families.

The Branson trip questions. Hotels, off-day plans, getting around, and what to do when the games are over.

Where do families stay?

Through HousingConnect (BPoA's housing partner) — Branson partner hotels with negotiated rates. Most are 5–15 minutes from the campus. Bookings are tied to the team's hotel-night minimum.

What's the best off-day plan for a weeklong tournament?

Thursday is the official off-day. Most families do Silver Dollar City, White Water (in summer), Table Rock Lake or downtown Branson shows. Discount tickets to all of the above are in your team's swag bag.

Is there food on-site for families?

Yes. Bullpen concessions and Double Play Cafe are open to everyone. Grounders coffee bar and Sweet Spot ice cream are family favorites.

Can I buy day passes for grandparents?

Summer tournaments are free admission and free parking. No day passes needed. Spring and fall partner events may charge.

How early should we get to the field for pool play?

30–45 minutes before first pitch is the sweet spot — you'll get good seating, watch warmups, and won't have to power-walk from parking.

Can siblings use the batting cages?

Absolutely. Walk-in rates are $25–$35 per 30-min block. Family memberships are $129/month for up to 3 players.

Is the facility cashless?

Yes. Debit and credit only. Cash can be exchanged for gift cards at the Pro Shop. Most vending and concessions accept Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Where's the nearest grocery store?

Walmart Supercenter 12 minutes north on Highway 165. Branson's Hy-Vee about 18 minutes north for fresh markets and pharmacy.

Can I bring my own cooler to the field?

General tournaments allow outside coolers. Weeklong summer tournaments restrict to drink-only team coolers (no outside food). Glass containers are not allowed anywhere.

What's the best Branson attraction for the off-day?

Honest answer: it depends on the kid. Silver Dollar City for thrill-rides. White Water for water park. Titanic Branson for indoor on rainy days. Table Rock Lake if you want quiet.

Is there pin trading on-site?

Yes — and it's a tradition. BPoA partners with BJ's Trophy for custom team pins. Bring extras. Trade with families from other teams. It's one of the best parts of the week.

Still have questions? Contact the front office at (417) 464-6333 or send us a note. We answer everything within one business day.