Parks and Recreation Unveils Massive Lineup of Events Scheduled for Recreation Complex this Year
By Jeff Toquinto on January 24, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
For those wondering if the Bridgeport Recreation Complex would be fully utilized when the city invested more than $7 million back in 2012 to build it, they shouldn’t be wondering anymore – at least according to the 2015 event list released by Bridgeport Parks and 
Recreation Director Don Burton.
Recreation Director Don Burton.
“We have a full slate of activities at our facility. I would say that the way it’s currently booked that it is at its capacity,” said Burton.
Right now, there are 16 athletic events scheduled including tournaments, open day competitions and some other key events. Of that total, 13 events are multiple-day tournaments that will feature teams from the area, across the state and well beyond the state’s borders. That's not counting entertainment events and other items that also take place.
“Last year the complex was as busy as it’s ever been and we’ve added significantly to the events this year,” said Burton. “The number of events scheduled is up from 12 last year and, I believe, nine the year before that.”
The scheduled events begin in April and end in September. Among the tournaments slated to be held at the facility are the McDonald’s Classic, the Notre Dame Catholic Schools Tournament, Bridgeport High School Junior Varsity Tournament, Bridgeport Little League Tournaments, Patriot League’s 4th Annual Bracket Bash, three Tournament Time Tournaments, 4th Annual Triple Crown Tournament, two additional Patriot League Tournaments, and the first Nation’s Baseball Tournament.
“It’s a facility that is in demand and word is getting out that it’s really a first-class facility. The Nation’s Baseball event that is set for this summer is part of a national tournament group, but is being handled by an individual out of Parkersburg,” said Burton. “He got this 
tournament going because he visited for another tournament and wanted to be involved in Bridgeport.
tournament going because he visited for another tournament and wanted to be involved in Bridgeport.
“That’s exactly what you want for people visiting here,” Burton continued. “It’s not only a great facility, but it’s helping make Bridgeport a sports destination for those who want to come and play and also enjoy what our city has to offer.”
Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Michelle Duez backs Burton’s assessment on the complex helping make the city a destination. She said it’s helped keep plenty of traffic in area hotels and at local businesses.
“After three years, the Recreation Complex continues to be economic driver as well as a resource for locals. Baseball tournaments continue to bring in teams from surrounding states and all over West Virginia. Bridgeport Little League, Bridgeport Girls Softball, 
Challenger League and Fairmont State utilize the complex as well. Beyond the wagon wheel, the grounds are busy with activity from walkers, youth football, lacrosse and cross country. It truly has become a multi-sports destination.” said Duez. “It’s also helped by putting our guests in our hotel rooms, in our restaurants and local businesses. The facility has been wildly successful and continues to grow annually.”
Challenger League and Fairmont State utilize the complex as well. Beyond the wagon wheel, the grounds are busy with activity from walkers, youth football, lacrosse and cross country. It truly has become a multi-sports destination.” said Duez. “It’s also helped by putting our guests in our hotel rooms, in our restaurants and local businesses. The facility has been wildly successful and continues to grow annually.”
Along with the tournament, there is also Little League Opening Day set, Challenger League Opening Day, and a regular season Bridgeport High School baseball game. The complex also is the home field for Fairmont State University. The Falcons also occasionally practice there.
Along with the Falcons, regular season games are also played by Bridgeport Little League, the Patriot League, Challenger League and Babe Ruth. Other groups also come onto the complex as play extends with Little League playing fall ball well into September.
“We’re anticipating more than 200 games this year,” said Burton. “You’ll see youngsters of all ages, male and female, coming here and having a great time.”
By summer, along with amenities already in place, a new playground should be beyond the outfield of the fields closest to the main road leading into the complex. Bridgeport was awarded a grant to install the new playground, which will also include a picnic shelter, to allow parents a place to take many younger children for the tournaments that often last hours.
Editor's Note: From top to bottom, Challenger League, Little League and Fairmont State University are all key components of the athletic schedule in place for the 2015 season at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex.
