Recognized for excellence and innovation in the amateur sports event industry, Howard J. Lamade Stadium and the Little League Baseball® World Series were named recipients of SportsEvents Magazine 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards – All-Star Outdoor Venue and All-Star Sporting Event, respectively.
These awards honor the planners, venues, destinations, and events that set the standard for outstanding organization, creativity, and community impact. Nominations for the award categories opened in early September 2025, and voting by fans ran through the end of the year. Overall, the program received nearly 48,000 votes across the 10 different categories. In each category, three organizations or venues were named recipients of the award and were featured in SportsEvent Magazine’s February 2026 edition.
Howard J. Lamade Stadium
All-Star Outdoor Venue – Third Place
Howard J. Lamade Stadium stands as one of the most iconic outdoor venues in youth sports, best known as the centerpiece of the Little League Baseball World Series. Nestled into the side of Bald Eagle Mountain in the Nittany Mountain range, part of the Appalachian Mountains, the stadium offers a dramatic natural setting. With a capacity of approximately 45,000, including the terraced hills beyond the outfield fence, Lamade Stadium allows thousands of fans to watch games at no cost from the surrounding hillside.
From the hill above the stadium, where players catch their first glimpse of the field, the view is considered a defining moment of the World Series experience. Adjacent to Lamade Stadium is Little League Volunteer Stadium, completed in 2001 to accommodate the tournament’s expanded 16-team field. Both venues are located within the Little League International Complex, which also includes secure team housing and dining facilities, creating a unique, self-contained environment for athletes from around the world.
Little League Baseball® World Series
All-Star Sporting Event – Second Place
The Little League Baseball World Series delivers a world-class competition while remaining accessible and family-focused. Held each August in South Williamsport, Pa., the event brings together 20 teams from around the globe to compete for a world championship, celebrating youth athletics, sportsmanship, and international camaraderie. Over 11 days, the tournament features 38 games that attract fans of all ages and backgrounds. A hallmark of the Little League Baseball World Series is its commitment to affordability, offering free admission and free parking for all attendees. Beyond the action on the field, the event offers a diverse range of interactive experiences and entertainment options that appeal to both baseball enthusiasts and non-baseball fans alike. Visitors do not need prior knowledge of the sport to enjoy the atmosphere, making it an ideal all-day family outing. The combination of global competition, inclusive access, and memorable fan experiences continues to make the Little League Baseball World Series a signature event in youth sports.
The 2026 Little League Baseball World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, is set to take place on August 19-30, 2026. Be sure to save the date and book your trip to attend this year’s bucket-list event. Learn more at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.