As home of the Little League Baseball World Series every summer, the Little League International Complex in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is a bucket-list destination for many families around the world. As the organization builds on its visitor experiences, Little League International has announced that it will debut a new flagship store on-site in August leading up to the 2024 Little League Baseball World Series that is set to take place Aug. 14-25.
The new store replaces the complex’s Main Gift Shop and Third-Base Store. Little League International has partnered with Delaware North Sportservice to operate the new store as well as to manage retail and e-commerce for the organization. Delaware North Sportservice has also been managing concessions at the complex since 2002.
The new 6,000-square-foot flagship store will include increased retail space, enhanced customer flow as well as areas for staff offices and warehousing for inventory and e-commerce operations. Little League International says the new retail space will provide World Series fans and other visitors with a one-stop shopping experience at a convenient location across from Volunteer Stadium, closer to the main entrance. From apparel and caps to pins, the new store will be a go-to spot for families around the world coming to the Little League International Complex.
“Providing fans, families and guests with a positive and memorable experience whenever they visit our complex is an important area of focus for us not only during the World Series, but throughout the entire year,” says Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League executive vice president and chief marketing and business relationship officer. “Partnering with an organization as reputable as Delaware North Sportservice, along with the opening of our exciting new flagship store, will provide an exciting opportunity for our fans just in time for the 2024 Little League World Series. We look forward to working with Delaware North Sportservice as we continue to bring our retail efforts to the next level and hope everyone enjoys their time in Williamsport this summer and for years to come.”
Delaware North, a global leader in sports hospitality, has a large presence in the retail segment. The company’s retail portfolio includes sports venues, national parks, state parks, resorts, attractions, airports and gaming properties.
“We are excited to expand our more than 20 years of partnership with the Little League World Series by bringing our extensive sports retail expertise into the mix — creating an all-new shopping experience for guests to memorialize a once-In-a-lifetime moment,” says Jeff Hess, vice president of retail for Delaware North Sportservice.
As a nonprofit organization, Little League International’s retail operations help to support the organization’s purpose of positively impacting youth and communities by providing resources, league essentials and additional revenue necessary to benefit leagues throughout the year. The relationship with Delaware North, along with the new flagship store, will continue to provide memorable experiences for fans while also supporting the strategic initiatives of the organization.
