Illinois continues to grow as a premier destination for players, tournaments and sports tourism
By Jason Paha
Illinois has long been a heartland for America’s pastime, where baseball and softball thrive at every level, from youth leagues and travel teams to powerhouse high school programs, elite colleges and the pros.
Aside from being one of the few states to host two Major League Baseball teams, Illinois is where the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was founded in 1943. The Land of Lincoln was also home to the world-famous Rockford Peaches, a professional women’s baseball team that played in the AAGPBL from 1943 to 1954.
In other words, baseball and softball are in Illinois’ blood.
Growing in popularity
Illinois ranks 5th in the nation for economic impact from sports tourism and baseball and softball contribute heavily to this ranking. Statistics show baseball and softball are growing in popularity across the state, fueled by a steady rise in participation and a surge of new, cutting-edge facilities that rival any in the country.
According to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), Illinois ranked fifth in the nation for girls’ high school sports participation and fourth for boys’ during the 2023–24 school year. Fast-pitch softball remains one of the most popular sports for high school girls nationwide, and with Illinois being a leader in overall participation, this trend holds true for the state.
Collegiate summer league baseball is thriving
Illinois hosts several teams in the Prospect League, a prominent collegiate summer baseball league that has experienced substantial growth in both attendance and popularity. The league set new total and average attendance records in 2024, continuing a two-year growth trend. The Thrillville Thrillbillies, based in Marion, led the league in total attendance in 2024 with nearly 91,000 fans, the highest single-season figure in league history. Other Illinois teams like the Danville Dans and Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, who play in Peru, also saw increased attendance.
Top facilities are fueling growth
A prime example as to why baseball and softball are growing in popularity is the addition of a multitude of new facilities. With modern complexes drawing top national tournaments and showcasing the next generation of talent, Illinois continues to cement its place as one of the premier baseball and softball destinations in the United States.
One of the most recent entries in this category is the Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex of New Lenox, a 100-acre complex featuring 22 youth and nine full-sized turf baseball and softball fields. It also offers 11 multipurpose turf fields, two batting cages, two auxiliary concession buildings and a playground.
As for its economic impact, officials estimate $12 million in economic development in the first year, increasing to $20 million by the third year, with the potential for over $34 million in annual economic activity and 1 million visitors per year.
Another notable opening is the $47 million 315 Sports Park in Bradley, which features 16 fully turfed fields and a championship field. This premier baseball and softball complex had a resounding opening weekend as 50 travel baseball teams converged at the nearly 127-acre, 12-fully-turfed field complex.
The Wheatland Athletic Association in Aurora announced the start of a huge expansion project in 2025 in which it is expanding its facilities with a 14,000-square-foot indoor training center, an outdoor fully lighted turf field and a new parking lot. The facility will include eight baseball/softball cages and a dedicated workout area for WAA athletes.
The University of Illinois opened new indoor facilities for both baseball and softball in recent years, including the state-of-the-art Susan and Clint Atkins Baseball Training Center. The center is approximately 26,000 square feet and includes a large training space and a recruiting lounge. The training space encompasses an entire baseball infield with ceiling-mounted nets for hitting and pitching practice.
The new $6 million Rex and Alice A. Martin Softball Training Center at U of I provides a top-flight indoor performance and development facility for Fighting Illini softball student-athletes. The structure, measuring approximately 13,000 square feet, was constructed as an addition to the existing softball clubhouse and will include a full infield as well as hitting and pitching cages.
Opened in fall of 2025, the Scheels Sports Complex in Springfield features an indoor dome that is the largest of its kind in the world (196,625 square feet) and has a climate-controlled environment that ensures year-round play. Among the many things that can be found inside the dome are five batting cages and two softball fields. The complex also sports eight outdoor full synthetic multi-purpose fields with lights and two championship fields. These fields are 400’ baseball fields that can be reconfigured for softball, soccer, lacrosse and more.
The recently opened Oasis Sports Complex in Marion, is a 94-acre, $40 million multi-sport complex under construction. This first-of-its-kind facility features The Integrity Dome, a climate-controlled, multi-use indoor facility capable of hosting numerous sports, including baseball. The dome features two full-sized indoor turf fields, two convertible basketball/volleyball/pickleball courts, and a full-service restaurant and bar with sightlines to as many as 18 live games happening throughout the complex. Outdoor fields and the indoor dome opened in 2025.
From the legends of the Rockford Peaches to today’s state-of-the-art training centers and booming youth participation, Illinois proves that baseball and softball are more than just sports here, they’re part of the state’s identity. With world-class facilities, passionate fans, and a tradition that bridges generations, the Land of Lincoln isn’t just keeping pace with America’s pastime, it’s helping lead it into the future.
