By: Jesus David Castellano / Daniel Alvarez
Miami, FL.– World Baseball Classic Inc. (WBCI) announced this Thursday that Miami’s loanDepot Park will once again host games of the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The Little Havana bullring; which last year became the first venue to host matches in the three rounds of the world event, will do the same again for the 2026 event. And, also for the fourth time in the history of the WBC, after having hosted in 2013, 2017 and of course 2023.
In its announcement, WBCI also confirmed Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Minute Maid Park in Houston. Both as venues that join the home of the Marlins and the also repeating Tokyo Dome as the colossi that will give life to the tournament in two years.
“After a record-breaking World Baseball Classic in 2023, loanDepot Park proved it is the home of international baseball. “We are proud to once again bring the incredible tournament to South Florida, the ideal destination for global events.”said the president and main owner of the Marlins; Bruce Sherman.
“It is a tremendous honor to once again host all three rounds, including the prestigious final. And, on behalf of our entire team and the greater Miami area, I would like to express our gratitude to Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association for the recognition.”closed the boss of the ‘Fishes’.
They hope to replicate the success
For his part, David Whitaker; president and executive director of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, emphasized that the resounding success of the tournament last year only highlighted the impact that sport has on all social levels.
“Having the honor and opportunity to host it again speaks volumes to Miami’s continued rise as a gateway to sports and entertainment and the tourism economy it helps drive.”
However, the home of the Houston Astros will become the ninth major league stadium that has hosted World Classic games. Joining:
- Petco Park, San Diego (2006, 2009 and 2017)
- Chase Field, Phoenix (2006, 2013 y 2023)
- Angel Stadium, Anaheim (2006)
- Rogers Centre, Toronto (2009)
- Dolphin Stadium, Miami (2009)
- Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles (2009, 2017)
- Oracle Park, San Francisco (2013)
- loanDepot Park, Miami (2013, 2017 y 2023)
“We are excited and honored to host World Baseball Classic matchups for the first time”, said the owner and president of the sidereal group; Jim Crane.
Meanwhile, Hiram Bithorn Stadium will once again serve as a world host. That, after the 2013 edition and also having been a match venue in the 2006 and 2009 fairs.
“We are deeply grateful and full of pride for having been selected once again as one of the venues for the 2026 World Classic,” commented Anaymir “Tuti” Muñoz, vice president of MB Sports. “Celebrating the 20th anniversary of this prestigious tournament in Puerto Rico, where MB Sports had the honor of producing one of the rounds in 2006, is a wonderful gift for Puerto Rico.”
Tokyo has been present in all the Classics
Meanwhile, Tokyo Dome; which has received the group round in the previous five editions, will add a sixth to its history. “It is a great pleasure for us to host the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Tokyo for the sixth consecutive time since the inaugural games in 2006,” said Takashi Yamada, director of Cultural and Sports Projects.
“We would like to express our deepest respect to WBC Inc. for their efforts in organizing the 2026 tournament. The previous tournament in 2023, in which the Japanese National Team became world champions, generated a lot of enthusiasm in Japan. The increase in the number of children who became interested in baseball was a great benefit to the baseball world. “We will do everything we can to bring the excitement and inspiration of the World Baseball Classic to the world once again and ensure the success and development of the tournament.”
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2024-05-23 17:19:31
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