The City of Andalusia will play host to 17 baseball teams and their fans when it hosts the 2026 Cal Ripken 8U State Tournament this weekend, June 26-28.

Teams from across Alabama will check in at Johnson Park in time for opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 26.

Because participating teams pay entrance fees, there is no admission fee at the gate, which means area residents can enjoy baseball all weekend.

Traditionally, when the city or counted has hosted state and regional tournaments, the events have made positive impacts on the local economy.

“Any time we can host an event like this one, we are proud to do so,” Mayor Earl Johnson said. “We know both from talking with local retailers and by carefully tracking sales tax numbers that ball tournaments and special events like Candyland help us build a local economy. It has always been our goal to give people a reason to come to Andalusia, not just know it as a place they drive through on the way to the beach.”

Andalusia’s 8U All-Stars won the District Championship earlier this month. They will compete against Saraland, Monrovia, Semmes, Westside A, and Florence White, In the large park division.

Teams competing in the small park division this weekend include Opp, Robertsdale, Jackson, Westside B, Citronelle, Sumter, Mobile, Brewton, Grand Bay, Florence Navy and Childersburg.

Meanwhile, Andalusia’s 10U Baseballe All-Stars will compete at the State Tournament in Thomasville this weekend, with pool play beginning at 10 a.m. Friday.