The Southwestern Athletic Conference baseball tournament has a historic new home starting next spring.
Earlier this week An agreement between the SWAC and the city of Birmingham, Alabama was approved by the city council to bring several conference championship tournaments to the Magic City.including a baseball tournament to be played at historic Rickwood Field.
Rickwood Field is the oldest professional baseball park in the United States, dating back to 1910. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals played at Rickwood on June 20, observing June 20 and also acknowledging the influence of the Negro Leagues on baseball.
“(Birmingham hosting these tournaments) will create and promote community pride while providing recreation, entertainment and opportunities for participants,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
City Councilwoman Clinton Woods added, “The city has invested heavily in updating our facilities, most recently with Rickwood Field in preparation for this year’s MLB game.” “We want to make sure that these facilities are fully utilized throughout the year. It really drives other economic development in these communities.”
The SWAC track and field championships will also move to Birmingham during the 2028-29 athletics and academic year.
