BFA NATIONALS 2026 SPECIAL EVENTS
In addition to incredible experiences on the field, we are proud to host a lineup of exciting special events for all BFA Nationals participants from July 19–25, 2026.
Events and details subject to change. Please check back for updated information throughout the week.
SUNDAY, JULY 19
BFA NATIONALS OFFICIAL KICKOFF
We’re thrilled to welcome all players, coaches, and parents to our official kickoff to BFA Nationals 2026. Join us for this casual, outdoor event featuring exciting activations, pin trading, food trucks, music, and more for the whole family to enjoy.
LOCATION: Clarence Hicks Sports Complex | Rockford, IL
TIME: 5:30PM – 8PM
ATTIRE: Casual; gear representing your team is encouraged
PARTICIPANTS: All players, coaches, and families
COST: Free
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Food and refreshments will be available for purchase on site. Parking is free, but limited; carpooling is encouraged.
COACH CHECK-IN
Before games start on Monday, July 20, ALL coaches and managers who will be present in the dugout (maximum 4) must check in during the official check-in desk to be cleared to coach. During this check-in process, coaches will also receive their official wristbands and tournament hats for their respective teams to wear on-field during games.
LOCATION: Clarence Hicks Sports Complex | Rockford, IL
TIME: 6PM – 7:30PM
PARTICIPANTS: All coaches and managers
REQUIRED ITEM(S): Government ID (driver’s license or passport)
ADDITIONAL NOTES: All coaches, managers, scorekeepers, etc. (whoever will be in the dugout with you up to 4 individuals who are not players) must check in with their own ID to verify they have completed the necessary paperwork and certifications to be eligible to coach. Questions? Please email coordinator, Nancy Sites at nancy@baseballforall.com today.
PIN TRADING EVENT
All BFA Nationals players are invited to participate in our first-ever BFA Nationals pin trading event. In this designated area at the Official BFA Nationals Kickoff Event, players will have the opportunity to gather and trade with other girls in baseball from around the world. This is an OPTIONAL event.
LOCATION: Clarence Hicks Sports Complex | Rockford, IL
TIME: 6PM – 7:30PM
PARTICIPANTS: All playeres
OPTIONAL ITEM(S): Team pins
TUESDAY, JULY 21
PLAYER SWAG SESSION #1
All players are invited to come through swag line to get exclusive #BFANationals gifts, goodies, and more.
Important note: All teams must come together with at least one coach in order for the team to pick up swag. There will be one more opportunity to pick up swag on Wednesday, July 22. Limit one swag bag per player.
LOCATION: Mercyhealth Sportscore 2 | Rockford, IL
TIME: 10AM – 2PM
PARTICIPANTS: All players
COST: Free
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
PLAYER SWAG SESSION #2
All players are invited to come through swag line to get exclusive #BFANationals gifts, goodies, and more.
Important note: All teams must come together with at least one coach in order for the team to pick up swag. Limit one swag bag per player.
LOCATION: Mercyhealth Sportscore 2 | Rockford, IL
TIME: 10AM – 2PM
PARTICIPANTS: All players
COST: Free
THURSDAY, JULY 23
BFA NIGHT AT THE WBSC WOMEN’S BASEBALL WORLD CUP QUALIFERS
We are proud to team up with the International Women’s Baseball Center to host Baseball For All Night at this year’s WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Qualifers, and watch as Mexico takes on Team USA. This evening will be a celebration of girls baseball — especially for players and coaches at this year’s BFA Nationals. During the game, fans will get the chance to enjoy exciting giveaways, partake in photo ops, and more.
LOCATION: Rivets Stadium | Rockford, IL
TIME: 7PM
PARTICIPANTS: All players
COST: Tickets can be purchased HERE
FRIDAY, JULY 24
BFA NATIONALS TOURNAMENT PARADE
We are proud to host our official on-field parade and welcome all players and coaches to participate in this beloved BFA Nationals tradition. During this special event, families are welcome to watch from the stands as all players parade in with their teams and gather with over 1,000 girls in baseball and coaches from across the globe; receive a limited-edition BFA Nationals gift; and get to hear from special guest speakers.
PARADE LOCATION: Beyer Stadium | Rockford, IL
TIME: 9AM–10:30AM (Players and coaches expected to arrive no later than 8:15 AM to line up for the parade.)
ATTIRE: Full uniform (including BFA hat); cleats are not required. No flip flops, slides, or Crocs.
PARTICIPANTS: All players and coaches
COST: Free
IMPORTANT NOTE: Parking is extremely limited; carpooling is highly encouraged. Food trucks will be operating on site.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
MEDAL CEREMONIES
All medals for first, second, and third place will be awarded to winning teams in Majors and Minors divisions, when applicable. Two additional BFA Nationals medal categories will also be handed out during these ceremonies.
Maybelle Blair “Love of the Game” Award
A medal awarded to one team in each division in celebration of Maybelle Blair, a member of the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League. This award will recognize teams embodying her ceaseless joy and tireless commitment to the growth of girls baseball.
Have a team you’d like us to consider? CLICK HERE to nominate a team by 12PM CT on Friday, July 24.
Shirley “Hustle” Burkovich Award
A medal awarded to one team in each division that pays tribute to the late Shirley Burkovich, a member of the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League and a long-time advocate for girls in baseball. This medal is awarded to the team who demonstrates the most hustle, heart, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Have a team you’d like us to consider? CLICK HERE to nominate a team by 12PM CT on Friday, July 24.
LOCATION: TBA
TIME: Immediately following each medal game
PARTICIPANTS: Winning teams
COST: Free
