Hi Coaches and Families,
The 2026 season is almost here, and we can’t wait to welcome you to Cooperstown All Star Village for an unforgettable week of baseball, competition, and lifelong memories. Opening Day is one of the most exciting moments of the entire tournament week, and this year, we’re bringing more energy, more entertainment, and more must-see moments from start to finish.
Skills Competition Qualifiers Throughout the Day
Opening Day action starts early with Skills Competition qualifiers running throughout the morning and afternoon. Select players* from each team will compete in Home Run Derby, Fastest Player, and Turn Two as they battle for a spot in the championship finals later that night.
Skills Competition Begins: 10:00 AM
Qualifiers Conclude: 3:00 PM
Team Participation Breakdown & Field Locations
Home Run Derby: 1 player per team: Fields 3 & 7
Fastest Player: Up to 2 players per team: Fields 6
Turn Two (Double Play) Competition: 1 group of 4 players per team: Field 4
*Coaches- it is your responsibility to select players to participate in skills competitions
Skills Competition Finals Under the Lights
After Opening Ceremonies, the excitement reaches its peak with the Skills Competition Finals. The entire Village will come together as the top competitors take the field in a true championship-style atmosphere with music, an emcee, crowd energy, and a full under-the-lights spotlight moment for our finalists. Expect an unforgettable show featuring the biggest plays, the loudest cheers, and a finals experience unlike any other.
Final Rounds Begin: Immediately following Opening Ceremonies (approx. 6:45 PM) at Field 5.
Player & Coach BBQ Dinner
After Opening Ceremonies and the Skills Competition Finals, teams will continue to keep the celebration going with our Player & Coach BBQ Dinner. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the first night together and kick off the week with a meal on-site.
BBQ Dinner Begins: 7:00 PM
BBQ Concludes: 10:00 PM
Team Spirit Award – Bring the Energy
One of the biggest highlights of Opening Ceremonies is our Team Spirit Award, and we want to see teams and families go all out. Dress up, bring the enthusiasm, and show your team pride with coordinated spirit gear, banners, signs, themed outfits, and face paint to make Opening Night unforgettable.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
No throwing items to or from the crowd
No confetti of any kind
Use of these items will result in an automatic disqualification from the Spirit Competition.
Approved spirit items include:
Chalk cannons
Smoke bombs or smoke machines
Noise makers
Please note: Noise makers may only be used during the Spirit Competition and are not permitted during gameplay.
More Fun Across Campus All Day Long
Opening Day is about more than the field. Restaurants and concession stands will be open throughout the day, and we’re excited to share a new partnership with Home Run Dugout, bringing even more interactive fun and entertainment to campus. Stay tuned for more information regarding booking a bay at Home Run Dugout.
Be sure to explore the promenade activities, food trucks, and merchandise store before Opening Ceremonies. We look forward to welcoming you to Cooperstown All Star Village for an Opening Day experience you won’t forget. The countdown is on, and we can’t wait to see the excitement you bring. To see an itinerary of Opening Day please visit our website.
Best,
Cooperstown All Star Village Team
The 2026 season is almost here, and we can’t wait to welcome you to Cooperstown All Star Village for an unforgettable week of baseball, competition, and lifelong memories. Opening Day is one of the most exciting moments of the entire tournament week, and this year, we’re bringing more energy, more entertainment, and more must-see moments from start to finish.
Skills Competition Qualifiers Throughout the Day
Opening Day action starts early with Skills Competition qualifiers running throughout the morning and afternoon. Select players* from each team will compete in Home Run Derby, Fastest Player, and Turn Two as they battle for a spot in the championship finals later that night.
Skills Competition Begins: 10:00 AM
Qualifiers Conclude: 3:00 PM
Team Participation Breakdown & Field Locations
Home Run Derby: 1 player per team: Fields 3 & 7
Fastest Player: Up to 2 players per team: Fields 6
Turn Two (Double Play) Competition: 1 group of 4 players per team: Field 4
*Coaches- it is your responsibility to select players to participate in skills competitions
Skills Competition Finals Under the Lights
After Opening Ceremonies, the excitement reaches its peak with the Skills Competition Finals. The entire Village will come together as the top competitors take the field in a true championship-style atmosphere with music, an emcee, crowd energy, and a full under-the-lights spotlight moment for our finalists. Expect an unforgettable show featuring the biggest plays, the loudest cheers, and a finals experience unlike any other.
Final Rounds Begin: Immediately following Opening Ceremonies (approx. 6:45 PM) at Field 5.
Player & Coach BBQ Dinner
After Opening Ceremonies and the Skills Competition Finals, teams will continue to keep the celebration going with our Player & Coach BBQ Dinner. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the first night together and kick off the week with a meal on-site.
BBQ Dinner Begins: 7:00 PM
BBQ Concludes: 10:00 PM
Team Spirit Award – Bring the Energy
One of the biggest highlights of Opening Ceremonies is our Team Spirit Award, and we want to see teams and families go all out. Dress up, bring the enthusiasm, and show your team pride with coordinated spirit gear, banners, signs, themed outfits, and face paint to make Opening Night unforgettable.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
No throwing items to or from the crowd
No confetti of any kind
Use of these items will result in an automatic disqualification from the Spirit Competition.
Approved spirit items include:
Chalk cannons
Smoke bombs or smoke machines
Noise makers
Please note: Noise makers may only be used during the Spirit Competition and are not permitted during gameplay.
More Fun Across Campus All Day Long
Opening Day is about more than the field. Restaurants and concession stands will be open throughout the day, and we’re excited to share a new partnership with Home Run Dugout, bringing even more interactive fun and entertainment to campus. Stay tuned for more information regarding booking a bay at Home Run Dugout.
Be sure to explore the promenade activities, food trucks, and merchandise store before Opening Ceremonies. We look forward to welcoming you to Cooperstown All Star Village for an Opening Day experience you won’t forget. The countdown is on, and we can’t wait to see the excitement you bring. To see an itinerary of Opening Day please visit our website.
Best,
Cooperstown All Star Village Team