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Professional baseball is returning to the Old Pueblo this weekend as Tucson prepares to host the 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifier at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The international tournament runs from Sunday through Thursday. In addition to showcasing high-level competition, it will also provide a cultural and economic boost to the city, solidifying Tucson’s place on the global baseball stage.

Tucson was once a booming baseball town, hosting Major League Baseball Spring Training games dating back to 1946. For decades, teams such as the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, and Arizona Diamondbacks called the city their preseason home.

While Hi Corbett Field and Kino Sports Complex once bustled with MLB activity, by 2011, all major league teams had relocated to the Phoenix metro area, leaving a void in professional baseball within the region.

The World Baseball Classic Qualifier is bringing international baseball back to town, reigniting the city’s passion for the sport and introducing a new generation of fans to the thrill of global competition.

Tucson is one of only two cities in the world selected to host a 2025 Qualifier, alongside Taipei, Taiwan. Officials say this demonstrates the city’s ability to host international sporting events and reflects the trust that baseball’s governing bodies have in Tucson’s infrastructure and community support.

Colombia, Brazil, Germany, and China will compete in this high-stakes qualifier, with the top two teams earning a coveted spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Ahead of the highly anticipated games, the county invested $1.12 million into upgrades at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. As part of the improvements, the 11,000-seat venue now boasts a state-of-the-art scoreboard, a completely refurbished playing field, and various enhancements aimed at ensuring Kino remains a top-tier destination for major sporting events.

“These upgrades are a breath of fresh air at Kino, and they’re going to bring us to the next level of entertainment and professional play,” said Sarah Horvath, director of the Kino Sports Complex and Stadium District, in a news release. “We’re excited for everyone to enjoy these enhancements and make new memories here in Pima County.”

The $700,000 scoreboard was installed last fall and includes programmable digital displays. The new scoreboard is entirely customizable to whatever event is taking place but contains a key piece of the stadium’s history. The “Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium” sign and clock embedded within it remains in place above the scoreboard, creating a blend of technology and nostalgia.

“It was really important for us to preserve some pieces of the original scoreboard as a nod to those who came before us,” Horvath said in the release.

The stadium’s new field, its first in 27 years, took 1,900 hours of labor over a 110,000-square-foot playing surface.

For fans in Southern Arizona, the tournament is an opportunity to witness baseball played at an elite international level, with some participants boasting MLB experience. The diversity of teams also reflects the growing global reach of baseball, bringing together different styles of play and cultural traditions.

The matchup between China and Colombia on Monday will double as Youth Sports Night at the stadium, celebrating the local baseball community. The Kino Baseball League will receive special recognition in a pre-game ceremony.

The arrival of the WBC Qualifier is not just a win for baseball fans; it’s also a major victory for Pima County’s economy. Thousands of visitors, including players, coaches, media, and fans from across the world are expected to travel to the city, bringing increased business to hotels, restaurants, and local attractions.

Pima County and organizations like Visit Tucson and the Southern Arizona Sports Tourism and Film Authority worked together to bring the tournament to Kino Sports Complex, recognizing its potential to elevate the city’s profile as a premier sports destination.

“Now that we officially have our best foot forward at Kino, we’re ready to entertain the crowds at their favorite returning events and attract new events to the area,” Horvath said.

For longtime baseball fans, the tournament is a reminder of Tucson’s deep connection to the sport. For young athletes, it’s an inspiring glimpse into the possibilities that baseball offers on a global scale. And for the city as a whole, it’s proof that Tucson remains a place where baseball — and the cultural connections it fosters — can thrive.

Tickets for the 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifier are available now, with special discounts for Kino Baseball League participants at the March 3 game.

Angelina Maynes is a University of Arizona alum and reporter with Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at angelinamaynes@arizona.edu.

Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please support our work with a paid subscription.