Huntington, Marshall University to host baseball state tournament in 2026
- Bill Lusk
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
Bill Lusk | WVOW Sports
PARKERSBURG The West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) announced Monday that the city of Huntington and Marshall University will host the WVSSAC State Baseball Tournament in 2026.
In a selection finalized through a vote of the WVSSAC Board of Directors at its most recent meeting through a statewide bid process inviting communities to submit plans to host the tournament, the City of Huntington and Marshall University was awarded the tournament, which will be played at Jack Cook Field on the campus of Marshall University from 2026 through 2028 and carries an option for 2029.
It’s the first time since 1976 and just the third time that the tournament will place in Huntington. Bill Mire Field hosted the first state tournament in 1975 and St. Cloud Commons hosted the following season in 1976.
“We are grateful for the interest shown by communities across West Virginia in hosting the baseball championships,” WVSSAC Executive Director Wayne Ryan said in a press release Monday. “The City of Huntington and Marshall University presented a strong proposal, and we’re excited to partner with them to provide a high-quality championship experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans at a premier facility.”
Parkersburg’s Bennett Stump Field hosted the tournament from 1977-79 before moving to Charleston where it had been played for the past 45 years.
Watt Powell Park hosted from 1980-2004 before the tournament moved to Appalachian Power Park, which was renamed GoMart Ballpark, in 2005 and remained until this past season.
Charleston plays host to the WVSSAC state volleyball tournament, the football championships, cheerleading championships, boys and girls basketball state tournament and the state softball tournament.
“We also want to extend our sincere thanks to the city of Charleston and our partners there who have supported and taken great care of the baseball championships for many years.” Ryan said. “Charleston continues to play a vital role in hosting several state championship events, and we value the strong relationship we’ve built with them over time.”
Jack Cook Field, an all-turf facility, opened in 2024 and has a seating capacity of 3,500. In addition to being the home to Marshall University, it is also home to the Appalachian League Tri-State Coal Cats.
Starting in 2026, the state tournament, which expands from four to eight teams in each classification, will be held June 6-13.
PHOTO | Unsplash