Iowa City, Carroll will team as hosts for Iowa high school state baseball tournament in 2021

The Iowa High School Athletic Association confirmed Thursday that the 2021 state baseball tournament will be held at two sites for the first time since 2004.

In a news release, the IHSAA announced that University of Iowa’s Duane Banks Field will host the Class 4A and 3A tournaments, while 2A and 1A will compete at Carroll’s Merchants Park.

Principal Park in Des Moines has held all four class since 2005, but a scheduling conflict between the tournament dates and the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) determined by Major League Baseball forced the one-year change.

The Board of Control approved the one-year plan Thursday, but it is pending approval from the City of Carroll and UI.

“The last 15 months have been filled with changes and constantly evolving plans and this tournament is no exception,” IHSAA Executive Director Tom Keating said in the news release. “We’re excited to have two high quality hosts in Carroll and the University of Iowa where our student athletes can make memories and compete for state championships.”

The 2A and 1A tournaments will be held July 26-29 and the 4A and 3A competition will be July 28-31.

Duane Banks Field is the home stadium for the Iowa Hawkeyes and seats 2,300.

“I am glad the venue will be at Iowa,” said Marion Coach Steve Fish, whose top-ranked team has reached the last two 3A semifinals. “It is a host and location that all qualifying teams will consider special and memorable, especially after playing for years at Principal Park in Des Moines.”

Carroll hosted state from 1995-2004 and held single tournaments in 1970 and 1973. The venue was renovated in 2011 and has 1,200 permanent seats.

North Linn reached the 2019 2A final and was a semifinalist last season. The Lynx are ranked fifth in 1A this season.

“Obviously, I would rather see it at Principal Park, but Carroll has a beautiful facility,” North Linn Coach Travis Griffith said. “I hope we are lucky enough to play there in July.”

Quarterfinals for 1A are set for July 26 with 2A quarterfinals the next day. Semifinals for both days will be July 28 with the championship games July 29.

Action for 3A starts July 28 with 4A quarterfinals July 29. Semifinals for both are set for July 30 and finals on July 31.

Tickets will be $10 for each two-game session at each site and sold digitally at the IHSAA ticket page, according to the news release. All tickets are general admission.

The IHSAA has not determined future sites or details for the state baseball tournament.

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