LONDON, July 13, 2021 - With Ontario set to enter Step 3, tickets are now on sale for the all new Labatt Park Tours, as well as the Southwestern Ontario Baseball Heritage Pass, with tours beginning on Friday, July 23 rd .
Opened in 1877, Labatt Memorial Park is recognized in the Guinness Book of World Record’s as the World’s Oldest Baseball Grounds. Don't miss your chance to walk around this historic venue and step foot on the same field that baseball legends Ty Cobb, Satchel Paige, Fergie Jenkins and many more have played on. Hear stories about the Park including the devastating floods, Chief Tecumseh, the London Tigers and view artifacts from the early 20th century inside the original 1937 Roy MacKay Clubhouse. Labatt Park Tours can be purchased on their own or as part of the Southwestern Ontario Baseball Heritage Pass.
Southwestern Ontario is a hotbed for baseball heritage and the Southwestern Ontario Baseball Heritage Pass provides the opportunity to explore the region and learn more about this history by providing admission for Labatt Park Tours, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and the Beachville District Museum for one price.
Canada has had such a tremendous impact on the sport of baseball, and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located in St. Marys, is a place to help highlight and recognize these outstanding Canadian contributions.
The Beachville District Museum, located in the small village of Beachville, Ontario, just outside of Woodstock, commemorates the site of one of the first ever recorded baseball games in North America, back on June 4th, 1838. Much has changed in baseball since then so don't miss your chance to get transported back in time and learn about how the game we know and love today was started.
“With many people opting for staycations and local experiences this summer, Labatt Park tours and the Southwestern Ontario Baseball Heritage Pass provide an excellent opportunity for families to explore the region and learn more about some of the exciting baseball history in their own community. Many Londoners aren’t aware that Labatt Park is the world’s oldest baseball grounds and much of its other history so we’re hoping to change that by providing a fun, educational and interactive tour experience.” Zanth Jarvis – Director, Sport Tourism, Tourism London
Labatt Park tours are offered Thursday – Saturday until Labour Day and must be pre-booked in advanced. No walk ups will be permitted. For details and tickets, visit:
Labatt Park Tours – www.labattparktours.com
Southwestern Ontario Baseball Heritage Pass – www.swobaseballtours.com
Thank you to our partners for their support of this project including Stephen Harding and the Friends of Labatt Park group, Barry Boughner and the entire London Majors Alumni Association, as well as Mike Dove and the Western University Public History Program.
Media Contact:
Zanth Jarvis, Director - Sport Tourism, Tourism London
226.984.8640 | zjarvis@londontourism.ca
About Tourism London
Tourism London, the city’s destination marketing organization since 1996, collaborates to create and promote innovative experiences that make for lasting and unforgettable memories. Working with local and regional partners, Tourism London facilitates the development and marketing of London’s tourism and hospitality industry and economic well-being.
About the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Marys, Ontario exists to honour, preserve and promote Canada's baseball traditions so that Canadians and visitors to Canada value baseball and benefit from our contributions to community and economic development, education and healthy lifestyles. The 32-acre site contains four premier ballfields, a 3500 sq ft newly renovated museum and walking trails. For tickets or more information, please visit http://baseballhalloffame.ca/.
About the Beachville District Museum
Established in 1992, The Beachville District Museum (BDM) is home to a vast selection of historical artifacts from Beachville and the surrounding region. Beachville hosted the first recorded baseball game in North America and here you can see some of that plaques and artifacts that designates this momentous sports event. For more information, please visit https://beachvilledistrictmuseum.com/.
