An expanded format doubling the size from four to eight teams in each classification isn’t the only major change coming to the WVSSAC State Baseball Championships.
There will also be a change in venue for the event starting in 2026 as the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission announced Monday that Jack Cook Field on the Marshall University campus will serve as host for at least three years with an option for 2029.
The selection was finalized recently by the WVSSAC Board of Directors at a meeting through a statewide bid process inviting communities to submit plans to host the championship event.
“We are grateful for the interest shown by communities across West Virginia in hosting the baseball championships,” said Wayne Ryan, WVSSAC Executive Director. “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.
“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 added. “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.”
Marshall has played two seasons at Jack Cook Field, an all-turf facility that opened in 2024 with a seating capacity of 3,500.
State baseball has been held in Charleston annually since 1980 with the exception of 2020 when there was no tournament. Games were played at Watt Powell Park from 1980-2004 and at Appalachian Power Park, now known as GoMart Ballpark, since 2005.
The 2026 WVSSAC State Baseball Championships will be held June 6-13.