“Double Play Akron” Brands Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Back-to-Back 2019 State Championship Tournaments

On behalf of community partners (Ms. Joey Arrietta, Racers Fastpitch/Firestone Stadium; Mr. Jim Pfander, Akron RubberDucks/Canal Park; and Mr. Melvin Blake, The City of Akron Sports & Athletics Division), the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce “Double Play Akron,” a collaborative, community-based initiative to brand and leverage the excitement surrounding the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s back-to-back softball and baseball state championship tournaments.

Utilizing two iconic Akron stadiums, the state softball championships will be held at Firestone Stadium from May 29 – June 1, and Canal Park stadium will welcome the state baseball championships from June 7 – 9. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Double Play Akron team. Softball & baseball are deeply woven into the fabric of our community. The City of Akron, the RubberDucks and Racers Fastpitch are pitching in to create the best possible experience for the participants, their families & friends,” states Joey Arrietta, Racers Fastpitch President/General Manager

Double Play Akron will allow local partners to curate activities and destination assets for everyone visiting during the tournaments. From dining and entertainment to shopping and recreation, important visitor information will be made available through a variety of print and digital channels. “With vibrant metropolitan amenities and equally engaging outdoor recreational pursuits, we proudly boast an array of sights, sounds and special experiences that we’re eager for our OHSAA friends to enjoy,” states Gregg Mervis, Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO.

Spearheaded and produced in-house by the Akron RubberDucks, a welcome video (https://youtu.be/uNr9qMv0up8) sets the stage for the exceptional hospitality the community will extend to OHSAA athletes, families and friends. Additionally, the web site www.doubleplayakron.comwill be launched soon to provide updated destination information across every facet of the community. “Akron has always been and will continue to be a beacon for those committed to achieving excellence,” states Jim Pfander, Akron RubberDucks General Manager & COO. “Hosting the very best high school players will write another chapter in Akron’s wonderful sports story. I’m especially grateful to Joey Arrietta for her efforts around the state softball tournament which came to Akron more than a decade ago. Her professionalism, advocacy and passion – without question – positively influenced the OHSAA’s decision to bring the state baseball championships to Canal Park,” Pfander adds.

Double Play Akron is an example of the power of collaboration and community pride. Most importantly, it will send a clear message to everyone involved that Akron appreciates the OHSAA’s confidence in Akron, and that the community is committed to the success of the tournaments and the overall destination experience. “What a great opportunity to showcase The City of Akron. Double Play Akron will be the Main Event in late May and early June, with both tournaments being held in stadiums along Main Street. These young athletes will experience playing ball in a 3-time All-America© award winning City – the special place we get to call home,” states Melvin Blake, The City of Akron Sports & Athletics Division Coordinator.