'Baseball 'Round The Clock' returns to NBC World Series after 8-year hiatus

WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - A longtime staple of the National Baseball Congress World Series is returning to this year's series at Eck Stadium.

Baseball ‘Round The Clock, which was last held in 2016, will allow fans to watch 11 games over the course of 33 hours, starting at noon on Saturday, July 27 and running through a 6:00 p.m. game on Sunday, July 28.

“Baseball ‘Round the Clock has historically been one of the most exciting and unique events in the NBC World Series,” said NBC tournament director Katie Woods, “For the 90^th tournament, it was time to bring it back. We’re ready to introduce a new generation of competitors to some of the same elements – Midnight Madness, the cuckoo clock check-ins and ‘I survived’ shirts – that diehard NBC fans remember.”

Founder Hap Dumont came up with the idea of having late-night and early-morning baseball games in the tournament for fans who worked swing and graveyard shifts. Tournament director Steve Shaad formalized the tradition in 1990 with the introduction of "Baseball ‘Round the Clock”, with 17 games being played in 56 hours. The event ran every year after that before it was discontinued.

Director of Community Partnership Brian Turner was a part of the Baseball ‘Round the Clock staff for six years during his time with the Wichita Wingnuts, and is looking forward to taking on the challenge once again.

“There’s no event quite like Baseball ‘Round the Clock,” said Turner, “It’s a generational event, and we’re excited to bring it back with a new look, for both old and new fans, in 2024.”

Fans can purchase their Baseball ‘Round the Clock tickets now at nbcbaseball.com for $20. Tickets get participants entry in to all 11 games, as well as a punch card and wristband that will be used for check-ins at least once per game. When check-ins sound, participants have 10 minutes to report to the designated check-in spot and get their card punched to continue in the competition. Participants who have their card punched at every check-in will receive a free T-shirt, a tournament pass for the rest of the tournament, and will be entered into a raffle to win a series of grand prizes.

The 2024 NBC World Series runs July 25-August 3 this year and will be played fully at Eck Stadium at Wichita State University.