Major League Baseball announced details Thursday for PLAY Ball Park, a free interactive activity center for children and families that will be open to the public during the upcoming All-Star Week (July 13-17) in Washington.
PLAY Ball Park, located at The Yards at the Capitol Riverfront, will include a youth-sized turf diamond and additional batting tunnels and pitching inflatables, along with food trucks and MLB sponsor-activation zones. Young people who make their way over to PLAY Ball Park will receive a free T-shirt and a Franklin bat-and-ball set to coincide with a fun day on the diamond.
Fans should also be on the lookout for special appearances from baseball celebrities including MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., softball legend Jennie Finch and recently retired stars David Ortiz and David Ross. Other appearances will be made by players from the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, participants from the High School Home Run Derby, members of the USA Baseball and Softball National Teams and MLB mascots. PLAY Ball Park will also play host to both the All-Star Commissioner's Cup youth baseball tournament and the Jennie Finch Classic youth softball tournament during All-Star Week festivities.
PLAY Ball Park will also serve as the start and finish line for the Color Run MLB All-Star 5K presented by Nike on Saturday, July 14. The run benefits local charities, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington.
Below are the hours in which PLAY Ball Park will be open to the public during All-Star Week.
Friday, July 13: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. ET (Free play from noon-1 p.m.; Adult baseball and softball from 8-10 p.m.)
Saturday, July 14: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Free play from noon-1 p.m.; Adult baseball and softball from 7-10 p.m.)
Sunday, July 15: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Free play from 11 a.m.-noon.; 3-4 p.m.)
Monday, July 16: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Free play from 1-3 p.m.; 5-6 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 17: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Free play from 11 a.m.-noon; 4-5 p.m.; 7-8 p.m.)