The Great Bend Recreation Commission and the City of Great Bend are sharing in the announcement from the Kansas State High Sschool Activities Association that the 2014 Class 2-1A State Baseball and Softball State Tournaments will be played at the Great Bend Sports Complex on Thursday, May 29 to Friday, May 30.
“The Great Bend Recreation Commission received the official notification from Fran Martin, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director on Wednesday afternoon that Great Bend was selected for this year’s 2A-1A State Baseball/Softball Tournaments,” Diann Henderson, Great Bend Recreation Commission Director said. “This tournament typically draws 16 teams from around the state. It will be the first KSHSAA state tournament held in Great Bend at the Sports Complex.”
The 2014 2-1A Baseball and Softball State Tournaments were played in Emporia since 2006.   
“This is great news,” Howard Partington, City Administrator said. “Great Bend is looking forward to hosting several premier tournaments this summer, and we encourage the community to take part in welcoming them to our city.”
“The KSHSAA needed to find an alternate site for this year,” Francine Martin, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director said. “We want our student-athletes and fans to have a positive experience. The community of Great Bend had reached out to the KSHSAA about hosting state events and the location seemed like a good fit for our 2-1A schools. The KSHSAA looks forward to working with the City of Great Bend and the Great Bend Recreation Commission in providing a quality state tournament.”