Where will the games be played?

All venues will be first class facilities within an approximate 30 min. radius of the city of Buffalo including Dunn Tire Park (Home of the AAA Buffalo Bison’s) and several Division I College sites.

Where will the competing teams come from?

The teams will come from the Northeastern United States and Canada and we are also expecting to draw some organizations from South and Mid-West US.   In 2008, teams from 13 states and 2 Canadian provinces participated.

How Do I Determine my Teams Age?

As with nearly all US based tournaments, age is determined by the cutoff date of April 30, 2009. The age of the oldest player on your team as of that date is considered the age of your team. Canadian based teams, this age calculation is different than the January 1st date used throughout Canada. Please be sure you calculate your teams age correctly prior to registering.

What are the age requirements for the High School Showcase Division?

Any player who has not played their final year of High School baseball is eligible regardless of age. High School graduates are not eligible - no exceptions!

Who will Umpire the games?

We will be using the regions best umpire crews. All officials will be certified professionals.

What is included in the event?

Besides the top notch competitive atmosphere of the tournament itself and “FREE” customized caps for their team, there will be a welcome reception, tours, fireworks, homerun derby, skills competitions and a Showcase Combine for the High School age division that will be scouted by College and Pros. Each participant will also receive a gift pack that will provide opportunities to enjoy the area attractions.

Where do I Send my Payment?

Only after successfully completing your online registration, checks should be made payable to New Era Park and sent to: New Era Park, Attn: New Era Cap Classic, 3950 Broadway, Depew, NY 14043.  Only payments accompanied by an online registration invoice will be accepted. 

Is there a Payment Deadline?

Teams that successfully register online and make payment by credit card will be confirmed for the tournament immediately.   Teams that pay be check will have their tournament registration held for 14 days to provide payment.  If payment does not reach us within 14 days, the team will be placed on a waiting list pending payment and space availability.

Will this tournament sell out?

Absolutely.  In 2008, most age divisions were sold out by January.  Waiting lists existed in all age divisions by tournament kickoff.

I'm from Canada - How do I pay for the tournament?

Canadian teams electing to pay by other than credit card must pay by check or bank draft in US Funds Only. Your Bank can help you provide this payment.

Who do we contact for accommodations?

Hart Hotels will be the official host for this event. A Hart Hotels representitive will contact you as soon as your team payment is received and registration confirmed.

How do I order my free hats? 

A representative from New Era Park will contact you as soon as your team payment is received and registration confirmed.  New Era hats are required for game play during this tournament.

Can I order additional hats beyond the free 15 I will receive? 

Absolutely! An additional cost, based on hat style, will be charged to you for each additional hat ordered.

What is your refund Policy?

Prior to your hat order being placed and before June 1, 2009 - your refund will be your full tournament registration less a $75 administrative fee.  Once your hat order has been placed and prior to June 1, 2009 - you will receive your team hats plus your registration fee less $350.   After June 1, 2009 - no refund will be given.  Your will receive your team hats. In the event your team ordered additional hats beyond the 15 included with the tournament registration, no refund will be issued while any outstanding balance for additional hats remains.

Are New Era Hats Required for all players and coaches?

Absolutely!  This is a New Era Sponsored event and as such all participants by rule will be required to wear New Era Hats.  Be sure your team sizes are correct when your order is placed!

Do I have to come to Headquarters to check-in?

Yes! We need to know you made it in OK and we will have some contact forms to fill out. We will also have your tournament packet that will contain final information.

Can I call in?

No! There are items to be picked up at registration and documents that need to be turned in that must be done in person.

Are rain-outs made up?

We have back-up fields available and will do everything to get the games played. This will ultimately depend on the number of games and when they are rained out.

How many games will be played in the tournament?

There will be approximately 300 games played.

How many games are we guaranteed to play?

The 11U and 12U divisions will play a minimum of 4 games. 13U, 14U, 15U and High School Showcase divisions will play a minimum of 5 games - weather permitting.

What can you tell me about the schedule that weekend?

Game schedules will be available approximately 3 weeks prior to tournament start.  Coaches/parents should plan on the following for the tournament weekend:  Pre-Tournament Check-in and optional team and individual events will occur Thursday afternoon and evening.  Required tournament check-in for all teams that did not check-in Thursday evening will occur early Friday morning.  Official tournament start is 8AM Friday.  All teams will play their first game by noon on Friday.  Teams will play 2 games Friday and 2 games Saturday.  Playoffs and consolation round on Sunday.

Is there an individual Showcase or Combine for the High School showcase division players to participate in for the attending scouts?

Yes. As your team registers for the High School Showcase Division of the NECC you will be sent applications with a special rate for all tournament participants. The individual evaluation program and combine will be on July 30th before the tournament opens.