Gateway Field

 
CONCRETE, WA - “Location, location, location.” We have all heard this said many times when it comes to the WIAA State Tournaments. In years past sports fans could spend their Memorial Day weekend going from Cheney to Spokane watching track, softball, and baseball all within a 20 minute drive. Today, track is in Spokane and the bat and gloves have moved to Yakima.

While I do not enjoy winter championships in Yakima as the Sun Dome cannot compare to the Spokane Arena, there is no better place in the spring for State Championship games than Yakima.

I would like to propose that the WIAA consider a centralized location for each classification for their spring championships. This would give the general sports fan the opportunity and enjoyment of watching the athletes they have followed. Championships in the spring are unique as all are outdoor and need only a host city that can accommodate. It is time the WIAA looked into centralizing the spring championships.

While track is not my most favorite sport as a spectator I have to believe there is a track or maybe two that could host the 1B/2B State Track Meet in the Yakima area. The baseball and softball tournaments are run very well, since the hiccup of holding softball in Moses Lake. The Yakima community has made both events enjoyable and spectator friendly. Not to mention that the weather in Yakima has a higher percentage of being very nice this time of year while Spokane is still very much hit or miss. There may be a little wind or rain but generally it is warm and comfortable.

Yakima may take the brunt of many jokes but it is the perfect setting for the ending to a great school year full of excitement brought to us by 14 to 18 year old kids playing the sports that they love. So to the WIAA, bring the 1B and 2B Spring Sports State Tournaments to Yakima for all to enjoy in one location.