Erie Continues with a Deep Bench of Summer Sports

This weekend, Erie will welcome the American Legion PA Baseball State Tournament, the Kings of Bass fishing tournament, the Pennsylvania State Champion Shoot and EPIC Volleyball Varsity Team Camp.
 

American Legion Baseball will host its State Tournament for the first time in Erie from July 26 to 30 at McDowell High School. There will be eight teams competing from across Pennsylvania over five days, including the host, Millcreek.

The tournament will open with two games on both Saturday and Sunday, scheduled for 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. On Monday, three games will take place at 1:15 p.m., 4:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. Tuesday will feature two games at 4:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. The championship game is set for Wednesday at 1:15 p.m., with a second game at 4:05 p.m. if necessary.

“For the first time in its 100-year history, American Legion Baseball will host its PA State Tournament in Erie, and we’re proud to welcome it,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “The local organizing committee has done a tremendous job preparing for this event and we’re happy to play a small role in supporting their efforts to bring such a meaningful event in Erie.”

In addition, the Western PA Team Bass Series will host the Kings of Bass event, presented by FishUSA, this weekend. Boats will launch from the West Pier Launch Ramp at Presque Isle State Park, with the competition starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday. Anglers will target largemouth bass on Saturday and smallmouth bass on Sunday.

The PA State Championship Shoot will take place Thursday through Sunday at Critter Path Sporting Clays, marking the first clay shooting event supported by the Erie Sports Commission. Five-Stand, 12-Gauge FITASC and Pump and SxS events will run throughout the four days. The preliminary event is scheduled for Friday, followed by Supersporting on Saturday and 50 Bird on Sunday. Over 250 participants are expected.

Other Erie events:

• EPIC Volleyball Varsity Team Camp, taking place July 22 through 24 at the Erie Sports Center.
  
  Lake Erie Cyclefest July 24-27, Various Locations: Experience breathtaking landscapes and Erie County’s abundant natural resources on safe and spectacular routes. Cyclists of all ages and abilities will participate in self-supported rides on routes that feature Erie’s vast terrain. Register here.
   

• American Legion PA Baseball State Tournament July 25-30, McDowell High School: This is an eight team state championship that features players ages 13-19 traveling from across Pennsylvania.
   
• King of BASS Presented by Fish USA July 26-27, Presque Isle State Park: The Western PA Team Bass Series will host the Kings of Bass event, presented by FishUSA. Anglers will compete daily, targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Over 21 teams are registered.
   
• Millcreek Summer Sizzler 11/12U Tournament August 1-3, Walnut Creek Complex: The Millcreek Legion Post #773 Baseball Club will hold its 23rd annual invitational baseball tournament for 11/12U. The tournament will feature a three-game guarantee, plus semifinal and championship rounds. There will be 20 teams competing.
   
• Presque Isle Triathlon August 2, Presque Isle State Park: The 23rd annual triathlon will consist of a 0.35-mile swim, a 13-mile bike and a 3.1-mile run. All segments of the triathlon will start and finish on Beach 10. The triathlon is open to individuals and two-three person relay teams.
   
• Great Lakes Taste of Summer Festival Steak Cookoff August 2,Lake Erie Speedway: The Great Lakes Taste of Summer Festival Steak Cookoff begins at 4 p.m.
   and promises an evening full of flavor and fun.
   
•  Millcreek Summer Sizzler 10/11U Tournament August 8-10, Walnut Creek Complex: The Millcreek Legion Post #773 Baseball Club will hold its 23rd annual invitational baseball tournament for 11/12U. The tournament will feature a three-game guarantee, plus semifinal and championship rounds. There will be 20 teams competing.
   
•  AKC Fast CAT Fastest Dog Competition August 9-10, Harborcreek Community Park: Hosted by the Erie Kennel Club, the Fast CAT (Coursing Ability Test) is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs race one at a time, chasing a lure. The event will include two days of competition, along with a fun run for dogs without an AKC number.
   
• Northeast Region Classic Firefighter Challenge August 21-23, Perry Square Park: Hosted by Snap-Tite Hose, the Northeast Region Classic Firefighter Challenge will unite firefighters from across the northeastern United States for an unforgettable showcase of skill, strength and camaraderie. The 2025 event carries added excitement as it marks the 20th anniversary of the Firefighter Challenge’s debut in Erie, celebrating the return of the “toughest two minutes in sports.”

For more information on the Erie Sports Commission and its events, visit Erie Sports Commission.