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Tournament Travel Guide
Packing Checklist
Gear Bag
Bat(s) + helmet
Cleats + turf shoes
Batting gloves (2 pairs)
Catcher's gear if applicable
Backup jersey + belt + socks
Sunflower seeds / gum / snacks
Batting tee (for warmup)
Personal Items
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Bug spray
Extra hat (sun + rain)
Compression sleeves
Foam roller + resistance bands
Pain relief (Advil/Tylenol)
Flip flops for dugout
For Parents
Folding chair + umbrella
Cooler with ice packs
Cash for concessions
Phone charger + battery pack
Tournament bracket printout
Rain ponchos
Hotel Strategy
Book as early as possible - host hotels fill fast and often have team rates
Stay within 15 minutes of the facility - morning games after late nights are brutal with long drives
Request early check-in if you have a morning game the next day
Bring your own breakfast food - quick fueling before early games beats a slow hotel breakfast
Get a room with a fridge and microwave - recovery meals matter more than you think
Book refundable rates when possible - tournament schedules shift
Day-of Nutrition Plan
2-3 Hours Before Game
Complex carbs + lean protein (eggs + toast, oatmeal + banana, chicken + rice)
Hydrate - 16-24 oz water
Avoid anything new, heavy, or greasy
During Game
Water every inning - not just when thirsty
Small snacks between innings (banana, granola bar, trail mix)
Electrolyte drink if heat index is above 85F
Post Game / Between Games
Protein + carbs within 30 min (PB&J, turkey wrap, chocolate milk)
Rehydrate with electrolytes
Ice arm if pitcher threw 30+ pitches
Rest feet - avoid standing around on concrete
Weather Contingency
Download the Weather Underground app - it gives hourly radar at the field level
Tournament directors rarely cancel early - build your schedule around possible delays
Pack a full change of clothes in case of rain delays and field conditions
Keep a dry bag in the car with dry towels and a change of cleats
Warmup protocols reset after a long delay - budget 20 min to re-warm before resuming
Check tournament website/Facebook group for updates - text trees are unreliable