Okotoks Dawgs will 3-peat as host of WCBL all-star game in 2024

They've got a long list of major league draft picks and are the defending Western Canada Baseball League champions. 

Now, the Okotoks Dawgs can add another accolade to their profile: three-peat all-star game hosts.

For the third consecutive year, the southern Alberta baseball club will host the WCBL all-star game, after welcoming teams from across Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2022 and 2023.

"The event is truly a grassroots baseball celebration," John Ircandia, the Dawgs founding and managing director, said in a statement.

"The all-star game is a way to recognize and say thank you to both our players, who dedicate their summer to entertain us with high quality baseball, as well as to our extraordinary fans."

Hoping to build off of a successful event earlier this year, the team will look to draw more fans to the Seaman Stadium after a record showing this July with more than 6,000 attendees.  

For the town, however, hosting the game is bigger than baseball. It's a win for the whole community.

"They can showcase our community and what embracing a ball community can look like," said Mayor Tanya Thorn.

"We've seen a lot of growth in our community from people who came out originally to a Dawgs game and discovered [Okotoks]."

Thorn said the team and its players contribute so much to the spirit of Okotoks, helping out with charity initiatives and community events. 

She noted the financial benefits from those who visit to watch a game have bolstered the economy, estimating between $500,00 and $600,000 per season from people spending money at businesses around town.

In anticipation of selling more tickets for the all-star game — and the season as a whole — the Dawgs are upgrading the stadium with additional seating and other features.

A new, high definition Ribbon Video Board along the outfield fence will be installed, and an expansion of the recently built patio is expected.  

"With consistently sold-out crowds, we wanted to ensure that all of our fans were able to enjoy a quality experience at Dawgs games," Ircandia said.

"This will greatly enhance fan engagement."

The 2024 all-star game is set for July 20 and will feature a home run derby, an onsite pregame show and baseball celebrities in attendance.