Free entry at Little League events a tradition

GULFPORT — Spectators wishing to take in a Southeast Regional Tournament game at Arnold S. White Sr. Stadium in the structure's final year as tournament host might be surprised to learn that all games during the weeklong event are free.

All Little League games at the majors level (ages 11-12) and younger have free admission, although some tournaments charge a parking fee (Gulfport does not). Even the World Series in Williamsport, Pa., has no charge.

"It's kind of like a Little League tradition, so we keep it going," Southern Region director Jen Colvin said.

To help offset costs of running the tournament, volunteers pass donation cans around both sides of the stands once during each game.

Sandy Popejoy, an administrative assistant who has been counting the money for the past 28 years, says the most that's ever been collected from one game is $624. That came in the championship game in 1997 when Manatee East won and finished as the national runnerup. It was also the first Southeast Regional game to be televised by ESPN2.