KTKA

Topeka — The green grass on the baseball diamonds at The Lake Shawnee Baseball Complex means more green in the pockets of Topekans.

Even though the Lake Shawnee Baseball Complex is still under construction, it’s already making money for the Topeka community.

Shawnee County’s Director of Recreation, Randy Luebbe estimates more than five hundred thousand dollars were spent in Topeka by competitors and their fans in six days during the NBC World Series.

“That’s going back to the community," said Luebbe. "That’s why it’s so important when we do different projects like this, to realize the big picture of this is that the people are coming to Topeka and spending their money here in Topeka.”

The tournament included 45 teams, 30 of which were from out of town. The money includes travel, lodging, and food expenses.

“In the recession we’re in and the economic status the whole community’s in, it's just great that we can draw that many people in," said Luebbe. "They’re spending their money here in Topeka rather than in another city.”

Luebbe spoke with several teams from out of town and says they were impressed with the facilities.

“The Wichita teams and they said they’re coming back two or three times next year," said Luebbe. "Our complex was so nice that they just enjoyed it. This is the first year for it, I only think it’s going to get better.”

Luebbe says he believes the NBC tournament will be back in Topeka next year, and hopes to see the Lake Shawnee Baseball Complex host even more tournaments next year.