NAIA, LC State agree to historic Avista NAIA World Series extension

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Avista NAIA World Series will remain an LC Valley tradition, thanks to a new contract agreement between the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Lewis-Clark State College. The seven-year deal, with a potential five-year extension, will keep the Series at Harris Field through at least 2033.
 
The contract, which is the longest in NAIA Baseball World Series history, is set to begin in 2027 and run through 2033. The agreement may be extended an additional five year if agreed upon by the NAIA and LC State, which could keep the Series in Lewiston until at least 2038.
 
"To Dr. Pemberton and the entire Lewis-Clark State team, congratulations and thank you for your long-standing partnership with the NAIA," NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr said. "The championship environment you create for NAIA student-athletes is first class, and we're excited to continue our partnership for many more unforgettable moments at Harris Field."
 
LC State first hosted the Series from 1984-91 and has hosted every year since 2000 for a total of 34 national tournaments. The team in Lewiston has hosted 635 NAIA World Series games, and with the extension game, 700 is set to be played at Harris Field. The front gates have welcomed more than 1 million fans.
 
In all, the Series in Lewiston has hosted 118 different schools on Harris Field with 14 different programs taking home the championship trophy. More than 8,000 student-athletes have had the opportunity to compete for a Red Banner in Lewiston.
 
"Year after year, the LC State team creates an outstanding championship experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans," NAIA Vice President for Championships Austin Bennett said. "From the atmosphere at Harris Field to the people behind the scenes who make the Avista NAIA World Series special, Lewis-Clark State understands what it means to create Championship Moments."
 
In recent years, LC State has upgraded its facilities to help make the Series one of the premier collegiate championship sites in the country. Ed Cheff Stadium at Harris Field added grandstands in 2017 that seat 5,000 fans, as well as the state-of-the-art P1FCU Video Board. Seating in left and right field was updated in 2018.
 
"On behalf of LC State, I thank President Carr, Vice President Bennett, and the entire NAIA office and its members for this incredible partnership," LC State President Cynthia Pemberton said. "This premier championship experience, hallmark event in our community, and key economic driver for the region, would not be possible without the ongoing support of so many. I thank our sponsors – including title sponsor Avista – for their enduring support and partnership. I thank the LC State athletics department and campus for its commitment to excellence. And I thank the fans, volunteers, alumni, and friends who help make Harris Field and the Avista NAIA World Series one of the greatest traditions in collegiate athletics."
 
The 70th-Annual Avista NAIA World Series is slated for May 27-June 5, in Lewiston.