CLEMSON — With a little more than two weeks remaining before the Dixie Youth 12-and-younger baseball tournament kicks off at Nettles Park, organizers said additional volunteers are needed to help man the event.

“We’re expecting really large crowds, so we need individuals who can serve in areas such as parking lot attendants, gate admittance, selling programs and scoreboard operation,” Clemson Parks and Recreation Director Steve Figueroa said, adding, “The more volunteers you have, the easier it is on everybody.”

Figueroa, who along with Clemson Recreation Director Tom Cloer is organizing the tournament, said those who volunteer for the July 19-24 event would work three- to four-hour shifts. For their efforts, volunteers will receive tournament passes and complimentary food and soft drinks.

“We’re looking for anyone ages 12 and up,” he said

Those interested in volunteering can call Figueroa at (864) 646-8755 (ext. 101) or e-mail sfigueroa@cityofclemson.org as soon as possible.

“We would like to get a schedule out to everyone by July 9,” Figueroa said.

About 12 teams, including a host team from the Central-Clemson area, will compete for the state title, with the winner advancing to the Dixie Youth World Series.

Games will be played on two Nettles Park ball fields. Cost of admission is $5 for adults and $4 for youth. Children and younger are admitted for free. A dollar from each admission will go to the Dixie Youth Scholarship Fund, and players who have played in the league or Dixie Youth will be eligible to apply. A third field will be used as a food vendor area and kid zone.

Figueroa and Cloer said they felt the event was “right on schedule.”

“We’ve done as much as we can, hitting the checklist and trying to ensure that everyone’s needs are met,” Figueroa said.

Cloer said the latest walk-through of the ball fields took place July 3 — a process that includes setting up the sound system, protest table, scorers table, announcer location and reviewing emergency protocol, featuring an action plan, with Clemson Police Chief Jimmy Dixon and Clemson University Fire Chief Bill Daniel.

“A lot of people think you just line the fields and throw some balls and bats out, but there’s much more to it,” Cloer said.

As is often the case, a last-minute glitch did occur. Cloer said The Pentagon recently canceled a military flyover, planned prior to the 2:30 p.m. opening ceremony, and he has contacted members of The Dixie Skydivers for the purpose of delivering the game ball and Dixie Youth flag by parachute.

With the exception of the Clemson-Central team, which receives an automatic bid to the tournament since they are the host team, the remainder of the teams vying for a berth are presently playing in subdistrict and district tournaments throughout the state.

Once those tournaments have concluded and the winning teams arrive in Clemson, Cloer said they will receive the red carpet treatment. During their stay, a tour of the Clemson University athletic facilities, including the football and baseball stadiums, will be provided, and participants will also attend a Greenville Drive baseball game, participate in a devotion and large breakfast at The Madren Center in Clemson and take part in a Video Challenge — emanating from a big screen television — at a local restaurant.

The Clemson-Central All-Star team, in addition to those activities, will be treated to a cookout celebration July 12.

But, for now, there’s still work to be done — including another walk-through.

“We’re going back through all the contacts we’ve made, such as the announcers, gates and parking to ensuring that these folks know when and where they need to be,” Cloer said.

The tournament cost is estimated at between $15,000 and $18,000 — the bulk will come from Clemson’s Hospitality Tax, as well as advertising and sponsorships, in order to fund umpires selected through a reward system, a team banquet and other expenses. But Cloer has already stated that the economic impact stands to be anywhere from $15,000-$20,000 for the first two days of lodging and food alone.

The tournament winner will be crowned in a postgame ceremony and advance to the Dixie Youth World Series.

“We hope the community will really come out and support the event,” Figueroa said, adding, “It’s an opportunity to see some really good youth baseball.”