Lou Berliner Sports Park

America's Biggest Ball Diamond Hub

Next to the winding Scioto River sits Lou Berliner Sports Park - a massive 228-acre stretch that holds the title of America's largest ball diamond complex. With its size and range of facilities, it feels like a small sports city unto itself.

At the heart of Berliner, you'll find an impressive collection of 31 permanently fenced baseball and softball diamonds with turf infields that stay in great shape season after season. Night owls and evening league players will appreciate that fifteen of these fields come with lights, meant for those summer games that stretch past sunset.

When the Fields Come Alive

From March through November, this place transforms from peaceful parkland to a buzzing hive of athletic energy. Thousands of players and fans filter through for everything from local leagues to national tournaments. The quality of the facilities makes Berliner a go-to spot for softball, baseball, and fastpitch competitions that draw teams from across the region.

Baseball not your thing? No worries. The park also features seven turf soccer fields that double for lacrosse and rugby matches. Inside the Lou Berliner Athletic Complex, you can find four regulation courts where basketball and volleyball players can show off their skills away from the diamond.

Taking Care of Visitors

All that playing works up an appetite, which is why the park offers five concession hubs complete with restrooms. Fair warning though - the food prices might make your wallet a bit lighter than expected. If you've got kids in tow, they'll be happy to discover three playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds - well-suited for burning off energy between games or keeping younger siblings entertained.

Portable restrooms dot the landscape near most fields, so you're never too far from a pit stop. One tip from regular visitors: bring your own water bottle. Drinking fountains can be few and far between, especially important during those sweltering Ohio summer days.

Getting In and Around

There's plenty of parking throughout the complex, usually not too far from wherever you're headed. Just be prepared during big tournaments - traffic can back up considerably, especially at the entrance. If you're coming for a weekend tournament, it's worth arriving early as entrance lines can stretch to 45 minutes during peak times. Weekend events typically come with a $5 per car entrance fee.

Once inside, you'll find the signage does a good job helping you locate specific fields without wandering aimlessly across this mammoth complex. And yes, you can leave and come back the same day without paying twice.

Beyond the Bases

What makes Berliner special isn't just the sports facilities. The designers thoughtfully preserved wooded areas and wildlife zones that offer a peaceful contrast to the cheers and competitive energy of the fields. Take a break between games to enjoy the picnic areas or open-air shelters, or stretch your legs on the Greenway Trail that follows the Scioto River.

Cyclists and runners particularly appreciate the bike path running through the park, which connects to Columbus's broader trail network. If you need a moment of quiet, the river access points provide nice spots for fishing or simply watching herons and other wildlife go about their day far from the crack of bats and referee whistles.

Whether you're there to compete, cheer on family members, or simply enjoy some fresh air with the Columbus skyline as your backdrop, this riverside sports complex offers plenty of options for visitors.