This summer, we’re exploring Council Bluffs through firsthand adventures — one local gem at a time. Follow along as Emily Newby, an intern with the Council Bluffs CVB, shares authentic experiences from trails to treats, and everything in between.
Tournaments Meet Tradition, and First-Timers Become Fans
Until recently, I had never heard of the Council Bluffs Recreation Complex, much less the SlumpBuster—which draws more than 700 teams from across the country and is considered the largest youth baseball tournament in the world. But I’m so glad that changed. This sprawling complex, just off the interstate in Council Bluffs, is home to baseball, softball, and soccer fields that host major tournaments throughout the year. Each summer, it becomes a national stage for young athletes and their families, and it completely surprised me.
The SlumpBuster tournament is timed to coincide with the Men's College World Series in nearby Omaha, giving youth players a chance to both play ball and watch their college heroes in action. The Council Bluffs Rec Complex also hosts the penultimate night of the event: a full-blown festival experience, the evening before championship games begin.
Even with temps hovering near 100°, the fields and walkways were packed with teams from all over the country. Booths selling gloves, bats, tournament merch, and photo ops created a festive atmosphere. One of the standout moments? Pin trading. I had no idea this was a thing in baseball tournaments, but players were eagerly exchanging custom pins like baseball cards. It reminded me of my own pin-trading days at National History Day in Maryland—an unexpectedly nostalgic connection that made the moment feel even more special.
To cool off before the evening festivities, I headed a few miles north to Tish’s, a local favorite that’s been around for more than 30 years. The atmosphere was just what I needed: relaxed, air-conditioned, and full of comfort food. I ordered the Kansas City BBQ burger with cheddar, bacon, barbecue sauce, and crispy wedge fries. Classic and satisfying!
Refreshed, I made it back just in time for what’s arguably the most iconic SlumpBuster tradition: the bat burning. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found a spot behind home plate as everyone gathered near second base. Two enormous wooden bats had been built and loaded with fireworks. The team that traveled the farthest—this year, from Olympia, Washington—was given the honor of pressing the button to start the show. Despite strong winds, the fireworks lit up the sky, and the bats burst into flames, creating a dramatic bonfire.
Soon after, players from across the country circled the fire, each tossing in a broken or retired bat. It felt symbolic—like they were letting go of a slump, a season, or just adding their own story to a bigger tradition. It was exciting, emotional, and completely unforgettable.
As someone new to this world, I didn’t expect to connect so quickly with the energy, the camaraderie, and the spectacle of it all. The Council Bluffs Recreation Complex isn’t just a place to play—it’s a place where memories are made, even for first-time visitors like me.
