5 Shocking Updates On The J.B. Owens Sports Complex: 2025 Tournaments, New Expansions, And The 'Red' Legacy
The J.B. "Red" Owens Sports Complex in Easley, South Carolina, remains one of the premier tournament destinations in the Southeast, and as of late 2025, it is buzzing with activity and significant development. This massive 140-acre facility is not just a local park; it is a major economic engine and the traditional home for some of the world's most prestigious youth baseball events, including the annual Senior League Baseball World Series.
The latest updates for the complex center on a fresh calendar of high-profile 2025 tournaments, crucial facility expansion projects, and the continued honoring of the man whose name the complex bears. Visitors and sports enthusiasts planning a trip to the Upstate region of South Carolina will find a state-of-the-art venue that is constantly evolving to meet the demands of elite competition and community recreation.
J.B. "Red" Owens: Biography and Enduring Legacy
The complex is named in honor of a beloved and influential figure in the history of Easley, South Carolina: Joseph Bennett “J.B. Red” Owens. While specific dates of birth and death are not widely published, his impact on the community and his passion for athletics are the foundational spirit of the massive recreational facility.
Owens was a prominent resident and a figure who excelled in sports, dedicating much of his life to promoting athletics in the Easley area.
Profile of Joseph Bennett “J.B. Red” Owens:
- Full Name: Joseph Bennett “J.B. Red” Owens
- Nickname: "Red"
- Primary Association: Beloved figure in Easley’s history and a dedicated advocate for local sports.
- Spousal Status: Husband of the late Ellen Retha Alexander Owens, who passed away in January 2014. (This places his passing prior to 2014).
- Legacy: The J.B. Red Owens Sports Complex, opened in 1999, is named in his honor, embodying his dedication to community spirit and competitive excellence.
- Easley Mascot Connection: The Easley mascot, 'Beasley,' wears a red 'B' on his chest, which is a direct homage to J.B. “Red” Owens and the sports he excelled in.
The complex is a testament to Owens's vision, providing a world-class venue that serves both elite youth athletes and local families, offering everything from championship fields to nature trails.
The 2025 Tournament Calendar: Senior League World Series and Major Events
The J.B. Red Owens Sports Complex is globally recognized for hosting the Senior League Baseball World Series (SLBWS), an international tournament for 13-to-16-year-old players.
The 2025 schedule is already packed with high-caliber events, cementing the complex’s reputation as a magnet for sports tourism in South Carolina.
Senior League Baseball World Series 2025
The crown jewel of the complex’s calendar is the SLBWS, which draws teams from across the globe, including the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Canada.
- Event Dates: July 26 – August 2, 2025.
- Main Venue: The games are played on the prestigious Gregg Powell Field (formerly Field 1), named after another Easley athletics champion.
- Broadcasting: The tournament's final games are typically streamed and/or broadcast on ESPN platforms, providing national and international exposure for the Easley facility.
Other High-Profile 2025 Tournaments
Beyond the SLBWS, the complex hosts dozens of tournaments annually, driving significant visitor traffic to the area.
- USSSA/TOP GUN-USA SUPER NIT: A major youth baseball event scheduled for September 13–14, 2025, attracting top-tier travel ball teams.
- Perfect Game (PG) Events: The complex regularly hosts Perfect Game tournaments, such as the 14U PG Fall Kickoff, utilizing its multiple fields for competitive play.
- U.S. Amateur Basketball: The facility is also a host for non-baseball events, including championship games for U.S. Amateur Basketball.
Beyond the Game: New Expansions and Economic Powerhouse
The J.B. Red Owens Sports Complex, which was built on a 100-acre site beginning in 1997 and opened in 1999, continues to evolve with modern upgrades and expansion projects.
The City of Easley recognizes the importance of this facility, not only for recreation but as a cornerstone of its sports tourism strategy.
Rectangle Field Expansion Project
In a move to enhance its multi-sport capabilities, the complex is undergoing a significant expansion focused on its rectangle fields, which primarily serve soccer, lacrosse, and other field sports.
- Scope of Work: The project is known as the J.B. Red Owens Recreational Complex Rectangle Field Expansion.
- New Facilities: Plans include a new two-story restroom and concessions facility to better serve the expanded field area, improving the overall visitor experience.
- Goal: This expansion is designed to enhance the complex’s capacity to host major soccer and lacrosse tournaments, increasing its appeal to a wider range of sports organizations.
A Major Economic Driver for Easley, SC
The sheer volume of tournaments hosted at the J.B. Red Owens Sports Complex translates directly into a massive economic impact for the city of Easley and the surrounding Upstate region.
The city's Parks and Recreation Department leverages the complex to host an average of 65 sports tournaments each year, bringing in thousands of visiting athletes, coaches, and families.
The presence of events like the Senior League World Series, which is often broadcast nationally, provides invaluable exposure and generates an estimated economic impact that significantly boosts local hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses.
The complex features a comprehensive array of amenities that support this sports tourism economy:
- Sports Fields: Eight ball fields (including Gregg Powell Field) for baseball and softball, along with dedicated soccer fields.
- Recreational Areas: Batting cages, multiple playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Nature and Fitness: Extensive nature trails and walking paths that cover the 140-acre park, making it a year-round destination for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts.
The J.B. Red Owens Sports Complex is more than just a collection of fields; it is a vibrant community hub and a testament to the power of sports tourism. With its packed 2025 tournament schedule, ongoing facility upgrades, and deep historical roots in the Easley community, the complex is poised to maintain its status as a premier destination for youth athletics well into the future.
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