RENNER, S.D. (KELO) — The Dakota Classic brings dozens of Legion baseball teams to the Sioux Falls area each year, but the tournament has grown substantially over its 14-year history.

Originally starting out with just eight teams and playing the entire tournament at the Historic Renner Ballpark, the Dakota Classic now features eight pools, totaling nearly 40 teams.

“It wasn’t ever a big picture of let’s get 40 teams out to Sioux Falls in the Upper Midwest and represent about five to six states,” Renner head coach Isaac Struck said. “But we’re hoping to continue to grow it because I’m a firm believer that Legion baseball is premier baseball for high school kids.”

This year’s tournament features teams from South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, Wyoming, and even Winnipeg.

“Not only is it a big opportunity for athletes, but it’s a big opportunity for fans of baseball in the area and other local coaches, colleges that are trying to get looks and get recruiting opportunities for some of these players,” Struck said. “There’s a lot of talent that comes here.”

After four pool-play games for each team, the top eight squads advance to the quarterfinals, with the bracket-play games all slated to be played at the Sanford Diamonds.

“This year, everyone’s in the same know that we’re heading to Sanford for the quarterfinals,” Struck said. “There’s going to be seven other teams playing at the same time. We’re going to get to see everybody.”

The organizers have worked for months in preparation of the four-day event.

“It’s a crazy hectic weekend, but it’s for the best because we truly believe that this is a once in a lifetime experience for some of these teams that come here,” Struck said. “So. we want to provide them an opportunity to have a great time, play some great baseball but also make memories.”

The Dakota Classic begins Friday morning at 11 a.m. The quarterfinals are slated for Sunday evening with the semifinals and championship on Monday.