Williston Just Scored a Big Win: See What’s Coming to Williston Square

If you've ever watched a kid light up when they step onto a baseball field, you know how much these sports can mean to a community.

For families in Williston and across the region, that love of baseball and softball is about to have a new place to grow, practice, and have some fun, no matter what the North Dakota weather has in store.

Williston Economic Development has announced that D-BAT, the nation's largest and most recognized baseball and softball training franchise, is coming to Williston Square.

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Founded in 1998 in North Dallas, Texas, D-BAT stands for "Developing Beliefs, Attitudes, and Traditions." The franchise now has more than 170 locations across the country.

And this new Williston location is going to be a big one.

A New Home for Baseball and Softball

The planned facility will cover 27,000 square feet, with 18,000 square feet dedicated to baseball and softball activities. That space will include a pro shop, batting cages, pitching lane cages, and several simulators.

Some of the batting cages will feature pitching machines, while others will be set up for live hitting and instruction.

There will also be 6,000 square feet available for lease for a retail or restaurant tenant, adding another piece to what could become a popular destination at Williston Square.

Franchise Owner Brooke Mapes, along with Co-Franchisers Alan Mapes, Tailor Quilling and Huntor Mapes, say bringing indoor baseball and softball opportunities to Williston was a major goal.

"We're excited to bring a sport that means so much to our community, indoors," they said.

That indoor space could be especially valuable when winter arrives. Anyone who has tried to keep a baseball or softball schedule going through a North Dakota winter knows that having a place to practice without worrying about snow, wind, or freezing temperatures can make a big difference.

More Than Just a Place to Practice

The Mapes family says D-BAT will be about more than baseball and softball.

The facility is also expected to provide a place for birthday parties, date nights, and evenings out with friends. In other words, even if you aren't trying to improve your batting average, there could still be a reason to stop by.

Read More: How Rich Is North Dakota Compared To Other U.S. States?

DBat Merchandise

DBat Merchandise

Williston Economic Development Director Anna Nelson pointed to the community's long history with baseball and softball and said the development will help carry that tradition forward.

As Williston continues to grow, the demand for recreation, indoor activities, retail, and food and beverage options grows right along with it.

For young athletes, families, coaches, and baseball fans throughout the region, D-BAT could become a welcome addition to the community.

The Mapes family hopes to break ground this summer, with additional details about the groundbreaking, opening, instruction, and programs expected to be announced in the near future.

For more information about D-BAT and its programs, visit D-BAT.

For now, Williston can enjoy the news that another piece of the community's future is taking shape, and this one is bringing baseball, softball, and plenty of opportunity along for the ride.