SALISBURY, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Department of Athletics has again partnered with the Delmarva Shorebirds to host the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Baseball Championships, May 19-22 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. This is the second straight year of a three-year commitment to bring the event to The Eastern Shore.

"We are once again very excited to bring the conference championship event back to the Eastern Shore and just as excited to partner with the Delmarva Shorebirds to do it," said the Hawks' Director of Athletics, Keith Davidson. "Playing at one of the greatest minor league baseball stadiums in the nation, Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, which has been completely renovated to make it even better, in an area that loves baseball, seems like a winning combination for everyone involved. Last year, everyone raved about the facility, the Shorebirds and the event overall. We can't wait to make the event even better."

Six teams will vie for the conference title and an automatic berth to the NCAA Division I Championship field, earning a spot in a regional series. The top-three seeds from the conference's northern and southern division will earn a spot in the championship which will feature at least 10 games over the four days.

The northern division includes Coppin State, Delaware State, Norfolk State and the host Maryland Eastern Shore. The southern division includes Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central and Savannah State.

The championship begins on Thursday with three games. The south's second and north's third seeds will square off in the opening game at noon, with the opposite pairing following at 3:30 p.m. The two losing teams will then face off under the lights at 7 p.m., forcing the first team out of the double-elimination event.

Changing the timing from last year, when games started as early at 10 a.m., the MEAC structured the event to allow for more night games, giving that prime-time baseball experience each night, Thursday through Saturday. Each of those days has games scheduled at noon, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday will feature the championship game at 1 p.m. and a possible if necessary game following right after to determine the MEAC Champion.

Tickets are $8 per day or just $25 for all four days. Parking is free. To purchase tickets go online at umestickets.com or call Kevin at 410-621-3311. Tickets can also be purchased at the door each day.

Maryland Eastern Shore will be announcing a special promotion each day to honor community groups, youth, and veterans and will feature a special event on Sunday to once again honor area players who were part of the Negro Leagues. Continue checking www.umeshawks.com for a list of those upcoming promotions.

UMES is also encouraging their faculty, staff and students to attend the event. Anyone who presents a UMES ID at the time of purchase will be able to buy one ticket for half price each day of the MEAC Baseball Championships. The offer is also extended to all Salisbury University and Wor-Wic Community College students, faculty and staff.