Rockford McDonald’s Backs 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup

Tournament Overview and Venue

The 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage will take place July 22‑26 at Rivets Stadium in Loves Park. Six nations—the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Korea and Hong Kong, China—will clash in the opening round. This event marks a major international showcase for women’s baseball in the Midwest. Local partners are using the tournament as a springboard for broader community initiatives.

Meal Promotion Honors Maybelle Blair

Bucciferro Family McDonald’s is rolling out a limited‑time Maybelle Blair Meal across its Rockford‑area locations from July 21 through July 26. The combo, named after IWBC co‑founder and baseball pioneer Maybelle Blair, bundles two cheeseburgers, fries and a fountain drink. Fans who buy the meal can snag a pair of red, Maybelle‑inspired sunglasses at the 7 p.m. game on July 25, while supplies last. A slice of each sale will flow directly to the International Women’s Baseball Center, reinforcing the partnership’s charitable aims.

Charity Drive Benefits Ronald McDonald House

The donation drive runs for the full week and benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, supporting families who travel to the area for medical care. Attendees are asked to contribute household essentials such as paper towels, disinfectant wipes, unscented laundry detergent pods, dryer sheets, dishwasher detergent pods, 13‑gallon trash bags and toilet paper. Ronald McDonald will make his first public visit to Rockford in nearly a decade during the 7 p.m. game on July 25, kicking off Mascot & Superhero Night. He will throw the ceremonial first pitch, pose for photos and share the stage with Grimace, Hamburglar, Birdie, Hammy the IceHog, Rally the Rivetsaurus and other mascots. Kids are invited to dress as their favorite superhero, turning the stadium into a celebration of sport and community.

Community Engagement and Fan Activities

The collaboration between the Bucciferro Family and IWBC is part of a broader series of fan and community activations surrounding the World Cup. Beyond meals and donations, the partnership aims to weave local businesses, schools and volunteer groups into the tournament’s everyday experience. By linking a well‑known brand with a growing sports initiative, organizers hope to attract new audiences to women’s baseball and reinforce Rockford’s reputation as a hub for active lifestyle events. The initiative also highlights how corporate sponsorship can amplify grassroots programs, providing visible support for athletes and charitable causes alike.

Ticket Information and How to Attend

General admission tickets are on sale, offering flexibility for fans who want to catch multiple games or a single contest. An all‑week pass costs $95 and grants entry to all 15 scheduled games, while a one‑day pass is priced at $25 for three matches. Individual game tickets are available for $10 each, making it easy for casual supporters to attend a single matchup. More details and ordering options are posted at www.iwbc.org/worldcup, and followers can stay updated via the IWBC’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.