SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- It is time once again for the Little League World Series in South Williamsport.
Opening ceremonies took place Thursday morning at Volunteer Stadium. All 16 teams got the chance to walk onto the field for the first time as a team.
The kids carry their state or country flags showing off where they come from.
There are eight teams from the United States and eight international teams -- all competing to see who the best Little League team in the world is.
There are ten jam-packed days of baseball ahead of us. Many of the players tell Newswatch 16 it is their dream to play on these fields in South Williamsport.
"It's unreal, it's a blast," said Chase Mazey of the Great Lakes team. "The teams, everyone, interactions with everyone, the rec room and cafeteria, it's been a blast so far with everyone."
"Getting here was really hard and it was the first time for Peachtree City to ever get to Williamsport and it's pretty exciting," said Wills Maginnis, Southeast Team.
According to little league, more than 7,000 teams played in tournaments this summer to try and make it to South Williamsport.
"We've trained, we've gone through a lot of tournaments, so we deserve to be here," said Jett Grimmond, Australian Team.
The opening ceremonies are the official kickoff to the 72nd Little League World Series.
Fans enjoy it as much as the players do. Most of these kids tell Newswatch 16 the Little League World Series is something they've been dreaming about their entire lives.
"I was 8 years old. It was the first year I was on the tournament team. It's just been a dream come true ever since then," Mazey said.
"I don't have words to describe that," said Eric Rodriguez, Caribbean Team
"I've watched it on TV every year up until now," Maginnis said.
Four games are scheduled for Thursday.
Get more information about the 72nd Little League World Series in South Williamsport.