The five-day tournament begins on Monday and convener Graeme Buttar said the tradition of the tournament was precious.
"Thirty-three players who have competed in this tournament over its 46-year history have gone on to be Black Caps so some of the future members of the national side are likely to feature in the 14 teams competing this year."
New Zealand cricketers who played in the tournament in their younger days included Craig Cumming, Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Neil Broom, Chris Cairns, Stephen Fleming, Lee Germon, Chris Harris, Sir Richard Hadlee, Warren Lees, Brian McKechnie, Nathan McCullum, Ken Rutherford and Jeff Wilson.
Mr Buttar said the event had taken a year of planning and the support from local businesses had also contributed to what he was sure would be a successful tournament.
"Now all we need to organise is the weather. It's been a cold one so far but hopefully that will turn right by next week and we can turn on some decent Central Otago days."
The 14 teams represent the top young year 7 and year 8 cricketers in the South Island, with the Mid-Canterbury side the defending champions.
The teams taking part are North Otago, Dunedin Metro, Otago Country, Buller, Invercargill Metro, Mid-Canterbury, West Coast, Christchurch Black, Christchurch Red, Marlborough, Nelson, South Canterbury, Canterbury Country and Southland Country.
Molyneux Park groundsman Colin Buttar has been spending 12 to 14-hour days making sure the grounds are top standard.
Seven grounds have been prepared - six in the park and one in the Dunstan High School grounds next door.
Preparations involved sowing grass, cutting it, removing weeds, rolling it and mowing it every second day.
"Christmas Day was one of the mowing days, so the work still has to be done regardless of what day it is," Mr Buttar said.
Tournament committee member and Otago Country director of coaching, Andy Sainsbury, said the No 1 ground pitch drew high praise from those involved in the Otago Sparks games on the ground last week.
The tournament will bring masses of visitors into the area, with parents, managers and supporters all part of the entourage, he said.
Former Black Cap Shayne O'Connor, who lives near Clyde, will officially open the tournament tomorrow and play begins on Monday.
Seven matches will be held each day.
The event concludes with a prizegiving on Friday and the announcement of the Otago side, which will be selected during the week.
It will be the third time Alexandra has hosted the event.
The last time was 14 years ago and it also hosted the tournament in the mid-1980s.
Hitting records for six
Tournament by numbers:
Teams : 14.
Grounds: 7.
Players: 180.
Games : 35.
Cricket balls to be used: 70.
Umpires: 14.
Committee members: 9.
Cost to stage: $11,000-$15,000.
Black Caps who have played in the tournament: 33.
Tournament records:
Highest runs by a player: Ian Rutherford (Otago) 432 at 108 ( Nelson 1971).
Most centuries at a tournament: Craig Cumming (South Canterbury), three centuries (Christchurch 1989).
Most wickets in a tournament: Jeff Wilson (Southland) 37 at 7.2 (Ashburton 1987).
Highest average by a player: Craig McMillan (Christchurch) 311 runs at average of 155.5 (Gore 1990).
Highest score in a match: Craig McMillan (Christchurch) 152 runs not out, from 145 balls (Gore 1990).
Most appearances at a tournament as a player: Chris Cairns, 1980-1983 for Otago and 1984 for Christchurch.
Most appearances at a tournament as an administrator: Derek Cockburn (Christchurch ): 44 tournaments.
