(BLOOMINGTON) – The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and Visit Bloomington are partnering to host a national softball tournament in Bloomington this week.
The USA Softball Girls’ Class B 16-Under Fastpitch Northern National Championships are July 26-28 at Twin Lakes Sports Park, 2350 W. Bloomfield Rd. in Bloomington.
Twenty-five teams representing six different states begin the tournament with pool play at 8 a.m. July 26. Tournament play will end with the championship game scheduled for 2:30 p.m. July 28 at Twin Lakes Sports Park.
Pete Nelson, Sports Sales Manager for Visit Bloomington, said the staff at Visit Bloomington is preparing to welcome more than 1,000 softball players and spectators to town. “We are looking for this tournament to have an overall economic impact of more than a half-million dollars in Bloomington and Monroe County,” Nelson said, focused on the hospitality, restaurant, and retail sectors.
Tournament director John Turnbull, sports division director for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, said, “This is our Department’s 32nd national softball tournament since Twin Lakes Sports Park was built in 1992. Bloomington is able to bring tournaments like this one to town because we have excellent facilities and a first-rate staff that knows how to run first-class tournaments. We are proud of our ability to attract these events to our community for the benefit of the local economy.”
The sole Indiana team that qualified to compete in this prestigious national tournament is the Indiana Matrix from Evansville.
“It’s an honor to get to welcome all of the athletes, families, and fans to Bloomington for another fastpitch tournament this summer,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “In between games, explore this city we love! Take a hike at Lake Griffy, wander through the Farmers’ Market, and take in a performance or an art show. Oh, and Bloomington folks, here’s our chance to check out some excellent softball competition! Best of luck to all the teams!”
All spectators are welcome to attend the tournament. Daily admission to games is $6 for adults and $3 for youth ages 17 years and younger.
To see a complete list of competing teams, or to track game scores during the tournament, visit the national tournament website at bloomingtonnationals.com. Game scores, photos, and tournament information will be updated live on Facebook at Bloomington National Softball Tournament.
