The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to partner with the Rockford Park District to welcome the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) 2016 Girl’s 14U Class B National Softball Fastpitch Championships. The tournament takes places Tuesday, July 19 through Saturday, July 23. Games for all events will be played at Mercy Sportscore 1, 100 Elmwood Rd., Rockford, IL. The Opening Ceremonies and Parade of Teams will take place Tuesday, July 19 beginning at 11 a.m. on Diamond 4 at Mercy Sportscore 1.
The anticipated 900 players, coaches and fans in town for the tournament are expected to spend more than $134,275 at area businesses during that week. Teams from throughout the Midwest region, including Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin will compete. Stateline Fury of Roscoe also will compete in the tournament. The tournaments will use a 5-game guarantee format. Teams will then be seeded into pools based on current USSSA rankings. There are 24 teams (approximately 360 players) competing in the tournament.
“The Rockford Park District’s mission is to help people enjoy life by providing quality facilities such as Mercy Sportscore 1, a top nationally recognized facility known for accommodating sports tournaments like softball and various other recreational events which helps grow sports tourism in the region,” said Marianne Larson, Mercy Sportscore 1 Manager. “It’s a thrill to partner with the RACVB to welcome hundreds of visitors to our region for another great tournament week.”
Tickets for spectators are $15 per adult per day or $35 per adult for a tournament pass. For children ages 7-18, tickets are $8 per day or $20 for a tournament pass. Children age 6 and under are free. For a complete tournament schedule, visit the Fastpitch National Championship tab at www.usssa.com.
“For the past 20 years, USSSA tournaments have been a significant contributor to the sports tourism industry in the Rockford Region,” said Lindsay Arellano, Director of Sales and Service at the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Long-term relationships we have built with tournament directors and community partners along with our outstanding area facilities make our region an ideal destination for sports tourism and benefits the entire region.”
About the USSSA: The USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) is a non-profit sports governing body that currently sanctions, creates, and promotes a variety of sports including softball, baseball, and basketball across the US, Puerto Rico, various US Military bases, and Canada with a membership of over 3.7 million.
RACVB exists to drive quality of life and economic growth for the citizens of Rockford and Winnebago County through tourism marketing and destination development. gorockford.com
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