Softball participation continues to be on the rise in the U.S., with at least 9.2 million Americans taking to the fastpitch or slowpitch diamonds, according to the most recent research by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
Based on year-end 2024 SFIA data, slowpitch participation rose 5.6 percent from the year before, up to 6.7 million players. Fastpitch softball participation also continues to gain in popularity; at year-end 2024, there were about 2.5 million players, up 7.6 percent from a year earlier, and up 11.4 percent over the last five years.
Importantly, total play occasions for both versions also increased in 2024: up 2.6 percent for fastpitch and up 3.6 percent for slowpitch. All this is good news for locations such as these, offering key facilities for softball tournaments and events.
Pecos, Texas
In West Texas, the place for softball can be found on the synthetic turf fields at Cyclone Ballparks in Pecos, which offers eight full diamonds and three multi-use fields that also can be pressed into service, for a total of 11 diamonds. All field configurations can be flexible to accommodate play for all ages, using portable mounds, bases and fencing.
Fields have dugouts and bullpens for the players, and protective L-screens are available. There is bleacher seating behind the backstops, and space also is available for canopies and lawn chairs at each field. Stadium lighting surrounds all fields, and the venue is expanding its streaming capabilities throughout. There also are practice areas and batting cages.
“Softball has been growing in popularity, especially here in Texas,” says Thomas Ward, general manager of Cyclone Ballparks, which is fully supported by the Pecos municipal government. “We have a beautiful facility and our goal is to provide a professional experience for tournament owners, teams and their families and fans.”
Ward says Cyclone Ballparks staff works with event rights holders to provide support as needed, including applicable discounts at restaurants, hotels and attractions, along with marketing help. Onsite, there’s a splash pad and playground for families.
The Town of Pecos is the home of the world’s first rodeo at Buck Jackson Arena, along with the Rodeo Hall of Fame and the West of the Pecos Museum. The town also has excellent authentic restaurants. Within 90 minutes are Carlsbad Caverns, Monahans Sandhills State Park, Balmorhea State Park and more.
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Nestled in the heart of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Key City Park offers opportunities for fastpitch and slowpitch tournaments on its diamonds.
“We can support up to 10 youth-size fastpitch softball fields,” says General Manager Ryan Kennard. “High school and college fastpitch can have up to nine fields while slowpitch softball has up to two full-size fields.” The facility can set up temporary fencing so fields can be configured as needed. Upcoming events include USA Softball, Bullett Softball, Fastpitch America Softball Association (FASA) events and Top Flight tournaments, all of which bring from 30 to 80 teams at each event.
Each field has dugouts and bleachers, with some shade provided for bleacher seating. For spectator and player comfort, Key City Park staff sets up water coolers at each field and keeps them filled throughout the day. Other amenities include misters and four food and beverage locations. There’s also a miniature golf course.
“Our goal is to provide event organizers with a detailed layout of how they can successfully come to Vicksburg annually,” Kennard says. “Reoccurring tournaments are what we strive for. As general manager, I also work with event organizers as the tournament director, so they have one main point of contact for tournament signup and onsite during their event.”
In addition, the Vicksburg CVB helps event organizers with local connections, sponsors, hotel needs, marketing and grants.
Off the field, Vicksburg National Military Park is one of the most popular military parks in the country. There also are several museums, including the Coca-Cola Museum, home of the first-ever bottled Coke.
Mobile, Alabama
“We’re seeing big growth in fastpitch softball here,” says Danny Corte of the Mobile Sports Authority. “In the last few years, we’ve been transitioning to more fastpitch. Our facilities have been upgraded for more fastpitch softball and youth baseball.”
At West Mobile County Park, all eight lighted grass fields are used for the faster game, with skinned infields and 225-foot fences. The facility also has seating for 500, concessions, restrooms, picnic tables and a playground. West Mobile hosted the U.S. Fastpitch Association Southern National Tournament, with 36 teams, and Corte says Mobile Sports Authority is looking to do more with USFA in the future.
The Land–Saraland Sports & Recreation Complex is a new facility owned by the City of Saraland, just north of Mobile, and currently offers five artificial turf diamonds, with three more slated to open in 2026, and plenty of parking. Seven of the eight fields will be 225 feet long, with one at 350 feet, and all will be lighted. Other facilities include Herndon-Sage Park, with two fastpitch diamonds, and Medal of Honor Park, with slowpitch diamonds, both with rest rooms, locker rooms and concessions.
Corte says the MSA helps events logistically, with marketing, local discounts and other incentives, and may be able to help financially, too.
“We have the staff at our locations to make sure tournaments go well, and facilities are in top-notch shape,” he adds.
The historic port city of Mobile is on the Gulf Coast in southwest Alabama, with a semitropical climate, so outdoor events run throughout the year.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Softball in Panama City Beach, Florida has some stiff competition for players’ attention, namely the 27 miles of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, along with numerous attractions.
For softball tournaments and events, Panama City Beach’s Publix Sports Park offers multi-purpose turf fields that can be converted to 13 youth diamonds or five adult diamonds, with three new 225-foot turf diamonds that opened this year.
All fields feature LED lighting and digital scoreboards, and there also are covered dugouts and shaded spectator areas. The sports park has three concessions areas, team warm-up areas and an onsite vendor plaza, along with seven batting cages and streaming cameras.
Frank Brown Park has nine softball/baseball diamonds, batting cages, LED lighting on all fields, concession stands and picnic areas. There’s also a playground, walking trails, fishing pond and an aquatic center.
Among the softball events Panama City Beach’s has hosted recently is the 2025 USFA World Series (Girls’ Fastpitch), which brought in 349 teams and 15,000 visitors. The USFA Boo at the Beach in October brings in nearly 75 teams and 900 players, while the World Sports League (WSL) Softball World Championships in September attracts about 450 teams. Top-ranked college programs turn out for the annual JUCO Softball Showdown.
“We take pride in welcoming softball events of all levels,” says Chris O’Brien, vice president of sports marketing for Visit Panama City Beach. “We’re committed to providing top-tier facilities and unmatched hospitality. Plus, we work hand-in-hand with tournament organizers, coaches and governing bodies to create a seamless experience.”
Pinellas Park, Florida
Opening in spring 2026 to host tournaments and events will be Sprowls Horizon Sports Park in Pinellas Park, Florida, in the heart of baseball’s spring training venues and central to Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Bradenton.
The Sports Park will feature six turf diamonds for softball for all ages. All fields are uniquely designed and modeled after MLB spring training venues in Florida, featuring spectator seating, batting cages, pro shops, concession areas, community plazas and playgrounds.
“Sprowls Horizon Sports Park is redefining the softball experience for players, fans and event organizers,” says Joe DeRing, V.P. of venue management. “Our complex will feature premier turf fields, high-quality food and beverage options, park-wide streaming and multimedia capabilities and a central plaza designed for fans to gather. We’re thrilled to unveil this beautiful park, and we’re confident teams, coaches and families from across the country will truly enjoy their time here.”
The facility is convenient to two international airports, major highways, world-class beaches, vibrant cultural offerings and fun family activities, and Pinellas County boasts miles of beaches. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater’s Sports Commission offers financial support to offset costs, assists with hotel accommodations, provides marketing support and supplies promotional items for fans and participants to enhance the experience.
Starkville, Mississippi
The Cornerstone Sports Complex in Starkville, Mississippi offers 12 softball/baseball diamonds arranged in three quads, along with two tee-ball fields. All fields have artificial turf infields with natural grass outfields and outfield fences at 225 feet.
For fans, each field has a covered seating area, bleachers and chair-back, stadium-style seats and plenty of space for families to bring their own chairs for viewing. The facility also has dugouts and multiple batting cages. The main concessions area is in the center of the complex, with an adjoining playground, but each quad also has concessions available via food trucks, as well as restroom facilities.
Other amenities include pavilions, a walking track, and a plaza with stage and livestreaming services. Among softball events that have been hosted at Cornerstone are USFA and USA Softball tournaments, Dizzy Dean Softball and Diamond Legacy events.
The Sportsplex in Starkville has eight softball diamonds arranged in two quads. All fields are natural grass with dirt infields. There is a concession stand, playground and walking track, and each quad has restroom facilities. The Sportsplex has been a host location for adult softball, college practices, Mississippi State University Softball Camps and more.
“We host a lot of state softball tournaments, along with events that see teams coming in from other states,” says Paige Hunt with Visit Starkville. “We’ve hosted a Premier Girls Fastpitch tournament and have also co-hosted team camps with MSU’s softball team in which coaches and players worked with travel teams for player development. Plus, we host a regional high school softball fall league.”
Central Florida
“Since Visit Central Florida Sports’ inception more than 25 years ago, softball has been at the core of our mission,” says Mark Jackson, executive director of Visit Central Florida. “Our goal is to bring top-notch teams and competitions to Polk County’s championship quality fields.”
Those top facilities include, for fastpitch, the Bartow Softball Complex, which offers eight fields, eight batting cages, 16 bullpen mounds and collegiate-size dugouts. Bartow is host of The Spring Games collegiate softball event, USA Softball Junior Olympic Cup, U.S. Fastpitch and National Softball Association tournaments.
The Diamondplex Softball Complex, also geared to fastpitch, has renovations planned into 2026, but offers five diamonds, two batting cages, and top-notch concessions. It also hosts college tournaments as well as USFA and NSA events.
Chris Bellotto Field, where the USA Softball Women’s National Team has trained, is home to Florida Southern College’s DII softball team, and is ideal for hosting championship games.
Other facilities include Auburndale Softball Complex, Walker Road Park, Loyce Harpe Park and Christina Park among others, allowing Polk County to host events that need more than 35+ fastpitch fields.
Slowpitch facilities include Auburndale Softball Complex, Diamondplex, Walker Road Park, Loyce Harpe Park and Southwest Park, among others, which combine to offer more than 25 appropriately sized diamonds in Polk County. The area hosts the Senior Softball USA Tournament of Champions (the event’s 20th anniversary is in 2026), SSUSA Spring Nationals and 15+ Florida Half Century Events.
VCF Sports helps operators by coordinating with Parks and Recreation facilities for scheduling. There also are sponsorship programs available, as well as in-person activations to ensure that the experience for the players and fans is top notch. SDM
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