July 22, 2008

Media Contacts:

Eric Marvin (812) 355-7726 or eric@visitbloomington.com

Julie Ramey, (812) 349-3719 or rameyj@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington Welcomes ASA Girls’ 10 and Under

Class A Fast Pitch National Softball Championship

Influx of players and spectators will be noticeable around town, July 29-Aug. 2.

Bloomington, IN – The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Girls’ Class A 10 and Under Fast Pitch National Championship will be held in Bloomington, July 29 - Aug. 2. The event comes to the Bloomington area as a result of a long-standing partnership between the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

 "The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to be partnering with the CVB to host this national championship event,” said Mick Renneisen, Director of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department.  “This will be the 16th national softball tournament we have hosted since Twin Lakes was constructed in 1992. These events contribute significantly to the local economy and also allow local teams to participate in national events in their home community. Over $12 million in economic impact has been generated by these events over the past 16 years. We're honored to be hosting USA/ASA national events and are proud of our 15 previous ASA National Awards of Excellence for hosting one of the best national championships in the country. We certainly couldn't achieve these results without our outstanding partnership with the Bloomington/Monroe County CVB. We look forward to our continued relationship with the CVB in attracting future softball and other events that contribute to the local economy and the quality of life in Bloomington."

This year’s event will bring approximately 35 teams to the area, plus coaches, family members and spectators, filling many of Bloomington’s hotels to capacity.  In all, nearly 2,000 visitors will be in the area for the five-day event, with 650 of those being actual participants in the tournament.  The economic impact of this event to Bloomington and the surrounding area is estimated to be $1,300,000, which will be a welcome boost for area hotels, attractions, restaurants, retail outlets and other businesses. Participants will have some free time to explore the Bloomington area during the tournament and local restaurants may want to note that they could see an increase in large groups coming in throughout the course of the tournament.

According to Eric Marvin, Director of Sports Development for the Hoosier Sports Corporation, the sports marketing arm of the CVB, “this year’s tournament is similar to those we have hosted in the past, bringing teams to the area from around the country.  These girls and their coaches and families will be visible throughout the week at area restaurants, gas stations, retail outlets and attractions, so the entire community will feel the impact of this event.”

The event will kick off with opening ceremonies at 5 pm on Tuesday, July 29 at Indiana University's Assembly Hall. The first round of pool play begins at 8 am on Wednesday.  The event, a double elimination tournament, will begin with games being played at the Twin Lakes Sports Park and Winslow Sports Complex, and will eventually conclude with all finalists playing at Twin Lakes Sports Park.

Single day tickets and tournament passes are available to the public. Tickets are $7 per day for adults and $4 per day for youth or seniors. Tournament passes are $20 for adults and $10 for youth or seniors. Children under five years old are admitted free. Contact the Bloomington Parks and Recreation office at 812-349-3700 for additional information.

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