Columbus, Georgia selected to host 2019 USA Softball International Cup
OKLAHOMA CITY – USA Softball is excited to announce that the 2019 USA Softball International Cup will be held in Columbus, Ga. July 1-7 at the South Commons Softball Complex. Most notably known for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games for the sport of softball, the Red, White and Blue will return to the city where Team USA claimed Gold in their Olympic debut.
“We’re grateful to the City of Columbus for stepping up to host this premier event and welcoming USA Softball along with some of the top international teams in the world,” said USA Softball Executive Director, Craig Cress. “Returning to Georgia for the 2019 USA Softball International Cup is particularly special for us because of the memories we have from the 1996 Olympic Games. It has been over 20 years since fans in the area have had the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best softball teams in person, which is evident in the enthusiasm and support the city has displayed and we look forward to seeing that passion on display next July.”
With renovations continuing at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, the USA Softball International Cup will be hosted by the City of Columbus with support from USA Softball of Georgia. In addition to free online broadcasts of non-televised games through USASoftball.com, fans will also have the opportunity to catch Team USA in five televised games on the ESPN networks.
“The Sports Council of Columbus, Georgia is elated to host the 2019 USA Softball International Cup,” said Columbus, Georgia Sports Council Executive Director, Merri C. Sherman. “Our beloved South Commons Softball Complex has held many championship games, and we look forward to welcoming teams from all over the world once again! The stadium will be in prime condition for this prestigious event following a fresh update, and both players and spectators will enjoy the many new restaurants and amenities our vibrant city has to offer. To everyone involved – players, coaches, support staff and spectators – I offer the sincere hospitality for which our city has become so well known.”
In what was formerly known as the World Cup of Softball, the 2018 USA Softball International Cup was hosted by USA Softball of Southern California at Bill Barber Park in Irvine, Calif. At the event, USA Red took home Gold after routing Japan, 10-5, in the grand finale. It proved to be a Red, White and Blue affair as USA Blue, the second roster composed of Women’s National Team members, claimed the Bronze Medal.
“USA Softball of Georgia is thankful for USA Softball, the National Governing Body of Softball, for selecting Columbus, Georgia as the host city for the 2019 International Cup,” said USA Softball of Georgia Commissioner, Al Dattolo. “Columbus has been a longtime supporter of USA Softball, and we’re honored to have been selected to host such a prestigious event in our state. We are excited to provide a memorable experience to everyone.”
South Commons Softball Complex is an eight-field complex, which includes a five-field hub with a roundhouse and a three-field fan with stadium, indoor score booths, concessions, and restrooms. USA Softball of Georgia will also be hosting a youth fast pitch event in conjunction with the 2019 USA Softball International Cup. Additional information, including dates, divisions of play and registration, will be announced at a later date. Interested teams should contact USA Softball of Georgia Junior Olympic (JO) Commissioner Ernie Yarbrough at gajocommish@gmail.com.
Tickets, participating teams, live television coverage and a schedule of events for the USA Softball International Cup will be announced at a later date.
Follow along with the USA Softball all year long at USASoftball.com.
About USA Softball
USA Softball is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., and is designated as the National Governing Body (NGB) of Softball in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic Committee. One of the nation’s largest sports organizations, USA Softball sanctions competition through a network of Local Associations, which includes all 50 states and select metro associations, and has grown from a few hundred teams in the early days to over 150,000 teams today, representing a membership of more than 2 million. USA Softball is dedicated to providing people of all ages the opportunity to play the game they love at a variety of levels by offering recreational, league, tournament and competitive play for fast pitch, slow pitch and modified pitch. USA Softball annually conducts thousands of tournaments throughout the country including over 100 National Championships. The USA Softball umpire program is among the nation’s largest and are widely known as the best trained umpires in the game.
As the NGB for the sport of softball, USA Softball is responsible for training, equipping and promoting the six USA Softball National Teams that compete in events such as the Olympics, Pan American Games, World Championships and other international and domestic events. For more information on USA Softball, including its founding and history as the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA), please visit, www.USASoftball.com.
