Bloomington Selected to Host Top-Ranked National Softball Tournament in 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2010

For more information contact, please contact:
Mick Renneisen, Director, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, 327.6121, renneism@bloomington.in.gov
Mike McAfee, Executive Director, Bloomington/Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 355.7720, mike@visitbloomington.com
Jared Schlemmer, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3406, schlemmj@bloomington.in.gov


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Bloomington, IN - Mayor Mark Kruzan has announced that an ongoing partnership between the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has resulted in Bloomington being selected to host one of the most coveted national softball tournaments in the country in 2012.

During its annual Council Meeting in Shreveport, La., the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced the host sites for the 2012 national championship season. Bloomington will host the USA/ASA Girls' 10-Under Class A Fast Pitch National Championship from July 30-Aug. 5, 2012. Approximately 50 teams are expected to participate.

"We are excited to be hosting the 10-under girls' national tournament once again," said Mike McAfee, Executive Director of the CVB. "With this age group, more family members tend to travel with the teams, and the economic impact for Bloomington is much greater."

Kruzan pointed out the significant economic impact these tournaments bring to the community.

"It's rewarding to see investments the community has made in itself pay off in such a consistent and tangible way by bringing dollars and recognition to the community," Kruzan said.

In July 2010, Bloomington hosted the Girls' 12-Under Class A Fast Pitch National. A record 101 teams from 19 different states came to Bloomington to compete during the tournament week, resulting in an economic impact [image:7930,right]of about $1.2 million.

Parks and Recreation Director Mick Renneisen said he believes the City's partnership with the CVB and the local hospitality industry is crucial in bringing events like national softball tournaments to Bloomington.

"Since 1993, when we hosted our first ASA tournament, softball tournaments have brought economic impact in the neighborhood of $20 million to our community," Renneisen said. "Events like these provide a boost to our local economy, and allow young athletes from local teams a chance to compete on a national stage."

The ASA, also at the annual Council Meeting, presented Bloomington with a Jim Farrell Award of Excellence for hosting one of the highest-rated ASA national tournaments in the country in 2010. To attain the James Farrell Award of Excellence, cities must do an outstanding job of hosting ASA national championship tournaments. The host city must attain a percentile of 95 percent in each of the evaluation categories of ASA representative, umpire-in-chief and national office. Renneisen was also recognized by the ASA at the meeting for his 20 years of service to the organization.

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