Gulfport Sportsplex Hosts United States Fast Pitch Southern National Championship
Softball teams from all over the country have gathered in Gulfport to compete for the United States Fast Pitch Southern National Championship. The money the tournament brings to the Coast is the real home run.
News 25’s Kendra Turley has our report.
The Wardell family is from Texas. They always drive through Gulfport but this time, they stopped to play ball. Evan Wardell said, “We’ve been through here to go to Florida, but yeah, this is our first time here.”
Their daughter, Kaylin, plays softball for the Houston Lightning. “The kids, despite the heat, are doing a great job and having a lot of fun and it’s just a great time all around,” said Evan Wardell.
USFA Vice President Jeff Strode enjoys hosting this tournament in Gulfport because of the wide variety of nearby attractions. “The teams from the northern areas and Indiana and Oklahoma and Texas, they get to come down to the beach and see the Gulf Coast and the moms and dads love the casinos.”
This tournament consists of six different age groups and more than 130 teams from over 10 states. One thing that remained consistent among coaches, players and parents was the love of being on the Coast. Crystal Wardell said, “We’re looking forward to playing sand volleyball later today and then hopefully get out to some of the casinos at night.”
Gulfport Sportsplex Manager Rusty Ramage tells News 25 the tournament isn’t just great business for his facility, but for the entire Gulf Coast. “You’re looking at almost 3 to 4 thousand visitors, which equates to approximately a 3 million dollar economic impact.”
The Wardell’s, along with many others, plan to return to the Gulf soon, this time without the equipment. “Nice easy drive, beautiful beaches, great location. I think we’ll definitely be back,” said Crystal Wardell.
Tournament play starts tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Daily tickets are $7.
News 25’s Kendra Turley has our report.
The Wardell family is from Texas. They always drive through Gulfport but this time, they stopped to play ball. Evan Wardell said, “We’ve been through here to go to Florida, but yeah, this is our first time here.”
Their daughter, Kaylin, plays softball for the Houston Lightning. “The kids, despite the heat, are doing a great job and having a lot of fun and it’s just a great time all around,” said Evan Wardell.
USFA Vice President Jeff Strode enjoys hosting this tournament in Gulfport because of the wide variety of nearby attractions. “The teams from the northern areas and Indiana and Oklahoma and Texas, they get to come down to the beach and see the Gulf Coast and the moms and dads love the casinos.”
This tournament consists of six different age groups and more than 130 teams from over 10 states. One thing that remained consistent among coaches, players and parents was the love of being on the Coast. Crystal Wardell said, “We’re looking forward to playing sand volleyball later today and then hopefully get out to some of the casinos at night.”
Gulfport Sportsplex Manager Rusty Ramage tells News 25 the tournament isn’t just great business for his facility, but for the entire Gulf Coast. “You’re looking at almost 3 to 4 thousand visitors, which equates to approximately a 3 million dollar economic impact.”
The Wardell’s, along with many others, plan to return to the Gulf soon, this time without the equipment. “Nice easy drive, beautiful beaches, great location. I think we’ll definitely be back,” said Crystal Wardell.
Tournament play starts tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Daily tickets are $7.
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