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Senior Softball Championships Economic Boon to the County
Annual Senior Softball World Championships
Sponsored by Phoenix Regional Sports Commission and Maricopa County
$30 Million Economic Impact Anticipated
Board of Supervisors Kicks-Off Tournament
A Senior Softball World Championships kick-off press conference will take place Wednesday, Oct. 17, 8:30 AM at the Board of Supervisors Auditorium, 205 W. Jefferson. At the conference, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, proud to sponsor the tournament and welcome the staff, fans, teams and supporters of Senior Softball, will officially kick-off the games. In attendance will be players in their ‘80s from the octogenarian team, international players and local softball hall of famers.
Who’s on first? A hearty player from the annual Senior Softball World Championships, that’s who. Maricopa County has stepped up to the plate to sponsor this year’s tournament, the biggest ever, hosted by the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission (PRSC). Between Oct. 19 and Oct. 28, more than 335 teams will congregate to play at eight softball complexes throughout four cities in Maricopa County. Three divisions of play are determined by age and skill level, including players ranging in age from 40 to 85-plus: October 19 – 21 -- Division 1 ; October 22 – 25 --Division 2 ; October 26 – 28 -- Division 3
Teams are visiting Maricopa County to compete in the World Championships from throughout the United States and Canada, as well from as far away as Japan.
Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox, District 5, says, “Maricopa County is proud to boast the Diamondbacks at Chase Field and we are proud to bring the Senior Softball World Championships to our area. In addition to fun and recreation, the economic impact of this tournament is tremendous.”
It is estimated that more than 9,000 visitors, including the players, family and fans will pass through the Valley of the Sun during the two-week tournament and patronize local hotels, car rentals, restaurants and retail stores. Add souvenir and concession sales for a total anticipated economic impact of $30 million.
Maricopa County is a major sponsor of the tournament this year. The PRSC hopes to host the annual event through 2011 and perhaps even permanently.
Daniel Shlossman of the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission says, “We thank Maricopa County for supporting this event in 2007 as we look to make the Phoenix Region home to the World Championships permanently. As part of our mission, we are focused on increased economic development opportunities throughout Maricopa County via sporting events such as Senior Softball.”
For more information, please contact the PRSC at 602-258-6272 or daniel@phxsports.org or visit www.seniorsoftball.com.
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