World Cup Of Softball Temporarily Relocated Due To Renovations

For the last 8 years, since the World Cup of Softball's existence, it has been held in Oklahoma City. That changed this year, as the tournament moved to California while the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium undergoes some renovations.

Friday, July 11th 2014, 5:50 pm

By: News 9


For the last 8 years, since the World Cup of Softball's existence, it has been held in Oklahoma City. That changed this year, as the tournament moved to California while the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium undergoes some renovations.

The ASA Hall of Fame Stadium is used to seeing a lot of action. The biggest tournaments in softball have always been held there, but with several construction projects underway, the association decided to temporarily relocate the tournament.

"This is the first year that it hasn't been here in Oklahoma," said Rich Cress, event manager for the ASA/USA Softball National Office. "This is World Cup 9, and we're sad that it's not here." 

There is just an empty field and bleachers as the World Cup of Softball is now being played in Irvine, California until Sunday. The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA), who puts on the event, said its Oklahoma City stadium needed some improvements, like an updated press box and concession stands.

"We just got done completing the new locker room areas and dugouts for our stadium field," said Cress. "Right now, they're putting the finishing touches on an elevator down our third baseline."

The City of Oklahoma City says construction will cost $25 million over the next five years. For now, seven teams from around the world are now facing off in the softball world cup. Not having the game in Oklahoma leaves a void.

"When you don't have an event, of course that hurts, but we're able to kind of off-set that with having them other places," Cress said.

"We miss seeing all the faces and having all the international teams here," said Cress. "So, it is missed, but I know all the folks in California are enjoying it.”

The stadium and fields are still being used while the construction is taking place. Phase two is supposed to start in the next couple months, and in a few weeks, officials should know if Oklahoma City will host the 2015 World Cup of Softball.

All of the work should be completed by May in time for the Women’s College World Series.

USA plays against Japan at 6 p.m. on Friday.
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