Stupid Question - USSSA World Series

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I know it is said that the only stupid question is one not asked, so here goes...

Our organization has not yet attended a USSSA World Series. We earned berths last year and frankly were not prepared to attend. This year, we are planning on attending and hopefully will earn a berth. I have inquired the USSSA web site and other sources but have not received any answers.

My main question is, the 16U WS in Columbus, IN, lists the dates from 7/26 to 8/1. Does this mean the girls will be playing games all week? If this is the case, we will have to make plans because not all the parents will be able to take vacations that week.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

- Todd Hopf OUTCASTfastpitch 16U

 

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If you make it to the finals you'll be playing everyday - usually 1-2 games a day as long as you stay in the winners bracket.

 

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Last year at 12u in Disney we played everyday but 1 unitl we were knocked out after opening ceremonies. Some teams had to play that day also but we did not.

 

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Those dates seem to be correct, it takes a long time to get that many games in (# of teams).

Prepare worst case!
Large events like this are always subject to change (this years economy may impact # of teams that can make arrangements for trips like these)

You may also hit up the Chamber of Commerce from Columbus, IN etc. An event like this fills many hotel rooms etc, so they are most likely aware and can probably assist in some info on hotel costs, other items while you visit. Be prepared for alot of time btw games, and what you're team may do during these periods!

 

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Last year we arrived Sunday night expecting to play Monday morning.
Our first game was Tuesday Night at around 8:00 pm.
Our next game was something like 8:00 am Wednesday morning.
After that, no games again until Thursday night at around 8:00 pm etc.

We had a "LOT" of dead down time and not much to do in that area. A few malls, a movie theater, some restaurants, etc. Our hotel was about $118.00 a night which we had for 6 days plus food,gas, entertainment, etc.

After the final game my parents asked me directly if we could go somewhere else next season. We are going to the All-Sanctioned World Series in Columbus, Ohio instead. Same amount of games but only 3 days of hotel and food, etc.

The fields in Columbus, Indiana were very nice but thats all we liked about it to be honest.

I am sure many teams loved it, but it was a whole lot of money for a little bit of softball stretched out over a whole week.

 

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If these experienced teams could choose between Orlando USSSA World Series vs USFA World Series in Panama City FL, which would you choose?

 

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The real answer is that in Florida.. the CVB's want teams to have a day off to go spend money at Disney World or the beach, etc... this is why they bidded on the tournament and money was given to the association to bring their event to their city.

I run into it all the time in bidding out the 14u Nationals and 10u Nationals.

They wanted me to give the teams at least one day where they wasn't playing at all to go see the sites (Cincinnati: Kings Island, Waterpark, Reds, Zoo, etc....) and of course spend money.

In Springfield, IL for the 14u, it's about playing ball. We are trying to make sure teams are moved around each day ( morning/ early afternoon games one day and afternoon/evening games the next day)... There is no off day. We play 2 games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... and Friday begins the eliminations into Saturday. Now figure rain, of course... but if it doesn't (knocking on wood).. you gonna play 9 games. Be prepared to play. You came to play. Be prepared to play.

You got the morning and some days the evenings to spend money in their city. They had no problem with it. Illinois teams are calling left and right looking for qualifiers in Illinois and Missouri (Columbia) and it has an "A" and "B" divsion as well.

 

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USFA World Series in Panama City FL

 

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Have never played at the USSSA but can tell you from experience the fields in panama city were like playing in a cats litter box, i was afraid our pitcher was gona hit ground water she dug such a deep hole

 

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And to add: The reason they liked that theory in Springfield, IL... was that you came to play ball... not be aggrevated by long waiting times between games, etc...

Like on Monday, let's say the "A" plays the morning/early afternoon shift. On Tuesday the "A" plays the late afternoon/evening shift. Now, that gave the "A" teams Monday evening and Tuesday morning to relax.. enjoy the historical sites in Springfield and the Land of Lincoln, etc... but not have an off day from playing AND the teams were not stuck at the PARK awaiting their next game.

 

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We played last year at Columbus. The games are spread out way too much. Luckily, we are from Indiana, and only had to drive. But still, we couldn't wait for it to end. Fields are very good. There are a few malls, and resturants. They had a skills competition, and nice opening ceremonies. But the bracket board wasn't kept up, and caused some confusion. I think that it would be a very nice WS if they would limit it to 3 days, maybe have final game on the morning of day 4. They do have some nice hotels...

 

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Having worked three NSA World Series, I see both sides of the equation like the OQM. The CVB wants the teams to stay as many nights as possible since that lets them solicit different sponsors, pay out bid fees, etc. The coachs, players, and the directors would like to get it in with it being fair to all involved.

Understand that teams want large numbers of gauranteed games like 4-5-6. To play all of these in brackets with 60-100 teams takes a lot of time since most diamond slots are scheduled between 90-105 minutes (1:30-1:45). 8 AM starts and only 7-9 game slots make for some very long days. Then when you get into an elimination format, it slows to a crawl again while brackets catch up, mainly the losers bracket. And this was with a 31 field facility like Berliner Park here in Columbus, OH. Can you imagine a 12 field complex with 100 plus teams and a 5-6 GG?

 

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Our teams have played at columbus IN for years great fields and the games are ON TIME.
unlike some other cincy parks
We have also been to the USFA in Panama great for the vacation part of traveling,
softball was pretty good
Disney is all about the money period
We went once and I believe unless you want the experience of playing in FL and the vacation Columbus IN will suit you just fine.

 

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I sent you a pm with the state directors number,she runs the tournaments in Columbus and does a great job.

 

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We went to Orlando USSSA last year and the families all had a blast. The pool play games were played on baseball fields. (Sliding on grass is different.) The fields for the tournament games were great. The big thing about Florida is it rains every afternoon. We played in a driving rain. With the time limit and wiping the ball off or changing balls every pitch, I think we got in three innings one game.
The umpiring and tournament organization were very good.

 

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Our teams have played at columbus IN for years great fields and the games are ON TIME.
unlike some other cincy parks
We have also been to the USFA in Panama great for the vacation part of traveling,
softball was pretty good
Disney is all about the money period
We went once and I believe unless you want the experience of playing in FL and the vacation Columbus IN will suit you just fine.

I will say all's good in Columbus, IN. We played in at 7GG "JAM" and the teams were all top notch and as aforementioned well ran. Even with some goofy weather on Friday night into Saturday a.m. they had the fields fully going "waaaayy" before we could have imagined.

Another fact about Lincoln Park in Columbus is the shaded area for teams/families to hang out, grill out, and chill. IMO, this takes a ball park's ranking up many notches and helps differentiate itself.

 

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I sent you a pm with the state directors number,she runs the tournaments in Columbus and does a great job.

Thank you for the number!

Thanks everyone for their responses. As a second year team now, we had not had the WS experience. It sounds like plan on taking a week vacation and paying for a room!!!

Thanks again!