RECORD TURNOUT EXPECTED IN VEGAS: HISTORIC TOURNAMENT FEATURES HALL OF FAMERS, INTERNATIONAL PLAY

Sept. 1, 2012

LAS VEGAS – The joint Las Vegas Senior Softball Association (LVSSA) and Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) World Masters Championships is on track to become the largest tournament in the history of the sport.

The World Masters Championships (WMC) is expected to draw 400 to 450 teams to Las Vegas from Sept. 28 – Oct. 7, 2012. Teams are already registered from Japan, Germany, Guam, Canada, as well as throughout America.

“We believe this will be the largest and best tournament in Senior Softball,” said George Fernandes, President of LVSSA.

“This merger draws the best from both organizations – so it will be great for players,” said Terry Hennessy, chief executive officer of Senior Softball-USA.

The LVSSA-SSUSA partners say they were very happy with the first joint tournament this spring: the Southwest Championships, which drew 112 teams.

“The tournament was a great success,” said Hennessy, “with our two staffs working together seamlessly.”

Las Vegas Events, the Title Sponsor of the 2012 World Masters Championships, has been instrumental in providing the necessary support to create the largest senior softball tournament in the world.

The WMC will feature the Fifth Annual International Joiful Tournament, seven National Hall of Fame inductions, a special reception for women’s and international teams, a benefit Wounded Warriors game, several USA National Games and a chance for teams in 35 divisions to win the largest senior tournament ever.

Senior Softball World Masters Championships Calendar of Events

Thursday, Sept. 27:

1-4 pm at Big League Dreams

5th Annual Joiful Tournament

The first day of a special International Tournament. This year four Women’s teams are competing from Japan, Canada and the United States. The Joiful Tournament uses a special ball safety ball from Japan.

5-7 pm at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel

Manager Registration

Managers for the Men’s 55 and 60 Division, and Women’s 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 Divisions register and receive their programs and schedules anytime between 5-7 pm at the Headquarters Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel.

7 pm at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel

Managers Meeting

Managers for the Men’s 55 and 60 Division, and Women’s 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 Divisions meet at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel. Managers will meet the directors of fields, review changes in schedules, hear details of awards, special events of the tournament and will be eligible to win prizes during drawings. PLEASE NOTE THAT ROSTERS ARE FROZEN AT THE MANAGER’S MEETING.

Friday, Sept. 28:

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields the Games Begin

Seeding games for the World Championships begin at all fields. Players register before the first game. Some bracket games may be played in some divisions. National Games are scheduled to be played in the 55 Major-Plus, 55 Major, 55AAA, 60 Major-Plus, 60 Major, 60 AAA, 60 AA, Women’s 50 and Women’s 55 Divisions.

9 am- Noon at Big League Dreams

5th Annual Joiful Tournament

The final day of the special International Joiful Tournament in the Women’s Division.

Noon-1 pm at Big League Dreams

Opening Ceremonies

There will be a Parade of Players, National Anthem, Color Guard and Joiful Tournament winners receive awards. In addition, Connie Stewart and Thomas Tudor will be inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame.

7 pm

International and Women’s Teams Reception

Reception for women’s teams, Joiful Tournament competitors and International players.

Saturday, Sept. 29

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields the Games Begin

Elimination games played at all fields throughout the day.

Sunday, Sept. 30 :

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields - Awards Presented

Today is the culmination of play for the 55 and 60 Men’s Division, and 50-70 Women’s Divisions. Awards will be presented in ceremonies on the field after each of the Championship Games.

5-7 pm at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel

Manager Registration

Managers for the Men’s 65, 70, 75 and 80 Divisions register and receive their programs and schedules anytime between 5-7 pm at the Headquarters Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel.

7 pm at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel

Managers Meeting

Managers for the Men’s 65, 70, 75 and 80 Divisions meet at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel. Managers will meet the directors of fields, review changes in schedules, hear details of awards, special events of the tournament and will be eligible to win prizes during drawings. PLEASE NOTE THAT ROSTERS ARE FROZEN AT THE MANAGER’S MEETING.

Monday, Oct. 1

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields the Games Begin

Seeding games begin at all fields. Players register before the first game. US National Games are scheduled to be played for the 65 Major-Plus, 65AAA, 65AA, 70 Major-Plus, 70 Major, 70AAA, 75 Major, 75AAA, and 80 Major Divisions.

Noon-1 pm at Big League Dreams

Opening Ceremonies

There will be a Parade of Players, singing of God Bless America and five Hall of Fame Inductions: Daniel Ayala, Ray Burr, Ray Petty, Charles Sarver, and Robert Conrad. In addition the special Steve Simmons Sportsmanship Award will be presented to the team best representing sportsmanship in 2012.

Tuesday, Oct. 2

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields - Games

Seeding and Elimination games played at all fields throughout the day.

Wednesday, Oct. 3

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields - Games

Elimination games played at all fields throughout the day.

Thursday, Oct. 4

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields - Awards Presented

Today is the culmination of play for the 65, 70, 75 and 80 Men’s Divisions. Awards will be presented in ceremonies on the field after each of the Championship Games.

5-7 pm at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel

Manager Registration

Managers for the Men’s 40 and 50 Divisions, and the Women’s 40 Division register and receive their programs and schedules anytime between 5-7 pm at the Headquarters Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel.

7 pm at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel

Managers Meeting

Managers for the Men’s 40 and 50 Divisions, and the Women’s 40 Division meet at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel. Managers will meet the directors of fields, review changes in schedules, hear details of awards, special events of the tournament and will be eligible to win prizes during drawings. PLEASE NOTE THAT ROSTERS ARE FROZEN AT THE MANAGER’S MEETING.

Friday, Oct. 5

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields the Games Begin

Seeding games begin at all fields. Players register before the first game. Some bracket games will be played in some divisions. National Games are scheduled to be played for the 50 Major and 50AAA Divisions.

Noon-1 pm at Big League Dreams

Opening Ceremonies

There will be a Parade of Players, singing of the National Anthem and awards.

Saturday, Oct. 6

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields the Games Begin

Elimination games played at all fields throughout the day.

Sunday, Oct. 7

Tournament Office and Store open from 8 am – 5 pm at Boulder Station Casino and Hotel

8 am at all fields - Awards Presented

Today is the culmination of play for the Men’s 40 and 50 Divisions and the Women’s 40 Division. Awards will be presented in ceremonies on the field after each of the Championship Games.