News story

All Divisions Head to 2004 Las Vegas Worlds

Nov. 20, 2003 – Jack Sirard contributing writer

LAS VEGAS ˆ The 2004 Senior Softball World Championships are returning to the city where time stands and the site of the largest senior softball tournament in history.

The gambling Mecca in the Nevada desert drew more than 300 teams from across the nation at the 2001 World Championships, a mark that could fall in the next tournament.

"We set a record in Las Vegas in 2001 and we are looking forward to setting a new record when we return to the city in 2004," said Terry Hennessy, chief executive officer of Senior Softball USA.

Hennessy said the tournament will be played on the best fields in the metropolitan area, including the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex in Henderson and the Desert Breeze Softball Complex in Clark County.

"In addition, we are currently negotiating for the city complexes and other sites throughout the Las Vega metropolitan area," Hennessy said.

He added that Senior Softball-USA is working with Las Vegas officials to put on a special event at Cashman Field, the premier baseball stadium in the city.

Here are the dates that players and coaches need to keep in mind:

Men's 50, 70, Men's Master and all Women's Divisions will play from Sept. 23 to Sept. 26, 2004. Men's 65, 75 and 80 Divisions will compete from Sept. 27 to Sept. 30. Men's 55 and 60 Divisions will play Sept. 30 to Oct. 3.

In addition to the World Championships, teams winning the Western and Eastern Nationals will face off for the U.S. National Championships ˆ and a chance to win the Triple Grand Slam of Softball.

Both city and county officials voiced their excitement at seeing the World Championships return to their area.

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Whether it's your first trip or your 20th visit to the city that never sleeps, there's always something new and exciting.

First-time visitors no doubt will want to take in Las Vegas Boulevard or The Strip as it's known worldwide. Billion-dollar hotel and gaming complexes light up the city attracting millions of visitors every year.

The hotels are clearly the big attractions as the Las Vegas skyline includes Paris, Egypt, Rome New York, Venice and San Francisco, to name a few.

The megaresorts truly span the globe and are attractions in themselves.

For instance, The Venetian offers visitors everything from canals and gondolas to stunning architecture and replicas of Venetian landmarks.

Or you may also choose to drop in at the Mandalay Bay, an exotic South Seas getaway that offers luxury without pretense. With its lush, tropical decor and commitment to superlative service, Mandalay Bay provides guests with dining, gaming, and entertainment options galore.

The replica Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is an exact reproduction of one of Europe's most famous landmarks, rendered meticulously at one-half scale.

For reduced airline, car rental and hotel rates, players and coaches should check out www.seniorsoftball.com and click on TRAVEL.

Dropping a few coins in a slot machine is just the beginning of the entertainment options Las Vegas offers.

They don't call this America's Playground for nothing. Ride roller coasters, play some cards, watch a pirate battle unfold before your eyes, spy some dolphins, take a simulator ride through Egypt, bowl, golf, spa, shop, get married, swim, and play, play, play.

The city is host to scores of free attractions ranging from the Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens to Wizard's Arcade.

For those who want to take in some of the best entertainment in the world, there are nightly shows from some of the top names in show business.

Golfers will find plenty of courses to both welcome and challenge them in and around the city. Others may must choose to lounge by the swimming pool at their hotel.

Images of the Rat Pack swilling martinis, showgirls in elaborate headdresses and Elvis impersonators are indelible in the minds of Las Vegas visitors. Today, Las Vegas' entertainment scene still has plenty of the old glamour, but it has evolved to include so much more. In addition to the classic staples, the destination offers a lineup of award-winning magicians, Broadway-caliber productions, world-renowned concert headliners and unique-to-Vegas production shows.

Once known for its all-you-can-eat buffets, Las Vegas has transformed itself into a culinary destination. Dining options include cuisine from every part of the world, with price tags that vary as much as the menus.

Buffets are still popular in Las Vegas. More than 80 percent of Las Vegas visitors indulge in buffets. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the average buffet features about 45 food selections per meal including salads, fruits, roast beef, baked ham, roast turkey, vegetables and a variety of desserts. Many buffets have specialized menus, ranging from seafood and steak to ethnic or exotic delights.