THE BIG EVENT - WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sept. 1, 2013

Excitement Builds for World Masters in Vegas

Softball News Report

LAS VEGAS – The largest senior softball tournament in the world is expected to blossom into an even larger event here this fall.

The joint Las Vegas Senior Softball Association and Senior Softball-USA World Masters Championships is on track to set another record in 2013.

Last year, 446 teams from 36 states (including Alaska and Hawaii), from three Canadian provinces, Guam, Germany and Japan competed in Senior Softball’s largest tournament ever.

This year WMC officials are estimating close to 500 teams will flock to this gambling mecca.

The 500 teams in the World Masters Championships(WMC) translate into 15,000 people who will infuse $22 million into the economy.

The numbers are remarkable: 1,600 games over the 10-day event, with 80 umpires, 60 directors, and more than 100 other volunteers and vendors

“It is our pleasure to welcome the more than 400 teams that will make the trip to the Las Vegas to compete in the Senior Softball World Masters Tournament,” said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events.

“We hope that all of the participants and fans have a great experience at the ballparks and enjoy everything that Las Vegas has to offer.”

Las Vegas Events, the Title Sponsor of the 2013 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 several National Hall of Fame inductions, a benefit Wounded Warriors game, several USA National Games and a chance for teams in 35 divisions to win the largest senior tournament ever.

In addition, the top award given by SSUSA annually, the Team Sportsmanship Award, will be presented to Hannington 55s of Massachusetts during Opening Ceremonies on Sept. 27 at Big League Dreams.

Teams qualified for the WMC by playing in one of the 60 SSUSA qualifiers and regional championships.

The tournament is administered by SSUSA, with LVSSA supplying many of the field directors and helping secure and maintain the 10 softball facilities and 35 fields used in the tournament throughout Las Vegas, Henderson and Clark County.