| Here’s your chance to soak up the sun and watch some of the best women softball players in the world battle it out. The University of Southern Florida’s Under Armour Invitational and Showcase are rapidly arriving. These division/softball tournaments are the largest held east of the Mississippi River.
The USF Bulls will welcome the 2008 USA Softball Women’s National Team’s on their “Bound 4 Beijing” Tour. USF is one of 42 stops across the country for the National Team, who will compete in more than 60 games before traveling to Beijing in August to defend its three gold-medals.
“We are very excited to once again host the best team in the world,” USF head coach Ken Eriksen said. “They have chosen the tournament we put on in conjunction with the city of Clearwater and Under Armour because it has provided them with a great opportunity to prepare for the 2008 Beijing Games.”
When: The USF Under Armour Invitational (which includes the USA’s National Team) will run from March 6-9; the USF Under Armour Showcase Tournament will run from March 14-16. USF will play the National Team on March 8 at 6:30 p.m. The National Team will play in five other games in Clearwater and will only play Thursday through Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The National team will face Baylor and Coastal Carolina on March 6, Missouri and Hofstra on March 7 and the Bulls and NC State on March 8.
Where: The tournaments will be held atthenational and state award winning Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater. It features 9 fields at 3 locations on Drew Street, all linked by the East-West Trail. The complex has soft toss areas for pre-game warm ups, and fields 8 and 9 are state-of-the-art training facilities – they come complete with covered batting tunnels. You’ll be comfortable; the complex has picnic areas, shelters, benches, concession stands, and restrooms.
While you’re in Clearwater:
Check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Observe the rehabilitation of dolphins, otters and sea turtles, stroke stingrays at Stingray beach, or – coolest of all – sign up for their Marine Life Adventure, where you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime interactive marine experience.
Sightsee and fulfill your need for speed on the Sea Screamer: Your knowledgeable hosts on this one of a kind, 73-foot speedboat will whisk you away on a sightseeing tour, where you’ll search for dolphins. Afterwards, you’ll crank up the motor for an exhilarating ride through the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Celebrate the sunset at Pier 60. These nightly festivals include music, crafts, and street performers.
Here’s more USF Series information, including tournament updates, ticket sales, teams, and directions. |
