42nd Annual Gay Softball World Series Arrives in Tampa Bay
Over 3,200 players, 190+ LGBTQ Softball Teams from 45 Cities Across North America Compete in Tournament that Expects to Draw More than 5,000 Athletes, Coaches and Fans
TAMPA, FL - For the first-time ever, Tampa Bay will be the host site for the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance’s (NAGAAA’s) 42nd Annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) from September 3-8, 2018. The competitive softball tournament features a record 194 LGBTQ softball teams, with more than 3,200 players from 45 cities across North America.
On Monday, September 3, NAGAAA and the Tampa Gay Softball World Series, Inc. will host a press conference to offer media an opportunity to learn more about one of the largest LGBTQ sporting events in the world, and the impact on Tampa Bay from event sponsors, local GSWS host committee and Tampa Bay officials prior to Opening Ceremonies. Event Opening Ceremonies will follow beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Park.
To qualify for the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series, athletes/teams must compete in their local leagues in one of six divisions — A, B, C, D Masters Legends and Masters Classics. The full list of competing teams & cities are below.
Presenting Sponsors: Prudential, Hamburger Mary’s
NAGAAA World Series Partners: Nissan, Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Florida Sports Foundation, Visit Tampa Bay, All American Athletics and a host of others.
About NAGAAA
Formed in 1977, North American Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) is a 501c3 international sports organization comprised of men and women dedicated to providing opportunity and access for the LGBT community to participate in organized softball competition in safe environments. Currently, more than 17,000 players from 45 cities across Canada and the United States participate in member leagues, and the best of these teams converge once a year for head-to-head competition at the annual Gay Softball World Series.
About Tampa Bay Sports Commission
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is a private, non-profit, 501c3, charitable corporation that serves the entire Tampa Bay area as the lead organization for bidding on and hosting premier sports and entertainment events. Through this, we will achieve our mission of creating social and economic impact throughout the Tampa Bay region. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission works to unite all interests in the Bay Area under one full-service approach that provides leadership and guidance for the benefit of all parties involved in the bidding and hosting process. Working in partnership with Visit Tampa Bay, our community’s convention and visitors bureau, we provide a one-stop-shop for all interested parties looking to bring their event to the Tampa Bay region.