Softball tournament to draw thousands

The “A” Northern National Championship tournament for girls 10 and under and 12 and under, sponsored by the Amateur Softball Association, begins at 7:30 p.m. with opening ceremonies at Killian Complex, 2141 E. Pythian St.

Open pool play begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow, and double elimination play begins Thursday afternoon.

Mark Nelson, tournament director, said he estimates each of the roughly 600 players will bring an average of 16 people with them to the tournament, including parents, family members and fans. All but one of the 44 participating teams are from out of town, Nelson said.

This is the 23rd ASA national tournament to take place in Springfield.

Daily passes are available to the public for $6 at the gate, and tournament passes may be purchased for $20 at the gate or through Killian offices at (417) 837-5817.