Fans cheer as players are introduced before the championship
games for the 2011 state softball tournament Friday at Smith
Complex.
State softball swings into Hastings for the sixth time Wednesday through Friday, bringing with it new faces and opportunities to promote the community.
Originally slated to be hosted by Bellevue this season, the tournament will remain in Hastings because the complex that was to host it isn’t ready for diamond play. Hastings will retain the tournament through at least 2013.
City officials couldn’t be happier. The revenue generated by the players, their parents, grandparents and supporters is significant.
Tom Hastings, Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce president, said the tournament is seen as a big deal locally. And for that reason, people seem to enjoy coming here to compete.
“When you have it in Lincoln or Omaha, it’s just a small event competing with the other events going on in those communities,” he said. “Here, it’s a showcase, and I think the people of Hastings are very welcoming. They can’t wait for the people to come here, and the friendliness is unbelievable.”
To read more, see Tuesday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
