21 TOP COLLEGIATE SOFTBALL TEAMS RETURN
TO COLUMBUS, GA
The Division I National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Leadoff Classic

Columbus, GA – January 14, 2009 – The Columbus Sports Council, along with Columbus Parks and Recreation, will be hosting one of college softball's premier tournaments, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Leadoff Classic, February 27- March 1 at the South Commons Softball Complex.

We are honored that this is the 14th year the Leadoff Classic will be played in Columbus, GA. Twenty-one of the Nation's top Collegiate Teams return for this event: Alabama, DePaul, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Hofstra, Houston, Illinois State, Long Island, LSU, UL-Lafayette, Umass, Michigan, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, Southern Illinois, and Virginia Tech.

Ticket prices are: Adult Tournament Pass- $25, Child Tournament Pass- $15, Adult Daily Pass- $10, Child Daily Pass- $7 and Group Daily (10 or more- military/youth)- $5 each. Parking is $5 daily.

Opening ceremonies begin at 10:30 am, Friday Feb 27th at the Softball Stadium.
Come out and enjoy some great NCAA Division I Softball!

In addition to the game we have invited area elementary schools to participate in an Art Contest (deadline for entry is 1/19/09). The winner of the contest will receive a $100 savings bond from the Columbus Sports Council. The winning entry will also be featured in the tournament program and the winner will be recognized at the opening ceremonies. The class of the winning entry will receive a pizza party and is invited to see the opening ceremonies!

Other area schools have adopted the teams and will be making welcome signs and helping us with goody baskets and cheering their adopted school on!


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If you would like more information about this event, or to schedule an interview, please call Lori Icenhour at 706-580-1790 or email Lori at Licenhour@columbusga.org.