The Burlington Recreation & Parks Department will host the Senior Men’s ASA National Softball Championship this weekend in Burlington. Over forty teams from across the nation will compete in the championship games at both Burlington City Park and Springwood Park. The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) represents over 210,000 teams and over three million athletes. This year’s tournament will feature Senior Men ages 50 to 70+ who will compete throughout the weekend for the reigning title of becoming the next National Champion of their division.
Four returning champions will compete once again for the second year in a row to gain the recognition of champions. Two teams from right here in Burlington will give it their best as they attempt to hold off their competitors once again for the title. This years participating champion teams are: Eagle Tile/Who’s on First from Stevensville Maryland. They will compete in the 50AAA division. Tidewater 60’s from Portsmouth Virginia will compete in the 60 Major division. Local favorites the Blaze from Burlington will compete to hold onto the reigning title in the 65AAA division and the Burlington Classics will compete in the 70AAA division. Games will begin Friday at 9am with Pool Play followed by games all day Saturday and Sunday starting at 8am. Admission is free to all fields. Teams traveling the distance include: Ann Arbor Relics/Banker Builders-Ann Arbor MI, Indiana Old Stars-Cedar Lake IN, Dust-Tex-Bismarck ND, Helwigs Restaurant-Milford CT.
This type of event brings significant numbers of visitors to town, with hotel and restaurant spending by the teams, and their families, friends and fans. That’s especially important in the current economic climate,” said Burlington Recreation & Parks Director Tony Laws. “Burlington’s leadership has always supported recreation, and which is the result of our state-of-the-art facilities and staff capable of hosting and event of this type."
The head of the area’s tourism agency agrees. “The City of Burlington’s Recreation & Parks Department is a great partner, and we work with them to support all their events,” said Burlington/Alamance Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Vice President Robert Cox. “Capitalizing on our great location, great athletic facilities, and lodging, shopping and dining amenities to bring in these kinds of events is a shot in the arm for the local economy.” Last year’s tournament estimates from the CVB reported close to $216,000 going back into the local economy through sales tax and spending.