Space Coast Invitational

The Space Coast Invitational is a Fastpitch Softball Tournament created by Finesse Fastpitch, Indiana Magic Gold, New Lenox Lightning, Ohio Hawks, and Sparks Softball.  Collaborating with the single goal of creating the best softball experience for high level teams, players, and college coaches.

The group of organizations outlined several absolutes for this event, which included:

• The event must be held during the college recruiting Fall window at a state-of-the-art facility with turf fields which provide a greater probability that all scheduled games will be played.
• Only using 1 complex so college coaches will never waste valuable recruiting time driving between complexes.
• Maximum number of 84 combined teams for ages 14u (20), 16u (32), 18u (32).
• Longer length games than typical showcases (games scheduled in 2-hour blocks).
• Competitive tournament format where every game means something and a champion is crowned at each age division.
• 6-Game guarantee with a maximum of 3 games/day for any team.
• Hire the best tournament Director to run the event.
• Hire the best UIC to oversee the umpires.
• Mandate that umpires rest every 3^rd game except in unforeseen circumstances.
• Provide all day hospitality and grab-n-go for college coaches so they never have to leave the facility.
• Secure hotels for the attending teams that guaranteed they would pay the rack rate and no higher.

Location

Given the criteria above, we secured the Space Coast Complex in beautiful Melbourne, Fl.  Only minutes away from the Orlando airport, Cocoa Beach, and Disney World.  Space Coast has 15 state-of-the-art lighted turf fields including two stadiums.

Format

Our Championship format of pool play seeding into box bracket guarantees 6 games for every team (weather permitting).  Games are scheduled every 2 hours giving ample time to play 7-inning games while staying on schedule.

Tournament Director

Our Tournament Director, Dave Betcher, has over 20 years’ experience and recognized as one of the best in the Midwest.

UIC

Our UIC, David Borges is recognized as one of the best UIC’s in the country with a stable of over 200 high level umpires.

College Coaches

In addition to an all-day buffet and grab-n-go food for the college coaches, we are also hosting a social for the college coaches on Saturday night.

tagup

All teams will receive a free, 7-day tournament pass to tagup, the leading exposure and recruiting tool, courtesy of the Space Coast Invitational.

Live Streaming & Score Updates

All games will be hardline streamed, Schedules, scores, and tournament updates will be posted on Tourney Machine.

Hotels

Anthony Travel is securing the hotel rooms and beach homes for all teams at rack rates or less.