The Scenic City Summer Showcase by Connect Sports is set this weekend featuring a large number of out-of-town select softball teams.
The Chattanooga-based event management company said last year, 484 out-of-town teams with over 13,500 people descended on the Chattanooga region to play select softball in front of over 400 college softball coaches, and this year should exceed that.
The 484 teams pumped over $14 million in estimated economic impact into the local community, it was stated.
The 14 & under through 18 & under fastpitch softball girls teams come from 35 states plus British Columbia, Canada.
They come to be recruited by college coaches, and also to compete for the title of the Scenic City 2023 Champion.
Greta Hayes, director of recreation at Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors, said, “We just recently reinvested over $1.5 million into our softball infrastructure in an effort to strengthen our tournament quality venues and maximize the athlete/spectator experience! We always look forward to annually hosting the Scenic City Summer Showcase.”
Some of the games will be played at Dalton, Ga. “Dalton looks forward to welcoming Connect Sports to our community multiple times a year. This continued relationship provides the Dalton Community with over a $500,000 economic impact, which is invaluable.”, said Margaret Thigpen, director of Tourism for Dalton-Whitfield.
A new feature of the Scenic City Summer event is the addition of professional softball games at Frost Stadium. The Florida Vibe pro team will play Team East All Stars. Admission is free for all players, parents, coaches, and the Chattanooga community at large. Game one will take place on Thursday at 7 p.m. The second game will be played on Friday, also at 7 p.m.