Bill Smith Softball Complex in Hastings, (Courtesy)
HASTINGS — The majority of Nebraska state softball tournament rounds will continue to be held in Hastings for the next two years.
Members of the Nebraska School Activities Association Board of Directors voted 5-3 during their meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11 in Norfolk to keep the tournament for the first through the semifinal rounds at the Bill Smith Softball Complex in Hastings for 2025 and 2026.
Other groups bidding on the pre-championship rounds were Lincoln and Papillion/Sarpy County.
Hastings has played host to the tournament since 2008.
“For 17 years, the tournament has had a home in Hastings and we are excited to continue hosting this premier event for another two years,” Hastings Public Schools Activities Director Tracy Douglas said.
The contract to host the tournament is between Hastings Public Schools and NSAA. Nebraska Softball Foundation owns the fields, so the organization provides the site free of charge. Douglas said between the Bill Smith Softball Complex facilities, hospitality for visiting teams and fans as well as overall community support,
Hastings offers the best overall tournament experience in Nebraska.
The city does the field maintenance for the tournament free of charge.
HPS is responsible for getting all volunteers and tournament coordination before and during the tournament.
Jeff Hassenstab, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Hastings, said the Hastings community has embraced the tournament.
“The NSAA staff has seen how well we’ve done hosting the event the past 17 years,” he said. “It takes a lot of volunteers and resources to run a successful tournament and Hastings has proven every year to continually improve the experience for all those that come.”
Hassenstab said Hastings has made the tournament a turnkey operation for the NSAA.
The Bill Smith Softball Complex has received more than $200,000 in facility upgrades over the last five years.
Past improvements
- 2020 – Extended backstops to help with foul balls
- 2020 – Lengthened dugouts for more space
- 2023 – Added pitching bullpens next to each dugout
- 2024 – Upgraded sound system
New scoreboards are planned in 2025.
Douglas said while it’s difficult to put an exact dollar amount to the value of the tournament, state softball is a huge economic impact for the community.
“When you are welcoming over 5,000 people over just a few days, it no doubt means a great deal,” she said.
