The Amateur Softball Association of American (ASA) announced today the 4th KFC World Cup of Softball will return to the ASA Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City July 16-20, 2009. This world-class event will feature the top four ranked teams in the World who recently competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, including all three medal-winning teams in Japan, the United States, and Australia.
“I am thrilled the World Cup is returning to Oklahoma City this summer,” said two-time Olympian Jennie Finch. “This event has grown so much and to see the line-up of competition coming to the ASA Hall of Fame complex is outstanding. A re-match with Japan from the 2008 Olympic gold medal game will certainly be exciting and we know the fans of OKC will be there ready to cheer on Team USA.”
“Now, that Softball was dropped from Olympic Program, the World Cup is the greatest event as well as ISF World Championship. Therefore it will be very significant and great motivation not only for us, the Japan National Team, but also for other teams of all over the world to attend 2009 World Cup,” said Japan Softball Executive Director Masanori Ozaki. “We also hope that the World Cup can show the fantastic games such as the final game of Japan vs. USA at the Olympics in Beijing last year. It will be first time to hold the rematch for Japan and USA since last summer. There are so many people and fans who have been waiting for a long time and want to watch the game. We really hope that all of the audiences can feel memorable impressions and sensations, and every game shows interest factors of “SOFTBALL” including exciting, interesting, barn-burner action and so on.”
For the fourth year this world-class event will field a six-team round robin tournament style with playoffs determining the champions. Along with the three Olympic medal teams, a strong Canadian team joins the field as well as two powers from Europe in the Netherlands and Italy. (See below for a complete game schedule.)
“This year’s World Cup is especially important for two reasons,” said Hugh Mitchener, CEO of Softball Canada. “First it allows our program to focus on a high quality event that will serve as a great test for the upcoming 2010 World Championships in Oklahoma City. Second, the event with its high profile and associated media coverage is just what our game needs in advance of the upcoming IOC vote on adding sports for the 2016 Olympic Games. We are very appreciative of USA Softball’s efforts in providing this opportunity and promoting our game.”
“With the state of softball and the IOC vote in October, this event will be a huge demonstration once again of where our sport is and how it needs to stay in the Olympic Games,” said two-time Olympian Cat Osterman. “The six-team field proves to be stronger than ever with the Olympic teams along with a mix of young teams that are getting better every day.”
All session reserved and general admission tickets are on sale now by calling 1-800-654-8337 or by visiting www.softballoutlet.com. The Ultimate Fan Zone package, which retails at $250.00, has been a huge hit with fans and will be back. This year it will include an all-session reserved seat in the premier section of the stadium, a personalized replica jersey and dinner with Team USA as well as an autograph session with the team.
In addition to the 4th KFC World Cup of Softball, the ASA is hosting the inaugural Men’s Slow Pitch ‘Border Battle’ where the USA Softball Men’s National team will face off against the Canadian Men’s Slow Pitch team in an exhibition game on July 18. Slated for 3 p.m. at the stadium field, this special event will offer fans a rare occasion to see two of the primary disciplines of the sport represented at the highest level in front of thousands of fans.
2009 KFC World Cup of Softball Schedule
Thursday, July 16
Session #1
11:30 AM Italy vs. Netherlands
2:00 PM Australia vs. Japan
7:00 PM USA vs. Netherlands
9:00 PM Canada vs. Italy
Friday, July 17
Session #2
11:30 AM Netherlands vs. Australia
2:00 PM Canada vs. Australia
7:00 PM USA vs. Italy
9:00 PM Italy vs. Japan
Saturday, July 18
Session #3
12:00 PM USA vs. Canada
3:00 PM Men’s Slow Pitch USA vs. Canada Border Battle
7:00 PM USA vs. Japan
9:00 PM Japan vs. Netherlands
Sunday, July 19
Session #4
12:00 PM USA vs. Australia
2:30 PM Japan vs. Canada
5:00 PM Italy vs. Australia
7:30 PM Netherlands vs. Canada
Monday, July 20
Session #5
12:30 PM #6 Seed vs. #5 Seed
3:30 PM #4 Seed vs. #3 Seed
8:00 PM #1 Seed vs. #2 Seed
Note: All games will be played at the main stadium field.
The 4th World Cup of Softball and the Border Battle are sanctioned by the International Softball Federation, the governing body of softball internationally as recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).
Tickets can be purchased through the ASA merchandise website at http://www.softballoutlet.com or by calling 1-800-654-8337.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I could not believe they were getting rid of softball from the Olympics. I have been watching the ASA World Cup in OKC and all the women from all countries have been playing their hearts out. This is a great sport and as a Guy I love to watch all the great women playing fastpitch softball. Continue to fight to get them back.
I hear ya Don, I love watching Fastpitch Softball, it’s a great sport!