Newport News, VA – The USCAA is proud to announce that the Akron Racers in cooperation with Penn State – Beaver have been awarded the 2012 and 2013 USCAA Softball National Championship. The Softball National Championship will take place at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio. Penn State – Beaver and the Racers, a professional softball team, previously hosted the USCAA Softball National Championship in 2010 and 2011.
Akron, Ohio is located 45 minutes south of Cleveland and is the fifth largest city in the state. Firestone Stadium seats a capacity of 2,500 people with additional seating on the lawn in left field. Previously renovated in 1999, the stadium features two locker rooms, training facilities, two concession stands, a merchandise stand, and a complete scoreboard giving student-athletes the experience of playing in a professional softball atmosphere.
“The USCAA is excited to return to Akron, Ohio for the 2012 and 2013 Softball National Championships,” says USCAA Associate Director & COO Matthew Simms. “After having the opportunity to witness the tournament first hand in 2011 and speaking with each of the coaches who took part in the tournament, I am assured that this is a desired destination for our Softball Championships. I am thankful for Joey Arietta of the Akron Racers and her staff, who do a remarkable job running this event.”
"We are very excited to partner with PSU-Beaver to host the USCAA Softball Championships in Akron for the next years,” says Joey Arrietta, General Manager of the Akron Racers. “It has been a pleasure for us to work with the league officials and coaches these past two years to provide a unique and memorable experience for all of the participants. We will continue to raise the bar these next two years to provide our guests with first-class service in all phases of this championship event."
The Akron Racers are members of the National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF). The Racers staff, in addition to their 20-game home schedule, conducts numerous youth, amateur, college and adult tournaments and activities including the 2007 NCAA II National Softball Championship and the OHSAA Girl's State Softball Tournament. Recognized as one of the premier softball venues, Firestone Stadium welcomes the 11th edition of its professional team in June of 2012. The Akron Racers first season of play was in 1999. The Racers captured their first NPF Cowles Cup Championship in 2005
“I am very excited at the opportunity of co-hosting the 2012 & 20113 USCAA Softball National Championship with the Akron Racers” says Penn State Beaver Athletic Director Andy Kirschner. “The Racers are a first class organization, and they have done an excellent job hosting the last two years. Firestone Stadium is one of the premier softball parks on the East Coast. This event once again will be a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes.”
The 2012 USCAA Softball National Championship will be held May 14th through the 16th. If you would like more information on USCAA Softball, the Softball National Championship, or Penn State Beaver and the Akron Racers please contact Michael Goodman at Michael.Goodman@theuscaa.com or at 757-706-3756.
-USCAA