South Shore CVA teams up with National Softball Association for annual World Series week opening ceremonies and parade

All week, one of the biggest tournaments in the country has been taking Crown Point by storm. On Thursday, July 16, the National Softball Association (NSA) continued its World Series week festivities at Bulldog Park with the Opening Ceremonies event. The NSA World Series Opening Ceremonies is created in partnership with the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (CVA).

“We’ve got 135 teams that registered for this week,” said Jimmy Nelson, director of sports for the South Shore CVA. “We’re proud to host it, and hope to keep it going for many years to come.”

NSA World Series week began with the skills competition on Tuesday, July 14. On Wednesday, July 15, pool play games commenced to help create the bracket. At the NSA World Series Opening Ceremonies, all of the teams participate in a small parade through downtown Crown Point before gathering around the Franciscan Health Amphitheatre.

Bill Horton, president and CEO of the NSA, is thrilled to celebrate the NSA World Series Opening Ceremonies for another year in Crown Point.

“We always love having it here. We have a great partnership with the South Shore CVA and the local facilities in the area. It’s a pleasure to work with all of them on this event,” Horton said.

Horton considers the parade to be the highlight of the tournament. Not only does it allow for all the teams to come together, continue trading pins, and connect with people from other teams, but the conclusion of the event builds momentum into the bracket games to follow throughout the last three days of NSA World Series week.

“This is the part of the week where it starts to become do or die,” said Horton. “The competition throughout the bracket games is always high.”

The NSA World Series has several different age groups competing every year. Whether it is a rookie or veteran experience for these teams playing at this level, Horton is hopeful that many teams will be energized to not only perform well in the bracket games, but doing so for years to come.

“For some of these girls, it’s their first time coming to this event. They get a lot out of it, and we hope it pumps them up even more to continue coming back,” Horton said.

Other activities presented at the NSA World Series Opening Ceremonies event included a photo booth, braid bar, food vendors, beer garden, DJ, bounce houses, caricature artist, face painting, and more.

While the slate of activities throughout this week helps create a better experience for the players and coaches, it also supports the NSA, South Shore CVA, and the communities of the four cities where games are being played this week for the World Series. These cities include Crown Point, Dyer, Schererville, and La Porte.

“When you’re bringing in 135 teams, a lot of these folks have never been here before. This is their first time experiencing Lake County, Indiana,” said Phil Taillon, CEO of the South Shore CVA. “They’re visiting our communities, our downtown area, our restaurants, and our attractions. Every time people visit an area, they’re learning something new about it, and that’s why it’s so exciting to bring this many people into Lake County.”

Taillon believes that NSA World Series week is one of the best celebrations that takes place annually in Northwest Indiana. From U8 to U18, this tournament brings together some of the best talents that youth softball has to offer in the country.

“Being a person who played sports when I was younger, I remember the times that I spent with my teammates,” Taillon said. “It’s not just the time on the field playing in the games, but also the times outside of the games when we’re having fun at the hotels or going to a restaurant. I want them to not only have the sports memories, because we know they’re going to have those, but something even beyond that. I want them to have life experiences that they’re never going to forget.”

Stay updated on the latest scores, news, and information for the NSA World Series by visiting nsafastpitchworldseries.com. To learn more about the South Shore CVA, visit southshorecva.com.