Sports complex scores global softball tournament

Sports complex scores global softball tournament

The Art Van Sports Complex in Plainfield Township is comprised of multiple baseball and softball fields. Photo via fb.com

The Grand Rapids market is set to host a world championship.

The International Softball Congress, or ISC, said yesterday that it will host the 2017 ISC Men’s Fastball World Tournament in Plainfield Township at the Art Van Sports Complex.

The tournament will run from Aug. 11-20, 2017.

“We are very excited about bringing the ISC World Tournament to a new site and to a purpose-built softball complex,” said Larry Fisher, executive director, ISC. “We are very confident that the fans and the teams will agree that the Art Van Sports Complex is a world-class facility.”

Two other Michigan cities have hosted the ISC World Tournament: Saginaw in 1981 and Midland in 2010 and 2012.

The tournament will bring an estimated economic impact of $1.7 million to the area, specifically the Rockford area where the softball complex is located.

The tournament features the best 48 men’s fastball club teams from across the globe. It also sees teams compete in the ISC II championship bracket and the 50+ Legends and under-21 Youth divisions.

“We’re excited about partnering with the ISC and running a great event,” said Bryan Baar, manager, Art Van Sports Complex. “This high-quality event will bring over 60 teams to the Grand Rapids area, allowing us to show off West Michigan to teams from all over the United States and Canada.”

The Art Van Sports Complex is managed by the nonprofit West Michigan Sports Commission.