News Summary

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has announced a switch to a double-elimination format for the Iowa High School State Softball Tournament starting in 2026. This exciting update provides fair competition for all teams. The tournament will be hosted at Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge through 2045, featuring designated fields for different classifications. Fans can expect a thrilling week of games culminating in championship matches, with attendance projections reaching a million spectators by 2026.

Exciting Changes Coming to Iowa High School Softball Tournament in Fort Dodge!

Fort Dodge is buzzing with excitement as the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) has rolled out some thrilling updates for the upcoming Iowa High School State Softball Tournament. The big news? Starting in 2026, the tournament will switch to a double-elimination format, ensuring that every team gets a fair shot at the championship!

What’s New for the Tournament?

In this revamped double-elimination setup, teams will battle it out like never before! Each classification, from 1A to 5A, will have designated fields at the stunning Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge, which will be home to the tournament through at least 2045. That’s right, the IGHSAU has signed a whopping 20-year extension to keep the tournament in this beloved venue!

Let’s break down the schedule for 2026 – mark those calendars! Each classification will feature two groups of four teams, and the champions of each group will advance to the finals. The games will unfold over the week like this:

  • Monday: One game for each class.
  • Tuesday: Five exciting games on the schedule.
  • Wednesday: Between 3 to 5 games to determine which teams advance.

As for the championship games, they will be a fantastic showcase of talent, with:

  • Classes 2A and 4A battling it out on Thursday.
  • Classes 1A, 3A, and 5A hitting the field for their finals on Friday.

And don’t worry, the championship schedule will rotate in subsequent years, keeping things fresh for fans and players alike!

A Tournament Venue with a Rich History

The Rogers Sports Complex is no stranger to hosting softball fans, being the site for the state tournament since 1970. It’s recognized as the longest-running venue for any IGHSAU state tournament. With recent investments amounting to $6 million, Fort Dodge has spruced up the complex with three new fields, lighting for all competition fields, a swanky new press box, and expanded parking options, making it an amazing place for players and spectators.

The partnership between the IGHSAU and Iowa Central Community College will also continue, ensuring teams have comfortable housing while competing. This close-knit collaboration allows for a seamless experience, both on and off the field!

Bringing in the Fans

The Iowa State Softball Tournament is a fan-favorite event that draws between 17,000 and 20,000 fans each year. With the anticipated changes, projections suggest that the tournament will welcome its one millionth spectator in 2026! That’s a huge milestone for both the teams and the city of Fort Dodge!

Field Assignments for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, here are the field assignments for each class:

  • Class 4A on Channel Seeds Field (host for all championship games)
  • Class 3A on Iowa Central Field
  • Class 5A on Yankee Field (new turf field)
  • Class 1A on Fenway (one of the newly constructed fields)
  • Class 2A on Wrigley (another new field)

With the introduction of this double-elimination format and the commitment to a fantastic venue, the Iowa High School State Softball Tournament is set to become an even bigger celebration of youth sports in Fort Dodge!

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