Barren County to host regional softball match; hundreds of thousands in tourism income anticipated

GLASGOW, Ky. – This week, Barren County will be hosthe Ohio Valley Babe Ruth Regionals.

This four-day softball tournament, which runs Thursday through Sunday June 11th, will accommodate 40 to 50 girls’ teams ages 8 to 16 Jackie Browning Park in Glasgow.

The Regionals are usually held in northern Kentucky, but this is the second time Barren County has had the opportunity to host this major tournament. The last time Barren County hosted the tournament in 2016, tourism generated around $ 3-4 million in revenue for the community.

The tournament brings between 5,500 and 7,000 tourists to the region, whose proceeds benefit local restaurants, hotels and many small businesses. Barren County Judge Executive Michael Hale said he hoped to call Glasgow home for the tournament one day for as many years as possible.

“I think it’s great because it brings so much to our community. Rotating those dollars from store to store is what I’m really looking forward to, ”said Hale.

Barren County Parks director Maxie Murray came here when Covid first hit the community. He said it meant everything to him to watch the children get the chance to compete in a tournament and pursue their athletic dreams.

“It is good that our children are here. They say what they do in our league or in the local park can affect other things. You can reach the state level, you can even the regional level. We can even go to the World Series the way they see these college students play softball at the World Series. You know, it gives these kids something to work towards, ”Murray said.

Murray said he sees this tournament will bring more softball players in the future.

“I’m really excited that we’re holding it here so even local kids who didn’t make it onto the All-Star teams can see what they can achieve in the future,” said Murray.

Hale would like to say a big thank you to the Glasgow Tourism Department for hosting this tournament.