“The Amateur Softball Association is extremely pleased to serve as the host for the II World Cup of Softball in 2006,” said ASA Executive Director, Ron Radigonda. “It’s not often that you get to see the top five teams in the world compete against each other on American soil. Fans from across the globe will be coming together to cheer on their favorite country in July.”

In 2005, over 18,000 fans from over 30 different states attended the inaugural World Cup of Softball and saw a historical upset as Japan defeated the USA, the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, 3-1 in the finals. The talent level and excitement associated with the II World Cup of Softball is usually only witnessed during an Olympic Games but in 2006 fans can once again be part of this spectacular event.

“The importance of this year's World Cup can't be underestimated,” said two-time Olympic gold medalist Stacey Nuveman. “Not only is it an opportunity for the world's best softball teams to play on U.S. soil, but it also is a huge step in preparing for the World Championships coming up in August and even further down the road at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.”

Tickets for the II World Cup of Softball are on sale now and can be purchased via the web at www.softballoutlet.com or by phone by calling 1-800-654-8337. This year fans can purchase reserved seats to all of the games for only $50. All reserved seats are located in the upper and lower sections behind home plate. All-session general admission tickets are also available for $30.

Individual daily session tickets are only available for general admission seating at this time. All general admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or by phone. Based on availability, reserved single-session daily tickets will be available to the public one week prior to the start of the event.

For the die hard fan we have the “Ultimate Fan Zone” package which includes an all-session reserved seat right in one of the premier sections, an individually personalized replica USA jersey and dinner that concludes with an autograph session with Team USA on Friday night. The “Ultimate Fan Zone” package, which can be purchased online or by phone, is only $250 and is limited to the first 250 people.

ESPN and ESPN2 have teamed up again with the ASA and will offer six live telecasts, highlighted by the ESPN2 telecast of the July 17 championship game from the ASA Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City. With over 12 hours of coverage nationally along with international syndication, the World Cup will be seen by millions of fans world wide.

“I think it is awesome that the World Cup of Softball will be hosted again in Oklahoma City and that ESPN will once again be covering the event,” Nuveman said. “This type of competition is what Hall of Fame Stadium is all about and to have the world’s best showcased in one location is vital to the future of the game.”

“Our team is looking forward to bringing the Cup back where it belongs,” adds USA Softball Women’s National Team Head Coach Mike Candrea. “Japan really took it to us last year in the finals of the World Cup so trying to find ways to motivate our team won’t be a problem.”

The USA Women’s National Team will be selected in June following a tryout camp in Chula Vista, Calif. Thirty players including Lisa Fernandez, Jennie Finch, Laura Berg, Natasha Watley, Crystl Bustos, Stacey Nuveman, Cat Osterman and Jessica Mendoza have been invited to attend the selection camp being held June 13-17.
Click here for the schedule asasoftball.com.