Below is a link to a Columbus Underground discussion thread which contains the press release announcing that the 31-field softball complex at Berliner Park in Columbus will host the 2015 Gay Softball World Series.  This will be the second time Columbus has hosted the Gay Softball World Series, previously hosting it in 2010:

 

Columbus to Host 2015 Gay Softball World Series

Columbus will host Gay Softball World Series

By Steve Wartenberg, The Columbus Dispatch

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 - 2:47 AM

 

The Gay Softball World Series held in Columbus in 2010 was a grand slam.  “There was such a good response that wherever we go for tournaments now and people find out we're from Columbus, they tell us it was the best tournament they’ve ever been to,” said B. Keith Speers, spokesman for the Columbus Gay and Lesbian Softball Association.

 

So, it comes as no surprise that the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, or NAGAAA, announced yesterday its 2015 Gay Softball World Series will be held in Columbus.  It is expected to attract more than 5,000 players from 46 cities in 20 states and Canada and generate about $5 million in visitor spending.  The games will be at Lou Berliner Park, 325 Greenlawn Avenue.

 

READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2013/01/30/columbus-will-host-gay-softball-world-series.html

Is this a (+) or a (-) on the city's agenda?  Undoubtedly, the number and sexual preference of the people whom you ask, both in Columbus and elsewhere, will really determine the answer...    :wink:

No offense fellas, but if I got my money on the L's

Gay softball...is that when the softballs touch?

Is this a (+) or a (-) on the city's agenda?  Undoubtedly, the number and sexual preference of the people whom you ask, both in Columbus and elsewhere, will really determine the answer...  :wink:

I gather you're somewhat kidding about whether hosting a "Gay Softball" tournament helps or hurts a city's image.  But I don't think Columbus officials had any trepidation about it.

 

- One, this would be the second time that Columbus has hosted the event.  If there were any image issues or problems with holding this event in 2010, I doubt local officials would be seeking a return visit.

- Two, the public and private establishment in the city is actively behind hosting this event.  The Greater Columbus Sports Commission teamed up with the local softball organization to bid for this event.  Experience Columbus, the official convention and tourism organization, honored the 2010 event with an award at their 2011 yearly meeting.  And the City of Columbus itself owns Berliner Park and schedules its usage.

- Three, hosting this event fits into what is becoming a marketing slogan for Columbus.  Over the past few years, and especially over last year's bicentennial marketing campaign, officials are referring to Columbus as a "smart and open city".  The head of the Columbus Sports Commission even referenced this in the Dispatch article as follows: “People here talk about being open and smart. Those are the two words that describe Columbus.”

 

So at least as for Columbus, this event is definately a positive.  And this positive doesn't seem to be limited to just the gay community either.

Is this a (+) or a (-) on the city's agenda?  Undoubtedly, the number and sexual preference of the people whom you ask, both in Columbus and elsewhere, will really determine the answer...    :wink:

 

Good, there are a number of NATIONAL gay sports leagues that host huge tournaments.  This is a plus.

Gay softball...is that when the softballs touch?