Prince Albert previously hosted the WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Championship in 2018. (Photo: wbsc.org)

By Teena Monteleone

Hottest Ticket in Town

Countdown on to international softball event

Jul 4, 2024 | 3:00 PM

It’s the hottest ticket in town.

The WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup is set to get underway in Prince Albert next week. The event features the best national teams worldwide.

Derek Smith, co-chair of the World Cup committee said excitement in the community is building.

“We’re under a week away and ticket sales are starting to pick up, so get them early prior to the event and avoid the lineups or having to purchase them online. In person ticket sales will start tonight at the Art Hauser Centre box office from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m,” Smith said.

Ticket sales will also take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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“Come and enjoy the excitement for just $25 a day or the tournament pass for all five days is just $100.”

Smith encouraged anyone interested in watching the games to come early since there is no assigned seating.

“It’s rush seating. We’re putting outfield bleacher seating all the way around the park, so there will be lots of good seats to choose from.”

All of the games will be played on Diamond #1 – Rotary Field – within Prime Ministers Park.

There are four games on the schedule each day. The first one takes place Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. when Argentina plays Israel. Singapore and New Zealand will throw their first pitches starting at 2 p.m. The opening ceremonies are at 4:30 and then Team Canada will take on the team from Hong Kong in the marquee matchup of the day starting at 6 p.m.

A local band will perform, food trucks will be set up and the evening ends with a fireworks display sponsored by BTR Financial. Also on opening day Wednesday, any PA Minor softball or baseball players, when accompanied by an adult, will get into the events for free.

“It will be the first time we get a look at Team Canada as they try to secure their spot for the 2025 World Championship,” said Smith. “On Day 2, Thursday, Team Canada has a double-header… 4 p.m. against Singapore and then again at 7 p.m. against Argentina. So, if anybody is coming in from out of town to watch our national team play, that would be a great day to do it. The feature game against Argentina is expected to be a fierce battle.”

Smith said Friday will be an exciting night at the ballpark when Team Canada hosts New Zealand. As part of their game warmup, the team performs the Haka – a ceremonial war dance traditionally used to display a New Zealand tribe’s pride, strength and unity.

“These are the best men’s softball players in the world. So to see this quality of fastpitch in our city of Prince Albert and province of Saskatchewan is very special,” said Smith.

In addition to hosting the Group Stage of the championship next week, Prince Albert will also host the World Championship Finals scheduled for July 8-13 of next year.

paNOW will have special coverage throughout the event which you can find here.

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Teena.Monteleone@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @princealbertNOW