Peoria will remain the host for the Illinois High School Association’s softball state finals for at least the next three years.
The IHSA announced Wednesday that its Board of Directors secured a contract extension to keep the event at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex through the 2028 state tournament.
“The Louisville Slugger complex in Peoria is the premier facility in the state for softball and has been an incredible host for the IHSA State Finals,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said in a media release. “We look forward to continuing to hold a memorable event for the competing student-athletes and coaches at a first-class facility.”
The five-year-old athletic complex on Peoria’s north side started hosting the softball state finals in 2021. Before that, the event was held at East Peoria’s EastSide Centre for 20 years.
In January, the IHSA announced the state softball and baseball state tournaments would switch to a single-weekend finals format beginning next year.
“The Louisville Slugger Sports Complex staff and our partners are honored to be able to host the best softball players in the state at OSF Healthcare Field,” the venue’s Director of Operations Gage Thompson said in the release. “On behalf of our entire staff, we are beyond excited to continue this partnership with the IHSA.”
