The University of Arizona is set to host the annual Candrea Classic softball tournament beginning on Feb. 12, 2027. The event will bring together four of the nation’s most storied programs—Arizona, Duke, UCLA and Michigan—on the Tucson campus.
Why the Classic matters
The four teams collectively boast 21 NCAA national championships, 13 runner‑up finishes and 62 Women’s College World Series appearances. UCLA and Arizona account for the bulk of those accolades, underscoring the high level of competition fans can expect.
Recent performance of the participants
UCLA arrives fresh from its 34th World Series appearance in 2026, where the Bruins advanced past an opening loss to top‑seeded Alabama, defeated Arkansas, and later fell to eventual runner‑up Texas Tech. Duke entered the 2026 postseason by defeating Arizona twice in the Wildcats’ home regional before advancing to a super regional that ended against Arkansas. Michigan’s 2026 run concluded with a regional final loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, 8‑1, in Norman, Okla.
Arizona finished the 2026 season with a 37‑18 record. The Wildcats won their Durham regional by beating Marshall and Duke, but fell short of the super regional after consecutive losses to Duke (8‑6, 9‑4) in the final weekend.
Local impact and schedule
The Classic was originally slated to include a fifth team at a neutral site in San Antonio, but that plan fell through. Four of the five schools opted to play in Tucson, giving local fans a chance to see elite softball without leaving the state.
The Big 12 released its 2027 conference schedule in August; Arizona’s remaining non‑conference slate will be announced later. The Wildcats are already active this fall, having defeated UTEP 9‑4 and 9‑3 in a doubleheader on Oct. 17. Additional practice games are scheduled for Oct. 23, beginning at 5:30 p.m. MST, when Arizona will host Phoenix College and Pima College in a doubleheader.
What fans can look forward to
With the tournament taking place at the university’s on‑campus facilities, Tucson residents and visitors will enjoy high‑caliber softball in a familiar setting. The Candrea Classic not only showcases top talent but also highlights Arizona’s continued commitment to supporting women’s athletics and providing a platform for future collegiate stars.
Tickets and further details will be released by the university’s athletics department as the event approaches. Fans are encouraged to attend early, as the tournament promises exciting matchups and a celebration of the sport’s rich tradition in the Southwest.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
