Northport, Ala. – The city’s brand‑new River Run Park will host the Diamond Legacy Elite Invitational Softball Tournament this weekend, drawing 65 elite teams from 19 states. The three‑day championship runs Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, offering local fans a chance to see high‑level softball action right on the Black Warrior River.
Schedule and Admission
Games begin at 10 a.m. on Friday and run until 9 p.m., with Saturday’s action starting at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 10 p.m. Sunday’s schedule runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $25 for a three‑day pass or $10 per day, and children ten and younger enter free.
Opening Night Activities
Thursday, November 12, the tournament kicks off with a dinner for roughly 1,100 players and coaches. University of Alabama head softball coach Patrick Murphy is slated to address the gathering before city officials welcome the visiting teams.
Community and Corporate Support
Local sponsors Buffalo Rock, HD Sports and Hospitality LLC, and SmartBank branches are backing the event. Buffalo Rock, the exclusive beverage provider for River Run Park under a five‑year agreement signed in 2025, will supply drinks for the tournament. HD Sports and Hospitality, the developer behind the upcoming hotel and indoor sports facilities at the park, is sharing the cost of the opening‑night meal with SmartBank.
River Run Park – A New Asset for Northport
Opened in August 2025, the $27 million River Run Park complex features nine baseball and softball fields, including a signature field for each sport with 150 grandstand seats and additional bleacher space for 400 spectators. City analysts projected the park would attract 530,000 visitors annually and generate roughly $68 million in yearly revenue, expectations the tournament helps to fulfill.
What This Means for the Community
The tournament showcases Northport’s commitment to providing top‑tier recreational facilities for families and athletes alike. By hosting a national‑level event, the city not only boosts local tourism but also reinforces the park’s role as a gathering place for community pride and family‑friendly entertainment.
Plan Your Visit
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating, especially for marquee matchups. Concessions and restrooms are available throughout the complex, and local businesses anticipate increased traffic throughout the weekend.
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Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
