The Tuscaloosa News
The NCAA announced games leading up to the Women's College World Series will take place at predetermined sites for this season.
The decision is in an effort to help comply with health and safety protocols as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think this was the right call," said Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy. "In a normal year, we would possibly be traveling to play five days after the bracket is announced. With all the protocols in place, it is impossible to keep everyone safe."
Sixteen regional sites will be selected during the week of April 26 with the bid portal opening March 29.
Of the 16 selected sites, eight will be selected to host Super Regionals.
"Softball as a sport does not make money, so I think it will be great for schools to have the luxury of advertising their games for three full weeks," said Murphy.
The NCAA Tournament bracket will be announced May 16.
According to an email sent to Division 1 softball directors, the sites will need to present the NCAA with a certified COVID-19 testing site and a minimum of three weeks is needed to ensure a site is working well. Each testing site must be at least 2,500 square feet.
Seating capacity has not been confirmed but ticket allotments will be based on each site and the host team will have priority. Each site should plan on having hotel rooms for super-regional play in case they are chosen to host.
The NCAA has not announced a plan for the championship yet.
Regional play: May 21-23
Super Regional play: May 27-30
Women’s College World Series: June 3-9
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