BARTOW, Fla. – The City of Bartow is set to unveil its newly renovated Bartow Sports Complex on October 4th. This project, a collaboration between the city’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department and Visit Central Florida Sports, aims to make the complex a premier destination for sports tourism.
The renovations have significantly expanded the complex’s capacity and amenities, including four new softball fields, restrooms, batting cages, shade structures, bleachers, and improved parking. These upgrades are expected to draw in over 30 events annually, including youth, high school, college, and senior softball tournaments.
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“The Bartow Sports Complex is poised to become an even bigger landmark for the City of Bartow,” said Jason Hargrove, Bartow’s Director of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts.
Beyond attracting more events from existing partners, the new fields will also enable Bartow to host high-profile tournaments like the USA Softball Junior Olympic Cup and international championships. This is projected to generate a substantial economic impact, with an estimated $11 million staying within Bartow.
“The renovation at the Bartow Sports Complex is a terrific partnership between the City of Bartow and Polk County (Visit Central Florida Sports). This project will create a world-class facility that will house Polk County’s largest collection of fast-pitch softball fields, totaling eight,” said Mark Jackson, Central Florida’s Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Director.
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In addition to attracting visitors, the complex will also serve the local community by providing opportunities for new recreational leagues, such as adult/co-ed slow-pitch softball and kickball.
The first softball tournament on the new fields is scheduled to begin just hours after the ribbon cutting. It will be a Showcase-style event welcoming up to 32 teams from around the state and a few from outside of Florida. College coaches will attend to evaluate the 16 and under and 18 and under teams.
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