HASTINGS, Neb. – Beginning bright and early Wednesday morning, the Bill Smith Softball Complex will welcome thousands of fans for the NSAA State Softball Tournament for the 17th year in a row.

However, a new challenge has arrived for tournament organizers this year.

The complex is in its final year of a five-year contract with the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) that kept the state softball tournament in Hastings through 2024.

Tournament organizers in Hastings are now making their case to keep this October tradition in Hastings for the foreseeable future.

"We feel like we've been doing it right, made changes, and adjustments along the way," said Tracy Douglas. "We know that the NSAA officials love coming here and working with us, and we're hoping that will continue."

Tracy Douglas is the Hastings High School Activities Director and the Site Co-Director for the NSAA State Softball Tournament, who believes Hastings remains the best option for the first three days of the tournament.

"The facility sells itself. The experience people get when people come to Hastings I think is bar none," said Douglas. "I think they're treated right, and they know this is the heart of softball because it's been here for so long. We feel like we have the best complex that's out there." 

The Smith complex has seen several upgrades since its contract renewal five years ago, which includes lengthened dugouts, heightened fences and backstops, an improved sound system, and new bullpen dugouts among other upgrades still in the works.

It also includes an existing three-floor fieldhouse, which features hospitality rooms and space for dozens of media members, umpires, and more.

"This is really a cool place to be that not everybody's out in the elements, because we know that in fall in Nebraska, you never know what to expect." said Douglas. 

Last year, was the first year that the three state championship games in Classes A-C were held at UNO in Omaha instead of Hastings.

Now after this year’s semifinal games on Friday, different softball sites around the state will submit and present their proposals at the November NSAA board meeting next Month.

"Our theme is going to be we've made upgrades, we made improvements, but we've been doing it well for so long," said Douglas. "To me, I would say it's a no-brainer for them to come back." said Douglas.

Douglas says Hastings has already submitted its bid to the NSAA, and expects other cities and softball sites to do so as well.