HASTINGS, Neb. – The NSAA State Softball Tournament will remain in Hastings for the next two years after a slim vote Wednesday morning. 

At their monthly meeting in Norfolk, the NSAA Board of Directors voted 5-3 to keep the first part of the state softball tournament at the Bill Smith Softball Complex in Hastings. 

Hastings was chosen over potential sites in Lincoln and Papillion. The contract is for the next two softball seasons until 2026.

The official vote came Wednesday, after the NSAA tabled the vote during their meeting last month. 

The first round until the semifinals will be held at Bill Smith. The championship games will now be held at UNL's Bowlin Stadium, changing venues from UNO's Connie Claussen Softball Field.

The Bill Smith Softball Complex in Hastings has been the host of the yearly state softball tournament for the past 17 years.