New and improved Byers Softball Complex will host Men's Major National Fastpitch Tournament

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- In 2024, the city of South Bend applied for, and was awarded a $3 million-dollar grant from the state of Indiana to fund renovations and improvements to the Byer's Softball Complex, located on the city's southwest side.

The intention was to upgrade the facility’s fields, concessions, restrooms, parking, and add a new splashpad to improve its ability to host tournaments and attract visitors.

Ground was broken on the project in 2025, with play temporarily relocated to some of the other parks in the city. The project was completed in 2026, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the beginning of June.

John Walczewski, softball director for the city of South Bend explained what fans can expect at fast pitch softball, "Fast pitch is pitched underhand at a high speed, where slow pitch is just lobbed. The fences are at 250, the bases are at 60 feet, the pitching mound at 46 feet, but they crow hop, so they usually end about 40 feet from the batter and stuff, and they're bringing it pretty good, 80 miles an hour at least."

Next weekend, the Byer's Softball Complex will host the Men's Major National Fastpitch Softball Tournament for the 12th time, but it will be the first time with the new and improved facilities. 

Walczewski told ABC57, "These teams come from all over the country to play here in South Bend. We've got players coming from Argentina, Portugal... They really like coming to South Bend.  It's awesome. It's a great time. The teams are great. You get to meet people from all over the country and stuff, and other parts of the world, and they're just a lot of fun. These guys just come to play ball."

He also said that the softball complex is also great for the local economy, "It brings in several visitors, hotel rooms, restaurants all gather from it because we have no local teams that play this type of softball. These are the best of the best in the world playing here in South Bend next weekend."

South Bend has hosted the National Tournament more than any other U.S. city - a testament to its strong reputation and popularity among teams and players. Now that the sports complex has had significant improvements, including details like a lining machine, clay bricks for pitchers, and improved amenities like canopies and dugouts, the teams should enjoy the location even more.

Walczewski hopes to attract old and new fans alike, "We've kept it a very small price, $5 a day or $10 for all three days, and you just come to the Byers Softball Complex, 1300 South Mayflower, and pull in and have a good time. Watch some great softball."

If you'd like to attend the tournament and see the new facilities for yourself, admission is $5 per day or $10 for all three days.

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