UA Softball hosting NCAA Regional in Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Thousands are expected to watch the NCAA softball regional in Tuscaloosa, making this a big weekend for sports and the local economy.

The Alabama Crimson Tide is the No. 14 overall seed and will be joined at Rhoads Stadium by Clemson, Southeastern Louisiana and USC Upstate.

UA Softball head coach Patrick Murphy says his team and the fans are really for anything.

“Our home-field advantage is just that, it’s an advantage,” Murphy said. “So I hope Friday Saturday and Sunday there are 4,000 people strong because in the postseason having a big crowd is a plus for you.”

Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner expects fans will spend nearly $4 million on hotels, restaurants, shopping and gas.

“Football has always been the driving force around here but as coach Nate Oats says this is a championship school,” Tyner said. “You have events like softball and baseball doing so well this year and it brings in these visitors who come stay for several days and spend lots of money.”

Baumhowers Victory Grille manager Halie Jones is thrilled about the upcoming busy weekend. She says her staff is already preparing for more customers.

“This is huge and we are busy all the time but these sporting events here with the softball teams and to have that extra excitement skyrockets our business and helps us out,” Jones said.

NCAA Regional action at Rhoads Stadium begins Friday, May 17 at 1 p.m. CT with Clemson (34-17) facing Southeastern Louisiana (45-13) before Alabama (33-17) and USC Upstate (30-21) face off at 3:30 p.m.

This year marks UA’s 19th time hosting the event.

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