By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Alabaster’s Veterans Park will host collegiate softball players from across the state for the eighth straight year May 3-5, as the city is gearing up to welcome the Alabama Community College Conference Fast Pitch Softball Tournament.

During its April 15 meeting, the Alabaster City Council agreed to enter into an agreement with Shelby County to once again bring the tournament to Alabaster. The city previously submitted a $10,000 bid to host the tournament, council members said.

The ACCC will hold a pre-tournament banquet for the top 12 teams at Thompson Middle School the evening of May 2 at 6:30 pm., and the double elimination tournament will begin on Friday, May 3 at Veterans Park off Alabama 119.

Games will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 3 and 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 4. The tournament will conclude with the championship game on Sunday, May 5 at 11 a.m.

“We are very happy to once again host this tournament. It is a great opportunity for our young resident softball players and fans to see softball competition at the next level right here in their community” Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon wrote in a city press release. “We also welcome the many visitors this event brings into our city.

“They will surely see why we are proud to call Alabaster home. As always, our Park and Recreation staff will do an excellent job of ensuring a successful event,” Handlon added.

Admission to the tournament is $10 per day or $15 for a tournament pass.

Children 6 and younger, along with any youth baseball and softball players who wear their team jersey, will be admitted for free.