The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors announced a contract extension for the IHSA Softball State Finals to remain at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria through the 2028 state tournament.
“The Louisville Slugger complex in Peoria is the premier facility in the state for softball and has been an incredible host for the IHSA State Finals,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “We look forward to continuing to hold a memorable event for the competing student-athletes and coaches at a first-class facility. We are equally excited about the state final schedule format change in 2026, which we believe will place an even bigger spotlight on high school softball in the state.”
The IHSA Board of Directors announced in January of 2025 that softball and baseball will be moving from multi-weekend state final formats to single-weekend state final formats in each respective sport beginning in 2026. The move follows similar state final tournament schedule changes in basketball and soccer.
“The Louisville Slugger Sports Complex is excited to welcome back the IHSA State Finals for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons,” said Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Director of Operations Gage Thompson. “The Louisville Slugger Sports Complex staff and our partners are honored to be able to host the best softball players in the State at OSF Healthcare Field. On behalf of our entire staff, we are beyond excited to continue this partnership with the IHSA.”
The Louisville Slugger Sports Complex, which opened in 2020, has hosted the IHSA Softball State Finals since 2021. The tradition of the Peoria area hosting the IHSA Softball State Finals dates back even further, as the Eastside Centre in East Peoria (2001-2020) and Mineral Park in Pekin (1976-2000 with exception of AA tourney in some years) each previously hosted as well.
"Discover Peoria is a proud partner of the IHSA and news like this further emphasizes our continued appreciation of the IHSA in Peoria," said Discover Peoria President and CEO J.D. Dalfonso. "We look forward to the opportunity to bring high school athletes, families, and schools to Peoria for the next three years at our world-class facility, the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex."
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