Murray State College, along with the Ardmore Tourism Authority and City of Ardmore, hosted the NJCAA 2024 Southwest Plains Softball Tournament at Regional Park in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

“We are thrilled to be the NJCAA’s choice for their 2024 and 2025 tournaments,” said Bill Murphy, Ardmore Chamber of Commerce President. “This is the result of a true partnership between the Tourism Authority, City and Murray State.”

All eight softball teams from Region 2 competed in the tournament. During the four-day event, visitors from across Oklahoma and Arkansas traveled to Ardmore, providing an estimated economic impact of more than $600,000.

“The Ardmore community was positively impacted by the tournament, with out-of-town teams and fans staying in local hotels, dining, fueling their vehicles and more,” said Marthanna Donald, Ardmore Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer. “With great enthusiasm for what is to come, planning for 2025 has begun.”

Months of behind-the-scenes planning took place to ensure the event was a success. A new batting cage has been permanently installed at Regional Park as a result of the tournament – a fixture that will benefit future baseball and softball events.

“There were many people who made this possible for Ardmore, particularly the staff at the Ardmore Chamber and Regional Park,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “With plans to move a major athletic program to the Ardmore campus this summer, these kinds of opportunities will continue to present themselves.”

The Murray State College softball team earned the No. 3 seed in the NJCAA Division 2 World Series in Spartanburg, South Carolina. They are currently on of the eight teams left competing for the National Championship.