November 14, 2018 03:22 PM

International Slow Pitch Softball commissioner Manuel T. Ferrero III was in town for a site visit of possible venues for ISPS sanctioned tournaments in Columbia, South Carolina.  Commissioner Ferrero also had the honor of being a guest at the monthly luncheon for the Columbia CVB and had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful staff that handles bringing special events to the city.  The commissioner took advantage of his time in Columbia to tour the proposed venue sites for ISPS’ new sanctioned slow-pitch softball tournaments starting in 2019/2020.

Ferrero is meeting with Columbia’s own Scott Powers and taking a tour of Oak Grove Softball Complex, Pinegrove Softball Complex and Wilson Howard Park in West Columbia.  As well as touring potential host hotels for future ISPS events.

PINEGROVE SOFTBALL COMPLEX

OAK GROVE SOFTBALL COMPLEX

ISPS is scheduled to begin play in 2020, but see the possibilities of hosting as early as 2019, so they would need to work diligently and efficiently with the city to make this happen.

“Our deadline to launch for 2019 has past, but with the pleasant conditions of the venues and the proffesionalism of the city and staff, there could be a possibility of hosting an event or two in late 2019,” Ferrero said. “We have a lot of work to do if we want to host something for 2019."

“The most important things are the venues and field conditions.  If we don't have those, we are not coming."  "Everything else is just details, the stage has to be perfect."  "We are confident we will be hosting successful events for the city of Columbia, and the State of South Carolina”

Commissioner Ferrero also visited the South Carolina State House and other sites around South Carolina.