The event, played once every four years, will take place in the city of Christchurch, at Smokefree Ballpark, which is being upgraded, despite already having two fully fenced and enclosed championship diamonds. New Zealand also hosted this event in 1976 in Lower Hutt.

Softball New Zealand CEO Hadyn Smith believes the draw is good for spectators, with high quality games at good times throughout the tournament. He is also pleased with the local connection of many attending teams including Samoa, Australia, USA, and Great Britain, all of whom have coaches or players who have previously played softball for New Zealand. “Such connections add value to each country’s programs on and off the diamond, but also add to the experience for friends and family who will no doubt have an extra incentive to attend the event,” he said.

The game schedule begins with host and defending ISF men’s world champion New Zealand taking on Samoa, who will be making their first appearance in any ISF World Championship (men’s, women’s, junior men’s, or junior women’s). Opening ceremonies will begin at 5:00 p.m., leading into the 7:30 game, which is the only one set for that evening. The next five days will feature seven games each day, with eight each day on the final two days of round robin play. February 6, 7, and 8 will consist of double page finals and playoffs.

New Zealand won three consecutive one-run games to win the last ISF Men’s World Championship (July 2000 in South Africa), including a 2-1 decision over Japan in the gold medal game. The United States won the bronze medal.

The full game schedule accompanies this release, and is also available on the official event website at http://www.2004worldsoftball.com/.

NOTE: The final three teams will be decided at the Asian qualifier, which begins later this month (November 28-December 4) in the Philippines.