Newsletter – May 2013
Rosedale Park – Facility Upgrade
Rosedale Park – Home of the ISF Men’s World Softball Championships is currently upgrade which was launched last month includes a stadium with new changing rooms, seating for 500 people (including disabled access seating), media viewing area, broadcast area, functions/VIP lounge, catering facilities, viewing terrace, gallery, equipment storage, meeting rooms undertaking a major facility upgrade in time for the event next year. The (available for community use) and utility rooms (available for community use).
The upgrade has seen some exciting progress since the launch with the foundations for the new stadium and grandstand poured. With the foundations down, the new facility will have its pre-cast concrete walls erected over the next month. To make way for the new stadium, Diamond 2 will be moved and upgraded and extended to be of international standard. Excavations for this work have been started and the shaping of the embankment underway.
To date funding for a large majority of the project has been secured thanks to the generosity of Auckland Council, ASB Charitable Trust and New Zealand Lottery Grants Board.
This facility provides an excellent on-going facility for North Shore, Auckland and New Zealand softball. We will continue to keep you posted on the progress with photos and updates.
Australia – One of the first teams to qualify
Following their recent victory against Samoa and Papa New Guinea at the ISF Qualifier Series, the defending champions Australia are one of the first teams to qualify for the ISF Men’s World Softball Championships next year.
A squad of 30 athletes has recently been selected to undergo an extensive training and fitness programme leading into the championship. All 30 athletes will be keen to impress Head Coach Bob Harrow when they assemble in Brisbane to take part in one of Australia’s premiere domestic tournament – South Brisbane Classic, which is being held 9-11 June 2012.
The Aussie Steelers will once again look towards their World Class Pitchers to lead the way in Auckland next year with 2009 Gold Medal winning combination Adam Folkard, Andrew Kirkpatrick and Adam Humble all been named in the recent 30 man squad.
World class athletes including Nick Shailes, Zenon Winters and Michael Tanner will be also keen to impress selectors and gain a place in the team.
The inclusion of Kris Kiefel into the squad and the return of Jeff Goolagong to the national squad after announcing his retirement following the 2009 WSC will provide the Aussie Steelers with plenty of experience leading into their World Championship campaign.
Congratulations to Australia, the defending World Champions for their qualification
For more information on Softball Australia and the Aussie Steelers visit www.softball.org.au
Ticket Availability and Pricing
Great interest has been shown for tickets to the ISF Men’s World Softball Championships 2013. We are pleased to announce adult full day tickets will be priced between $20-35 for week day matches, $25-65 for semi-finals and finals. Children’s tickets will range from $5-15 for similar categories.
Ticket and seating options will range from the new stadium to outfield stands and ten day season passes will also be available. All prices are in New Zealand dollars.
Preferential ticket sales will be available from 1 September and General ticket sales available from 1 October 2012.
To ensure your friends and family have access to preferential tickets make sure they sign up to the newsletter at www.softball2013.com
Competition Winner
Over the past season World Softball Championship staff have been at a number of New Zealand national softball tournaments and community events promoting the 2013 ISF Men’s World Softball Championships. During this promotion we have been running a competition for over $1500 worth of softball equipment and 4 tickets to the World Softball Championships.
We are pleased to announce Phil Twigden as the winner of this competition.
Congratulations Phil !!
Keep an eye out for more upcoming competitions on our facebook page www.facebook.com/WSC2013