Idaho Falls Parks and Rec holding softball tournament lottery

The following is a news release and photo from the city of Idaho Falls.

IDAHO FALLS – The City of Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Department is introducing a lottery system to allocate dates for hosting softball tournaments in 2025. This initiative aims to create fair opportunities for individuals and organizations to organize tournaments on city fields.

Softball tournaments in Idaho Falls attract an average of 40 teams each weekend, bringing significant economic benefits to the community and providing recreational opportunities for youth in the region. To ensure equitable access to host these events, the lottery is open now and will close on Monday, Dec. 16, at 11:59 p.m. MST.

“When looking at how to get the softball community involved and provide greater opportunities for everyone to host high-quality tournaments, the lottery was the unanimous decision of the staff,” said Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Director PJ Holm. “These tournaments not only bring positive economic impact to the surrounding community but also provide high-quality recreation opportunities for our youth in the surrounding area and beyond.”

The following dates are open to individuals or organizations to host Girls Fastpitch Softball Tournaments:

May 30 and 31, 2025
June 20 and 21, 2025
July 11 and 12, 2025
July 25 and 26, 2025

All tournament organizers who want a chance to reserve dates must submit for entry into the lottery. Entries shall be limited to one per organization/individual for each available date. The Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to disqualify organizations that submit multiple entries through multiple individuals associated with an organization.

Those who host tournaments will be responsible for their own field prep during the tournament. Equipment will be provided to the event during the tournament at the City of Idaho Falls parks.

Enter the lottery online at www.ifrec.org. The deadline to enter the lottery is Monday, December 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Those with questions are encouraged to contact Idaho Falls Recreation Superintendent Chris Horsely at chorsley@idahofalls.gov. Additional details about tournament hosting can be found on www.ifrec.org on the event registration page.