Minneapolis Rolls Out Red Carpet for Gay Softball World Series

Approximately 225 teams will converge in Minneapolis for the week-long tournament. Marking its presence as one of the largest global gay sporting events, the GSWS anticipates many participants arriving early and choosing to extend their stay through the Labor Day holiday weekend to relish the charming Minnesota weather. The games are slated to unfold across metro-area fields in Burnsville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul, and Woodbury, while the social events will light up the downtown area.

The events include an enticing lineup such as the Opening Ceremony at the scenic Commons Park, a lively block party at Modist Brewing, the pioneering “Light Up the North Night” at a Minnesota Twins game, a star-studded charity event featuring Taylor Dayne, Detox and BeBe Zahara Benet at First Avenue, and a grand closing weekend block party at the corner of Hennepin Avenue and Ninth Street South.

The Twins’ engagement with “Light Up the North Night” stands as a historic instance of an MLB team officially sponsoring and hosting an evening in support of the GSWS. The Twins organization, well-integrated with the local LGBTQ+ community and an active participant in the Twin Cities Pride Parade, offers an exclusive co-branded Twins/GSWS hat with tickets. Part of the proceeds will support the GSWS efforts.  Another exciting highlight is the partnership with Modist Brewing, which has crafted a special beer dedicated to the Gay Softball World Series.

Hosting the GSWS is poised to provide a substantial economic lift for Minneapolis, as attendees will contribute to the local economy by exploring businesses and attractions. Moreover, the event will bolster the city’s reputation as an inclusive, open-hearted destination.  Greg Fedio, Executive Director of the Local Organizing committee, highlighted the teamwork amongst the Local Organizing Committee as the most rewarding part of planning so far. 

Originally slated for 2022, the pandemic-induced cancellation in 2020 postponed Minneapolis’s hosting of the GSWS to 2023. Greg, having volunteered at the 2012 event, had aspired to bring the tournament back to Minnesota during his six-year tenure as the local gay softball league commissioner. He eagerly awaits the opportunity to flaunt Minnesota’s hospitality and the city’s dynamic post-pandemic resurgence. The metropolitan area fields are first-rate, downtown events are conveniently accessible, and Minnesota, above all, offers a secure, welcoming community for LGBTQ+ participants

The Opening Ceremonies, block party at Modist, Light Up the North Night at Target Field, Taylor Dayne charity concert at First Avenue, and the Closing Ceremonies– all in downtown Minneapolis – will provide lively events throughout the week for players and fans. The city looks forward to highlighting its inclusive spirit and all it has to offer as the tournament returns.  More information on the GSWS and tickets for the various events can be found on the GSWS website, www.lightupthenorth.org