GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits – or the schedule – of the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference Softball Tournament at Gulfport Sportsplex.

Despite weather delays, a complete slate of conference matchups commenced Wednesday evening after the week-long double-elimination championship tourney began on Tuesday.

The award-winning Gulfport Sportsplex synthetic turf fields ensured games continued without further interruption.

“The Sportsplex is exactly what we need– two fields, artificial turf,” explained Dr. Charles McClelland, Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

“If we were somewhere else on natural grass, we would be in trouble. We would not be able to get this tournament in on time.”

Sportsplex officials agreed.

“As you can see, everybody is on the field right now, and it was pouring down rain earlier,” said Gulfport Sportsplex marketing manager, George “Chuck” Patterson. “We don’t have that problem here. When you sign up to play here, whether it’s the SWAC or travel ball, you know that you can get your games in here.”

Eight of the top teams in the HBCU, as well as more than 300 players, coaches and officials – as well as countless friends, family and fans – are in town for the five- to six-day event now celebrating its fifth consecutive year in Gulfport.

The economic boost to the coast is not lost on Dr. McClelland.

“We’ve done economic impact studies on the prior tournaments and it’s a little under $2 million economic impact per year,” claimed McClelland. “So, you look at the timeframe we’ve been here, you’re talking close to $10 million worth of economic impact.”

The SWAC recently signed a three-year extension to keep the tourney in Gulfport – a community near and dear to Dr. McClelland’s heart.

“For me, more personally, I was born in Gulfport Memorial Hospital, so I have somewhat of an affinity for Gulfport and what it brings in the Biloxi area and what it brings,” he said. “Great facility. Great environment, great beaches, you have the casinos, you have the entertainment. All of our fans enjoy coming.

“Our teams, student athletes. Great food, great culture,” McClelland continued. “So, it’s a natural fit for the Southwestern Athletic Conference.”

The tournament will continue through Friday with a potential championship game on Saturday, if needed.

Tickets start at $5 for students and $10 for adults.

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