Organizers are putting the finishing touches on preparations for the biggest softball tournament ever hosted by the city of Bowling Green starting Monday at Michael O. Buchanon Park.

The USA Softball 14U Class “A” National Championship Tournament is slated to begin with opening ceremonies Sunday night and run through July 29, featuring 90 travel teams from 27 different states including squads from as far away as California and Washington state.

Amy Cardwell, the sports sales director for the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the city had plenty of competition during the bid process that took place two years ago in Louisville culminating in a presentation in front of USA Softball’s national council.

“We have one of the best facilities in the country, but we also have a reputation for hosting great events in the area,” Cardwell said of the deciding factor in Bowling Green’s successful bid. “Our location is within a day’s drive of 80 percent of the country’s population, and our businesses and hoteliers are terrific about working with people.”

The tournament will utilize all eight fields at Buchanon Park, starting Monday with two rounds of pool play before beginning the double-elimination portion of the tournament. A weather contingency plan involving use of fields at the Western Kentucky Intramural Complex is available but shouldn’t be needed, tournament director Trae Cardwell said.

“We didn’t make it to 100 teams, so we can play all the games at Buchanon Park and have WKU in reserve in case of weather,” Trae Cardwell said.

Opening ceremonies for the tournament are scheduled for Sunday starting at 7 p.m. at Bowling Green Ballpark.

Amy Cardwell said the tournament, which Bowling Green won’t be able to host again for two years, per USA Softball rules, will have a major economic impact. An estimated 5,000 to 5,500 visitors including players and their families, officials and college coaches are expected for the tournament. Cardwell said the tournament will generate “several million dollars” in the region.

“This is one of those events you don’t get too often,” Amy Cardwell said. “They’ll be in our restaurants, they’ll be in our shops.”

Bowling Green’s hotels are already fully booked, Trae Cardwell said, and Franklin’s hotels are also benefiting from the tournament.

Games at Buchanon Park begin at 8 a.m. and run through 4 p.m. starting Monday. General adult admission per day is $10.{&end}