(We made a list. We checked it twice. From now until New Year’s Eve, we are counting down the top ten headlines of 2019. Today, we look at #6 on our list.)
6. St. Pete/Clearwater Invitational debuts to acclaim
The growth of softball over the past several years created a clamor for early season matchups between some of the game’s high-profile teams, instead of having to wait for the postseason to see such contests. The Mary Nutter Classic has provided such matchups for many years, but for those not present in Cathedral City, few options remained to keep up with that tournament’s action. In 2019, ESPN Events entered the picture, announcing the now-annual St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational.
A marquee tournament from day one, the tournament field featured some of the game’s best programs, including Oklahoma and Florida State in the first year of existence. Each of the Power Five conferences were represented in the inaugural tournament, and ESPN broadcasted many of the premier games.
Marketed as a premier tournament in a destination location, fan response was stellar, with park sellouts and large crowds the norm through the weekend. The tournament received positive reviews from team representatives and others alike, while the anticipation for the Invitational’s second iteration began swiftly after the conclusion of the 2019 tournament.
One of the most well-received parts of the tournament was ESPN’s commitment to broadcasting early-season, non-conference softball, as the network brought multiple teams of broadcasters to Clearwater and stacked the airwaves with a number of high-profile matchups throughout the weekend.
ESPN producer – and documented softball lover – Meg Aronowitz, along with former Oklahoma State great and longtime color commentator Michele Smith, were widely credited with the event’s success, as both had roles in the planning and execution stages of the full festivities.
By bringing a television presence to early-season softball and by creating a premier tournament that was successful from year one, the debut of the St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational was certainly one of the top storylines from 2019.
