Gay Softball World Series to open in Chicago on Monday
Wed. August 24, 2011 10:44 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
ben cohen
Week of softball and social events run Monday, Aug. 29 - Sunday, Sept. 4
Chicago, IL -
The 35th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS), which is expected to draw 175 teams from 43 cities in North America, will open in Chicago on Monday, Aug. 29 and run through Sept. 3.
The event will open at 5 p.m. Monday in the Grand Ballroom of history Navy Pier with top-notch talent that includes Rugby World Cup Champion Ben Cohen.
"We can't think of a better venue and more picturesque setting to host the Opening for the 2011 Gay Softball World Series, said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011. "We've assembled an incredible program for the evening, which will welcome our athletes and feature national and local entertainers alike."
The entertainment line up also includes Leslie Jordan, star of the stage and screen; Pandora Boxx, Drag Superstar; and hometown favorites Amy Armstrong, singer and entertainer; and Matthew Harvat, DJ and event producer.
Series 2011, Inc., the group organizing the GSWS, says sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremony for a $10 suggested donation at the door, which will benefit the Ben Cohen "Stand Up" foundation.
The softball tournament, which begins on Tuesday, Aug. 30, is expected to draw 175 teams from 43 cities in North America in five divisions: A, B, C, D and Master's. Play occurs at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles, with the championships (Schaumburg Complex) on Saturday, Sept. 3.
The week of softball and social events will close with an awards ceremony and street fair in Boystown on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 4:00-10:00p.m. The event, which is presented in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), will take place on Waveland Avenue between Halsted and Broadway streets and feature local cover band Final Say and world-renowned DJ Bill Bennett.
Additionally, the Chicago Cubs, a Series 2011 sponsor, will welcome representatives from the winning teams onto Wrigley Field on Sunday, Sept. 4 for a special recognition ceremony prior to their 1:20 p.m. game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That Sunday is also Pride Day at Wrigley, brought to you by the Windy City Times, Grab Magazine, ChicagoPride.com, all Series 2011 media partners.
Visit the tournament website to learn more –http://chicagoseries2011.com
The event will open at 5 p.m. Monday in the Grand Ballroom of history Navy Pier with top-notch talent that includes Rugby World Cup Champion Ben Cohen.
"We can't think of a better venue and more picturesque setting to host the Opening for the 2011 Gay Softball World Series, said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011. "We've assembled an incredible program for the evening, which will welcome our athletes and feature national and local entertainers alike."
The entertainment line up also includes Leslie Jordan, star of the stage and screen; Pandora Boxx, Drag Superstar; and hometown favorites Amy Armstrong, singer and entertainer; and Matthew Harvat, DJ and event producer.
Series 2011, Inc., the group organizing the GSWS, says sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremony for a $10 suggested donation at the door, which will benefit the Ben Cohen "Stand Up" foundation.
The softball tournament, which begins on Tuesday, Aug. 30, is expected to draw 175 teams from 43 cities in North America in five divisions: A, B, C, D and Master's. Play occurs at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles, with the championships (Schaumburg Complex) on Saturday, Sept. 3.
The week of softball and social events will close with an awards ceremony and street fair in Boystown on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 4:00-10:00p.m. The event, which is presented in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), will take place on Waveland Avenue between Halsted and Broadway streets and feature local cover band Final Say and world-renowned DJ Bill Bennett.
Additionally, the Chicago Cubs, a Series 2011 sponsor, will welcome representatives from the winning teams onto Wrigley Field on Sunday, Sept. 4 for a special recognition ceremony prior to their 1:20 p.m. game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That Sunday is also Pride Day at Wrigley, brought to you by the Windy City Times, Grab Magazine, ChicagoPride.com, all Series 2011 media partners.
Visit the tournament website to learn more –http://chicagoseries2011.com