Q&A

What is the Challenge Cup?

The Challenge Cup is, in our opinion, the Olympics of Slow-Pitch Softball. Each State is encouraged to send a team representing the best of the best” in their State to compete for overall glory.

Can you tell me some of the history on the Challenge Cup?

The event was started in 2019 under the leadership of USSSA Director Strojan Kennison with just 24 teams in the first year, growing quickly to 76 in 2020. These early events were held in just one weekend. In 2023 the event welcomed 379 teams from around the United States and Canada. It has grown to now play over 4 weekends. It has been a huge boost to the economy in Brevard County with millions of people coming to the Space Coast to enjoy it.

How can I participate in the Challenge Cup?

This is not an event that any player or team can sign up for and come. Managers are selected by the State Director and start the process of building a team. The team is then approved by the State Director. We have many different divisions that players can potentially play in. You can contact your State Director to find out who is running teams in your area. If you not sure of your local or State Director contact, you can email us as a last resort at: [email protected] and we will direct you.

If I can not play, can I still attend or watch the games?

Yes. The Space Coast Complex is open for visitors and the games are all streamed on Usssalive.com.

How can I find out more about Space Coast Stadium?

The Complex website can be located at https://usssaspacecoast.com/ and gives a lot of information about the facility for first-time visitors. Entry to the complex each day requires an admission ticket which can be purchased online. Space Coast Stadium is just minutes away from Cocoa Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, making it an attractive vacation destination for teams and families.

What divisions of play are offered?

Men’s and Women’s from the Major level at the top, all the way down to the E class. There is a full Mixed (CO-ED) program. The International weekend of Challenge Cup hosts the Black American, Hispanic, and Native American programs with the possibility of adding more classes of play in the future.

Our team is from outside the United States. Can we play?

The Challenge Cup wants to be as inclusive as we can possibly be. We have had teams from Canada come to represent their province. Any interested parties can email us at: [email protected] to start the process.

Can I play on more than one Challenge Cup team if I am asked?

You may certainly play on multiple weekends but you may not play on two teams within many of the programs. You could play Women’s C and Mixed C, but not Women’s C and also Women’s D in the same weekend.

Does our team need uniforms?

Yes, each team must adhere to the Uniform guidelines which are published on our Challenge Cup website. Players must have the correct uniform representing their State to be able to play in the games. Uniforms need to be approved by the State Director or Challenge Cup Committee.

Does our team need to bring game softballs?

No, all the game balls are provided for these events.