The Augusta Sports Council is excited to welcome back the USSSA Military World Softball Tournament to Augusta's River Region. The 2017 event will take place from August 10-13 at Diamond Lakes Regional Park and Fort Gordon. The first game will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday. Gate fees are $5 per day or $15 for the tournament.

This tournament is the largest military softball tournament in the world and is expected to bring in a record-breaking 138 teams. There will be six divisions playing from all over the world. Divisions include Men's Varsity "A", Men's Varsity "B", Women's Varsity, Intra-murals, Over 40 and Co-Ed.

USSSA National Military Program Director, Dustin Roberts, says, "Last year's tournament was such a success due to the welcoming community, we were happy to be able to return."

The ASC expects an estimated $3.5 million in visitor spending for the tournament.

"The organizers of the tournament are easy to work with, the athletes love the facilities and Augusta economically wins, so it was an easy decision to welcome back these military athletes to our community," says Stacie Adkins, CEO of the Augusta Sports Council.