Creature Feature Softball Tournament - Frightfully Fun Event

History of the Creature Feature Tournament

The Creature Feature softball tournament first started in 2015 as a small local event in Greenville, South Carolina. What began as just eight teams has expanded over the years into a hugely popular tournament drawing dozens of teams each year.

The idea for the tournament came from Greenville residents Sarah McDonald and Mark Wilson. Avid softball players and fans themselves, Sarah and Mark wanted to organize a tournament that put a delightfully spooky spin on recreational softball leagues and tournaments.

Costumes and Team Names

The hallmark of the Creature Feature tournament is the creative costumes and fear-inspired team names. Teams dress up as zombies, werewolves, vampires, swamp creatures, and more. Past team names have included the Silver Bullets, the Mummies, the Ghouls, and the Flying Monsters.

In addition to bringing some frightful fun to the tournament, the costumes also serve a purpose. Each team's monster movie motif must coordinate with their team name and uniforms for maximum effect.

Tournament Activities

Along with the costumed competition on the field, the tournament also features fun horror-themed activities for players and fans alike. A best costume contest takes place each year, along with prize giveaways for those who get into the frightening spirit.

There are vendor booths selling creepy crafts and paranormal paraphernalia. Face painting and a photo booth let attendees immortalize their monster makeovers. Overall, the event has a playful tone and fun for the whole family despite the spooky vibes.

Field of Nightmares Stadium

The Creature Feature softball tournament takes place at the Field of Nightmares stadium in Greenville. This recreational sports complex transforms into a spine-chilling venue for the event each year.

Cobwebs, fog machines, eerie music, and flashing lights set the stage. The dugouts are decorated as haunted houses, while ghosts and ghouls seem to lurk around every corner. It's the perfect backdrop for this frighteningly fun tournament.

Tournament Rules and Regulations

While the costumes and activities embrace the Halloween spirit, the tournament itself includes serious competition. Teams compete across multiple divisions for a chance at the championship trophy.

Standard USSSA rules apply during gameplay, with exceptions for costumes as long as they don't provide any competitive advantage. There are prizes and trophies for the top finishing teams as well as individual player awards.

Divisions and Entries

The Creature Feature softball tournament occurs each May and is open to teams in multiple divisions: Men's, Women's, and Co-Ed. The registration period runs from January through April.

The tournament has continued to expand, with last year seeing a record 136 total teams register across the three divisions. Organizers expect even more entries this year and plan to extend the tournament to more days to accommodate demand.

Getting Involved in the Tournament

For teams interested in signing up for the Creature Feature softball tournament, registration opens in early January each year. The entry fee per team helps cover tournament expenses like field rentals, gear, promotions and more.

Registering a Team

Team managers can visit www.creaturefeaturetournament.com starting every January 3rd to register their team. Spots fill up quickly each year, so be sure to sign up early.

In addition to contact and payment details, managers must provide their desired team name and uniform colors. Remember, your team name and costumes should match your creature theme!

Getting Updates

After registering, teams can follow the tournament's social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram for important updates leading up to the event. This includes brackets, scheduling, rule adjustments, and more.

There is also a monthly Creature Feature newsletter that offers behind-the-scenes tournament info, showcases registered teams, and spotlights sponsors.

For teams looking to combine horror and humor on the softball field, the Creature Feature tournament promises a monstrously good time. As one of the most unique events on the recreational sports circuit, it sees fierce but friendly competition among costumed competitors and their spirited fans.

FAQs

When and where does the tournament take place?

The Creature Feature softball tournament takes place each May at the Field of Nightmares stadium in Greenville, South Carolina.

Who can register a team to play?

The tournament is open to Men's, Women's, and Co-Ed teams to register across multiple divisions. Both competitive and recreational teams participate.

What type of costumes are allowed?

Teams dress up in creative monster-themed costumes, like zombies, vampires, werewolves, and swamp creatures. As long as costumes don't interfere with gameplay, anything goes!

What other activities happen during the event?

Along with the games, there is a best costume contest, prize giveaways, monster-themed craft vendors, face painting, and photo booths.

How can I follow updates about the tournament?

Check the tournament website starting in January for registration details. You can also follow their social media and newsletter for important tournament updates.