FORT DODGE, Iowa — The Iowa state softball tournament will be moving to a double-elimination format in 2026, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union announced Friday.
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Board unanimously approved the decision at an Oct. 17 meeting.
"Anyone that has watched the Softball College World Series knows how exciting the double-elimination format is," IGHSAU Executive Director Erin Gerlich said in a statement. "We are thrilled to bring that excitement to the State Softball Tournament. This format will be exciting for both teams and fans, and we are grateful to the city of Fort Dodge for committing to enhancing Rogers’ Park to make a double-elimination tournament possible."
The format change was made in tandem as Fort Dodge puts a multi-million dollar investment towards the Harlan and Hazel Rogers Park — home to the state tournament since 1970.
Rogers Park renovations, scheduled over the next five years, include five championship fields, press box accommodations, additional parking and other infrastructure improvements.
IGHSAU said the state tournament will remain a five-day event.
