Madison to Host Inaugural Rocket City Softball Showcase

Madison, Alabama, and its Minor League Baseball stadium will host the Rocket City Softball Showcase over a week in February 2025.

The event at Toyota Field, home of the Southern League’s Rocket City Trash Pandas — the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels — will begin February 19 and feature four softball programs from the Southeastern Conference.

“Major events like this only come about with everyone believing in the vision of making Toyota Field a softball stadium for a week,” said Joel Lamp, sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We can’t wait to host this week of softball as we create a new event that highlights the continued growth of softball.”

The opening slate on February 19 features Alabama playing Jacksonville State in the nightcap, after Alabama A&M takes the field at noon, and the University of Alabama-Huntsville plays North Georgia at 3 p.m.

“We look forward to providing everyone a fantastic experience while they are here as this provides a unique opportunity to showcase all the great things Huntsville has to offer,” said Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “Softball is a growing sport and we look forward to continuing that momentum with this event.”

From February 20–23, SEC programs Auburn, Ole Miss and Mississippi State will play against mid-majors including Jacksonville State, North Alabama, Louisiana Tech and East Tennessee State. Former Women’s College World Series participant James Madison and regular NCAA Tournament contender Miami (Ohio) will also be in the mix.

The inaugural event will bring 16 softball games to the facility through a partnership between the city of Madison, the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the Madison County Commission, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Huntsville Sports Commission.

“A project like this only happens with everyone pulling together and we can’t wait to see Toyota Field take on a new look for this event in February,” said Garrett Fahrmann, general manager of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. “Our team is known for providing a fun and festive environment for Trash Pandas games and we will bring that same mindset to a great week of softball here at Toyota Field.”