The Hurricane Showdown softball tournament is set to return to the greater Fort Lauderdale area during Thanksgiving weekend.
The 32nd annual Showdown begins Friday, Nov. 27, and concludes Sunday, Nov. 29.
Celebrating more than three decades of softball, community, and pride, the Showdown is one of South Florida's longstanding LGBTQ sporting traditions, bringing together more than 1,000 players, coaches, families, friends, and supporters from across the United States for a weekend of competitive softball, camaraderie, and celebration.
More than 55 teams from around the nation are scheduled to compete for championships in three divisions.
"The Hurricane Showdown is, for so many people, like a family reunion," says Tournament Director Jonathan Rogers. "Teams and friends travel from across the country ... to see people they may not have seen since the last Showdown. It's about reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and celebrating the community we've built through softball."
Games will be played at Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale and Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek all weekend with some games being featured at Brian Piccolo Park in Cooper City. All three championship games will be held at Mills Pond Park on Sunday afternoon. Games are free to watch, but Tradewinds and Brian Piccolo parks charge a vehicle fee to enter.
You can follow all the action by downloading Tourney Machine on your mobile devices.
"I'm proud to help bring everyone together," Rogers says. "That feeling of family makes the Hurricane Showdown truly special."
The tournament officially kicks off with the popular Friday Night Lights event at Mills Pond Park, bringing teams together for an exciting evening of softball under the lights. In addition to tournament play, participants will enjoy organized social events at LIT Bar and Alibi Monkey Bar during the course of the weekend.
The tournament is organized by the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association (SFAAA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for LGBTQ individuals and allies through organized softball.
SFAAA has a longstanding history of promoting sportsmanship, diversity, friendship, and community involvement. The organization was recognized as the 2025 International Pride Softball League City of the Year, highlighting its contributions to LGBTQ softball and the broader community.
In addition to recreational and competitive softball, SFAAA supports community initiatives and charitable efforts that extend beyond the playing field.
"The Showdown is more than just softball. It's a ... sport that brings us all together," says first-year SFAAA Commissioner Josh Yeager, who served as the Showdown's tournament director the last couple of years. "I'm incredibly proud of our Board, volunteers, and members who make this tournament possible year after year.
"We look forward to welcoming teams from across the country and invite our South Florida community to come out, cheer on these amazing athletes, and experience what makes SFAAA so special."
The SFAAA will take December off before resuming play in January with its Thursday Night Lights league followed by the start of its 33rd year with the spring season in February. Tryouts and player registration will be held in those months.
Tim Martin is a retired sportswriter. He has served as SFAAA Chairman and is currently the SFAAA Hall of Fame Chair.
