Softball complexes in Burnsville (Lac Lavon Park), Eagan (Lexington-Diffley Athletic Fields), Inver Grove Heights (Rich Valley Park), South St. Paul (Kaposia Landing) and Woodbury (M Health Fairview Sports Center) will host 225 teams featuring more than 4,500 participants as the national Gay Softball World Series kicks off tonight.

The Minnesota Twins this year have become the first Major League Baseball team to partner with the event, run by the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, in its 46th year. The team will host “Light Up the North Night” at Target Field Tuesday.

A spokesman for Meet Minneapolis, which markets Minneapolis for conventions, tourism and other events, says more than 6,000 people are expected to attend the event, making it one of the largest Gay Softball World Series events.

“We are honored to bring the Gay Softball World Series back to the Twin Cities,” says Greg Fedio, executive director of the Twin Cities Gay Softball World Series Local Organizing Committee. “We are dedicated to creating an amazing player experience and are looking forward to hosting teams from the 54 member cities of NAGAAA.”

In addition to the games, there will be a full week’s worth of events starting with the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Party tonight at The Commons Park. They will include a pregame block party at Modist Brewing Co. Tuesday, a Hall of Fame dinner at the Nicollet Island Pavilion Tuesday and a charity concert by Taylor Dayne Wednesday evening at First Avenue. Eagle|Mpls and Saloon MN, sponsors to many LGBTQIA+ events, will also host several outings throughout the week.

Members of the Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League and Sports Minneapolis, a division of Meet Minneapolis, are serving as the local organizing committee.