The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has decided to keep the state softball finals at Peoria's Louisville Slugger Sports Complex until 2028. The contract extension for the venue, which has been hosting the finals since 2021, was approved at the IHSA board of directors meeting. Starting next year, the softball state finals will transition from a multi-weekend format to a single-weekend event, following a board vote in January.
IHSA executive director Craig Anderson praised the Louisville Slugger complex in Peoria as the top facility in the state for softball and commended its hosting of the IHSA state finals. The change in the finals schedule format in 2026 aims to enhance the spotlight on high school softball in Illinois. The upcoming 2025 state finals are set for June 6-7 for Class 1A and 2A, and June 13-14 for Class 3A and 4A.