Team USA To Play Exhibition Games Against NPF's Bandits, Pride

The U.S. Women's National Team will play five exhibition games Rosemont, Ill., against National Pro Fastpitch competition June 14-17.

There will be three games against the Chicago Bandits and two games against the USSSA Pride. The games will start on Friday, June 14 at 4 p.m. CT against the Bandits followed by a game against the Pride. The teams will play again on Saturday with games slated for 3 p.m. A single game against the Bandits at 2 p.m. on Sunday will close out the weekend.

“Chicago’s stadium has always been a favorite for NPF players to play at because of the energy their fans bring,” WNT and USSSA Pride member Keilani Ricketts said.  “Although the Bandits and Pride are longtime NPF rivals, their fans have always been very gracious towards us because they are just fans of the sport and hope to see softball grow as much as we players want it to.”

“I am also very excited to play against my Pride teammates for training camp,” Ricketts continued.  “Being able to compete on the Pride in my NPF career has really helped me grow as a player with how competitive and talented the team is every year. It’ll be great to see familiar faces and start the summer off with some good competition before we head over to Japan.”

USA Softball announced a partnership with the Village of Rosemont in November 2018 to host the 2019 Women's National Team training camp at Parkway Bank Sports Complex June 10-16.

“What a great opportunity to catch Team USA in action,” said USA Softball Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Craig Cress in a press release.  “As the excitement continues to grow for softball’s return to the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, we hope that fans in the Chicago area will come out to watch our Women’s National Team and two of the top teams in the NPF.  We are grateful to the Village of Rosemont for providing an excellent training environment for our Women’s National Team.  We also want to thank the Chicago Bandits and USSSA Pride as these five exhibition games will deliver quality competition as we prepare for the 2019 season.”

Tickets for the five exhibition contests will go on sale February 1 and can be purchased by visiting https://www.ticketmaster.com/chicago-bandits-tickets/artist/966665 or calling the box office at 877-722-6348.  Tickets may also be purchased via walkup at the box office (27 Jennie Finch Way, Rosemont, Ill. 60018). Ticket prices per session start at $11 for outfield seating while lower club level tickets are $20.  Group tickets (15 or more) start at $9 per session with lower club level tickets available for purchase at $18.

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