The road to the Women’s College World Series runs through Madison – starting in 2027.

Huntsville, Madison and Madison County will host the SEC Softball Tournament for four years at Toyota Field, it was announced Friday.

“We are honored to be the hosts of the SEC softball championship for the next four years and turning Toyota Field into the epicenter of the college softball world for a week,” Joel Lamp, Sports Development Manager of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said. “We are proud to deliver this elevated experience that will help softball continue to grow and build a first-class experience for the student-athletes, fans and coaches.”

The SEC Softball Tournament has been held on campus sites since 2004; this year’s tournament is at the University of Kentucky.

The 2027 tournament at Toyota Field, to be conducted May 11-15, will be the first tournament at a neutral site since Plant City, Fla., hosted the tournament in 2003.

“Taking the SEC Softball Tournament to Madison and Greater Huntsville for the next four years marks a significant and exciting new chapter for softball in our conference, bringing this premier championship to a destination that mirrors the elite level of competition on the field,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “For several years, we have carefully evaluated the opportunity to conduct the tournament at a true neutral site, understanding that the right venue and the right partnership were critical to making that vision a reality.

“The leadership of the Madison and Greater Huntsville area shares our commitment to elevating the experience for our student-athletes, coaches, institutions, and fans, building lasting memories and establishing new traditions for years to come.”

Toyota Field is the home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. The ballpark is no stranger to college softball and baseball, having hosted games over the past several years.

“Hosting the SEC Softball Tournament at Toyota Field is a tremendous opportunity for our organization and the entire Tennessee Valley,” said Garrett Fahrmann, executive vice president and general manager of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, said. “This event will have a meaningful impact on our region, and we’re excited to welcome softball fans from across the country to Madison in 2027 and showcase everything our community has to offer.”