Thousands Help Make 2024 a Record Year for Los Altos Softball Complex

Thousands of people from Albuquerque and beyond helped make 2024 a big year for the City’s newly renovated softball complex at Los Altos Park. In fact, it was the busiest season ever for this facility. Los Altos Park hosted a record number of softball tournaments (27) with 765 total participating teams. Nearly 75 percent of the tournaments drew teams from out of state, and one third of the total teams playing in tournaments (256) came from outside Albuquerque, which contributed to the City’s growing sports and recreation tourism economy.

“Albuquerque is a premier destination for sports tourism and a great place for local families to enjoy top notch facilities,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The influx of teams and spectators not only boosts our local economy, but it also highlights the exceptional venues and hospitality that Albuquerque offers.”

“The new 5-field Los Altos Softball Complex – which became the beautiful home of the 2024 Land of Enchantment Champions this past June – is by far one of the best facilities we use,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA CEO.

The two largest events in 2024 were the Gathering of Nations tournament in April and Senior Softball USA’s (SSUSA) tournament in June. Combined, the two tournaments brought 2,200 players and 147 teams to Los Altos Park. Due to their great experience in Albuquerque, SSUSA already has announced it will be coming back to Albuquerque in 2025 and bringing more teams. SSUSA also awarded Los Altos Park the national award for the “Softball Complex of the Year” for 2024. The City also debuted the inaugural “Camino Real Hispanic Heritage Tournament” during Hispanic Heritage Month, an event the City intends to build into a large regional and national draw for softball players.

2024 was the first full year of softball at Los Altos Park since it reopened in late July 2023 after the completion of Phase 1 renovations. The five new softball fields and tournament facilities now allows the City to host larger tournaments and accommodate more players, including teams and their families traveling from outside Albuquerque.

“As predicted, the Los Altos Softball Complex has been an instant success,” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon. “Investing in sports and recreation facilities is investing in Albuquerque’s future and we are excited to build on this momentum.”

The City already has seven tournaments scheduled for Los Altos in 2025 with more in the planning stages. Those interested in organizing a tournament at Los Altos can get in contact with the Parks & Recreation Department’s Sports Office by calling 505-224-6682.

2024 Los Altos Softball Numbers:

• 27 tournaments (one tournament rained out, or total would be 28)
• 20 tournaments drew teams from out-of-state
• 765 teams (256 from outside Albuquerque)
• States represented: New Mexico, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Texas, Nevada, Indiana, and Florida
• 11,283 total players
• Largest tournaments:
  -Gathering of Nations: 1,300 players; 87 teams
  -SSUSA’s Land of Enchantment Championships: 900 players; 60 teams
  -Monsta Bash: 750 players; 50 teams