Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by The Smetz Files
Facing an all day softball tournament? Read on to see how I prepare for a day at the ball field!
About six months ago our daughter made the leap from playing rec ball in our local town league to joining a travel softball team. Given that her older brother had a few travel ball seasons under his belt, we embraced this new opportunity with her.
Perhaps innocently we thought we knew what to expect.
Buuuutt, it turns out, we were mistaken!
Naturally, there are a lot of similarities between baseball and softball. And we knew the intensity a travel team includes.
What we were not prepared for was the difference in tournament structure.
For years we’d been playing in two day baseball tournaments. Our son’s team would play two games on Saturday (typically we’re given specific game times) and if we’re lucky we’d get back to back games. Though, often you can get a game or two between and have to wait around a bit. Then we’d wait to see where we were seeded in the bracket for Sunday. Again, a specific game time with a win or go home mentality.
Enter our surprise at the done in a day softball tournament schedule.
Who knew you would easily have six hours between pool play and bracket games?! Certainly not us!!!
I was so naive!
And completely unprepared for that first tournament.
13 hours at the ball field and let me just say, our snacks and water ran out quickly.
Here are a few things to get you started for an all day tournament. Of course, you’ll have personal needs that differ, but this is a good starting point for the rookie softball moms!
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Shade
If you’re going to put in a full day on the diamond, you’re going to want some type of shade. A cool aspect of the softball world that I found is the concept of team’s creating ‘tent cities’.
Families line up a menagerie of tents to provide shade and space for the team to relax between games. Because you’re there for such a long time, once the tents are up, they stay up. Teams use this as home base and just take their gear to the field as needed.
This light weight option is great and comes in a variety of colors, so you can coordinate with your team colors!
If you just want to keep the sun off your face while you’re watching the game, these chair umbrellas are a nice add on to your favorite sports chair. Sometimes I’ll clamp it to the wagon to keep the heat off our gear.
Sometimes you’re looking to stay warm, especially during those early ‘spring’ or fall games. I REALLY dislike being cold! If you need options for staying warm at the ball field, read this post for my must haves.
Once you’ve set up your tent city, you need to stock it with essentials to keep you comfortable for the remainder of the day.
Here are some of the things you’ll find in my wagon!
Take a seat!
Depending on the field seating arrangements, I tend to bring options to accommodate different situations for where to get the best view. I like a good bleacher seat with back support, especially if space is tight around the field. This one is compact and easy to throw on my shoulder to carry to the field.
You’ll want something more comfortable for those long stretches between games. I like the rocker version of this field chair. If you want a bit more wiggle room you can opt for the larger version.
The coach likes this super compact camp chair he lovingly calls his ‘old man stool’. It comes in handy at games and practices, too! This collapsible version is another option if you want compact seating.
Of course, sometimes the girls need a quick catnap or room to stretch out. These inflatable beds can be found under our team’s tents for our girls to relax in the shade between games.
Keep it cool
Okay, so you’re sitting pretty under your tent, ready to relax between games. But you definitely need to stay nourished, hydrated, and fresh. Take a look at these essentials to fuel your day!
The misting fan is a bit indulgent, I’ll admit. But, depending on your climate, it might be totally worth it for those long, hot days.
Spending more than a day? Check out my packing list for weekend tournaments away from home.
Planning a softball team party? Take a look at my list of cute softball themed gifts!
If you find yourself camped out at the ball field for hours on end, cheering on your favorite girl on the diamond, I hope you stay comfy!
Let me know what else I should add to my wagon!
Read more of my simple musings
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