Feb 16, 2010 9:40:12 AM

The American Southwest Conference will hold its annual softball championship tournament at a new athletics complex in Lewisville, Texas, under a three-year agreement beginning this spring.

The ASC tournament, set for April 29-May 1, will be first major event at the four softball fields that opened with the new Railroad Park complex last November.

"Both the Lewisville Parks and Leisure Services staff and the Convention and Visitors Bureau have been exceptional in working with the American Southwest Conference staff to bring our conference softball tournament to Lewisville," Commissioner Amy Carlton said. "The ASC is excited for its softball championship to be a part of the inaugural year events at Railroad Park."

Lewisville Mayor Dean Ueckert called the agreement a "milestone" for the new facility and expressed hopes that the partnership will continue for "years to come."

"Bringing championship-caliber collegiate sports to Railroad Park will benefit our entire community, and I am certain that the competitors and fans from the American Southwest Conference will enjoy their visit to Lewisville," he said.

Carlton said the new high-quality facility and its convenient location in a 100,000-population city near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field were key draws for the conference.

The 15-member ASC, in which 14 schools sponsor softball, has headquarters in nearby Richardson, Texas. The top three teams from each of the league's two divisions will compete in Lewisville for the ASC's automatic berth in the Division III Softball Championship.

The $20 million, 269-acre Railroad Park complex includes four lighted baseball/softball fields with 400-foot outfield fences, including a championship field with expanded seating; eight lighted soccer fields with championship-quality hybrid turf and bleacher seating; four lighted football fields with scoreboards; three concession buildings with covered patios; three manmade lakes; a 1.5-mile walking trail; the city's first skate park; and the city's first dog park.

Overall, between 500,000 and 1 million visitors are expected at the park annually for youth leagues, sports tournaments, special events and recreational use.