OXFORD, AL — The City of Oxford and Choccolocco Park will continue serving as a national destination for junior college softball after the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced an extended agreement to host both the Division I and Division II Softball World Series events in Oxford through 2034.
Under the agreement, the NJCAA Division I Softball World Series, which had already committed to Oxford for the next three years, will remain at Choccolocco Park through 2034. The NJCAA Division II Softball World Series will begin its run in Oxford in 2028.
Oxford and Choccolocco Park have hosted NJCAA postseason softball events since 2021, with city officials and NJCAA leadership pointing to the partnership’s continued growth and investment in the student-athlete experience.
Billy Thompson, director of Choccolocco Park and host for the NJCAA Division I and II Softball World Series, said the extension builds on the partnership established over the last several years.
“We are super excited to extend our partnership with the NJCAA and continue building on the foundation we created together beginning in 2021,” Thompson said. “My goal has always been to provide student-athletes at all levels the opportunity for the best championship experience and atmosphere.”
Thompson also credited the support of Oxford’s mayor and city council for helping secure the long-term agreement and said the city remains committed to growing the championships in the future.
Katie Willingham, NJCAA Division I Softball chair, said the agreement provides student-athletes an opportunity to compete at a high-level facility while also gaining exposure to college recruiters.
“This partnership provides our student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a first-class facility, face outstanding competition, and showcase their talents in front of NCAA and NAIA recruiters from across the country,” Willingham said.
NJCAA Vice President for Championships, Membership, and Sports Governance Dr. Brett Monaghan described Oxford as a standout championship location and praised local organizers for continually improving the experience for players and fans.
“What we have in Oxford is special,” Monaghan said. “They continue to find ways to improve their already outstanding facilities, increase community participation, and ultimately provide memorable experiences for our student-athletes.”
Monaghan also thanked Division II Baseball Chair Ron Riggle, Division I Softball Chair Katie Willingham, and Division II Softball Chair Chris Robinson for their support in securing the long-term extensions.
Oxford Mayor Alton Craft said the agreement reflects the city’s continued investment in Choccolocco Park and sports tourism efforts.
“The decision by the NJCAA to make Oxford and Choccolocco Park its World Series home through 2034 represents not only the best play here, but the best want to play here,” Craft said.
Craft added that the continued partnership is expected to bring economic benefits to Oxford businesses and attract athletes, fans, and families from across the country to the city each year.
Choccolocco Park has become one of the region’s premier sports complexes and has hosted numerous regional and national events in recent years.
