With collegiate softball’s regular season ending, it was time for conference tournaments. Fortunately for me, the BIG EAST conference held its tournament at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont.
The four top teams in the BIG EAST played a double-elimination tournament over three days. On Thursday fourth-ranked Butler upset No. 1 Providence, and No. 2 University of Connecticut beat No. 3 Creighton. In the nightcap, Creighton eliminated Providence.
Despite no Chicago teams, the tripleheader drew a great, loud crowd, the majority of which was Butler’s fanbase. As I witnessed a couple weeks ago when DePaul hosted Butler, Bulldogs fans come out in big numbers.
On Friday Butler was eliminated after losing to both UConn and Creighton. For the championship, Creighton needed to beat UConn twice on Saturday. After falling short in the first game, UConn roared back to take the second game, the tourney championship and entry into the Women’s College World Series.
Creighton catcher Lily West
Butler pitcher Maren Berger
Attendance stayed strong throughout the tournament. Despite the Bulldogs being eliminated Friday, many Butler fans stayed for the championship. Aside from a brief shower Friday afternoon, the weather was perfect for the tournament.
We ended every day dining at one of our favorite Rosemont restaurants. We started with Giordano’s pizza. After Friday’s games, we ended our day at sports bar Hatty’s Club. After the championship game, we enjoyed a Mexican feast at Maria’s.
Elite softball play, delicious meals and beautiful weather made an almost perfect long weekend. The only thing missing was DePaul.
— John Wroblewski, podcaster
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Oct 9, 2026Andermatt, Switzerland, is This Year’s “It” Ski Destination
There’s no time like snow time — and if your idea of a grand winter escape means swooshing, shredding or schussing down a faraway slope and then relaxing in luxury, Andermatt, Switzerland, is the ideal destination. Located in the Urseren Valley and offering luxury lodging, Michelin-starred dining experiences and plenty of ski options, this corner of the central Andermatt Swiss Alps may just be the perfect winter season address.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Airlines
Oct 9, 2026Contour Airlines Adds Non-Stop Flights Between Alabama, Dallas
Travelers flying in and out of Northwest Alabama Regional Airport in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, can now utilize Contour Airlines' new non-stop services to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, beginning Nov. 12. As part of this addition, five weekly flights from its existing Muscle Shoals to Charlotte (CLT) schedule will relocate to Dallas, allowing for convenient connection opportunities at one of the nation's major aviation hubs.
Daily
Oct 9, 2026Cruise the Nile with an Egyptologist on This New River Boat
Learn about ancient Egypt like never before (or perhaps experience your own real-life version of The Mummy) with Travelmarvel. The river cruise line returns to Egypt with the debut of its newest river ship, Travelmarvel Sirius, now sailing the Nile.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
Daily
Oct 8, 2026Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan Unveils Reimagined Suites
Designed in harmony with the Ayung River valley, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan recently unveiled seven newly reimagined suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Ayung River valley and handcrafted Balinese details bringing a sense of place. The five Premier Duplex Suites and two Premier Family Suites were created with Hirsch Bedner Associates.
Daily
Oct 7, 2026Why Morocco Should Be Your Next Golf Getaway
Sure, there’s Scotland, Ireland, Portugal … but there’s a new golf destination quietly emerging somewhere even the most seasoned golf travelers may not expect: Morocco!
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
Airlines
Oct 7, 2026Avelo Airlines Adds 4 New Non-Stop Destinations from Dallas’ DTX Airport
Avelo Airlines announced four new non-stop routes and a third based aircraft at Dallas’ McKinney National Airport, increasing the airline’s Collin County network to nine destinations.
ShareThis