Tennessee Lady Vols to Face Belmont at 2027 Midstate Classic in Columbia at Ridley Sports Complex
Columbia, TN (July 23, 2026) - The City of Columbia is excited to announce that the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers will take on the Belmont University Bruins at the 2027 Midstate Classic on Tuesday, April 13, 2027, at Ridley Sports Complex.
University of Tennessee Head Coach Karen Weekly said her team is looking forward to returning to Columbia.
"We’re excited to once again be coming to Columbia, TN for the Midstate Classic. Laura Matthews has done a fantastic job building Belmont into an excellent program and we know it will be a great game!”
Belmont University Head Coach Laura Matthews shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity.
"We are so excited to head to Columbia to face Tennessee. It’s a unique experience, and we are excited to compete in front of a community who has really gotten behind softball.”
Now in its 12th year in Columbia, the Midstate Classic has become one of Middle Tennessee's premier spring softball events.
City Manager Tony Massey said the featured matchup reflects Columbia's continued commitment to hosting premier sporting events.
"The Midstate Classic has become a tradition our community looks forward to each year. Welcoming nationally recognized programs like Tennessee and Belmont showcases the quality of Ridley Sports Complex while creating an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors."
The annual tournament continues to attract outstanding collegiate competition, and the 2027 featured matchup between Tennessee and Belmont promises to be one of the event's most anticipated contests yet.
Mayor Chaz Molder said the event strengthens Columbia's reputation as a destination for high-caliber athletics.
"Hosting programs of this caliber is an exciting opportunity for our community. The Midstate Classic continues to highlight Columbia as a destination for exceptional athletic competition, and we're proud to welcome these outstanding teams to Ridley Sports Complex."
Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan said the tournament has become one of the department's signature annual events.
"Hosting the Midstate Classic for the 12th year is a testament to the dedication of our Parks and Recreation team and the outstanding reputation of Ridley Sports Complex. We look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and fans for another memorable day of competition."
Additional event information will be shared closer to the tournament date on ColumbiaTN.gov and the City's Facebook and Instagram pages, @CityofColumbiaTN.
ABOUT COLUMBIA, TN
The City of Columbia is the county seat of Maury County, located 45 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee. Columbia is experiencing a renaissance of new industry, residential development, a bustling historic downtown square, and emerging arts district while attracting companies, residents, and visitors looking for affordability, quality of life, and a Main Street experience, all in a convenient location. Columbia is a Southern Living ‘Top 10 Best Small Town’ and the ancestral home of the 11th U.S. President James K. Polk.
