COLUMBIA, Tenn. — If you bleed orange in softball season, put this one on the calendar now: the Tennessee Lady Volunteers are set to face Belmont University on Tuesday, April 13, 2027, at the Midstate Classic in Columbia — and for Moore County fans who already fill living rooms and sports bars every time UT takes the field, this is a rare chance to see that same program up close without a trip to Knoxville.

The City of Columbia announced the matchup this week, confirming the game will be played at Ridley Sports Complex as part of the tournament’s 12th year in the city. The Midstate Classic has grown into one of Middle Tennessee’s premier spring softball events, and next year’s headline game pairs a Southeastern Conference powerhouse against a Belmont program that has been quietly building something special of its own.

Tennessee Head Coach Karen Weekly said the Lady Vols are glad to be making the trip back.

 “We’re excited to once again be coming to Columbia, TN for the Midstate Classic,” Weekly said. “Laura Matthews has done a fantastic job building Belmont into an excellent program and we know it will be a great game.”

Belmont Head Coach Laura Matthews said facing an opponent like Tennessee, in front of a crowd that has embraced the sport, is exactly the kind of test her team wants.

“We are so excited to head to Columbia to face Tennessee,” Matthews said. “It’s a unique experience, and we are excited to compete in front of a community who has really gotten behind softball.”

For Moore County, where Tennessee athletics already command a following that rivals any team sport in this part of the state, that is the real story here. You don’t need a Knoxville ticket or a five-hour round trip to watch the Lady Vols play — just a drive to Columbia, on a Tuesday, to watch a program regularly in the national conversation take the field against a Belmont team that’s earned its own respect.

City officials framed the game as a showcase moment for Columbia itself.

“Hosting programs of this caliber is an exciting opportunity for our community,” Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said. “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.”

City Manager Tony Massey and Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan both pointed to the tournament’s staying power.

“The Midstate Classic has become a tradition our community looks forward to each year,” Massey said, while Reagan called the 12th year hosting the event “a testament to the dedication of our Parks and Recreation team and the outstanding reputation of Ridley Sports Complex.”

The 2027 Midstate Classic is still nine months out, and additional details — including ticketing and the full tournament schedule — will be posted closer to the date at on the city’s website and on the city’s Facebook and Instagram pages, @CityofColumbiaTN. But for anyone in Moore County already planning their spring around Tennessee softball, April 13, 2027, is worth circling now. •

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