USA Softball Team Arrives in Brisbane for Historic Series
World No. 2 USA has touched down in Brisbane, Australia, gearing up for the much-anticipated 2025 USA Down Under Series. This event, scheduled from December 31, 2025, to January 3, 2026, will feature an exciting four-game series against No. 10 Australia at the scenic Redlands Softball Park. The series promises heart-pounding competition and rekindles the longstanding rivalry between these two powerhouse nations.
A Historically Significant Visit
This trip marks the USA’s first visit “down under” since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, where they clinched the gold medal in a display of athletic prowess. The nostalgia surrounding this series is heightened by their legendary match-up during those Olympics, a game that etched itself into history as one of the most thrilling to date.
In that unforgettable contest, which took place at Blacktown Park, Australia narrowly defeated Team USA 2-1 after an intense 13-inning battle. This game drew the largest crowd in Olympic softball history, with 9,209 fans in attendance, and showcased the extraordinary talent of USA superstar Lisa Fernandez, who set an Olympic record with an astounding 25 strikeouts.
Series Schedule
The upcoming 2025 USA Down Under Series is set to unfold over four days, stimulating the excitement of fans and players alike. Here’s the full schedule:
- Game 1: Wednesday, December 31 at 2 p.m. AEST
- Game 2: Thursday, January 1 at 2 p.m. AEST
- Game 3: Friday, January 2 at 2 p.m. AEST
- Game 4: Saturday, January 3 at 11 a.m. AEST
For all the event details, including rosters and additional scheduling information, fans can click here.
Celebrating 60 Years of Softball Excellence
This series comes during a momentous period as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the inaugural 1965 World Cup in Melbourne. That tournament saw Australia narrowly edge Team USA, clinching victory with a close score of 1-0 in the finals. As the Eagles prepare for their Australian tour, they also have their sights set on the 2027 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, aspiring to solidify their presence at the 2026 Group Stage event in Oklahoma City.
Coaching and Leadership
Leading Team USA in this pivotal tour is head coach Patty Gasso from Oklahoma, who is navigating her first season with the Red, White, and Blue. Recently, Gasso and her coaching team excelled, securing a gold medal at The World Games 2025 with an impressive undefeated record of 5-0. Joining her in Australia are esteemed coaches John Bargfeldt, Trisha Ford, and Lincoln Martin, forming a formidable leadership team poised to guide the team to success.
Follow the Excitement
As the countdown begins for the Down Under Series, fans can keep up with all the action through Softball Australia TV, where daily passes are available for $7.99 AUD and event passes for $29.99 AUD. This offers enthusiasts an opportunity to catch every thrilling moment of the competition.
Recent Developments in Brisbane
In preparation for this series, Brisbane recently hosted an International Friendly Series featuring Chinese Taipei and Australia, where the home team emerged victorious with a 4-2 series win over six games. Looking ahead, the city is set to stage the inaugural Softball Australia Cup from January 29 to February 1, 2026, featuring world number one Japan, Australia, and number 26 New Zealand.
With the stage set and the performances of both teams anticipated, this series promises to be an exhilarating chapter in the history of softball, drawing on the rich traditions and competitive spirits of both nations.