For the fifth-straight year, NCAA Division I softball is coming to the home of the Little League Baseball® World Series as Army West Point, the University of Maryland, the University of Virginia, and Penn State University are set to compete in the 2026 Little League® Girls with Game® Experience on October 17 and Bucknell and Mansfield will face off on October 18.
After taking the field in Williamsport as part of the 2025 event, the four programs competing on Saturday are set to return to Howard J. Lamade Stadium this fall for a celebration of softball that brings together the next generation of Girls with Game with collegiate athletes competing at the highest level.
“Bringing these four programs back to Williamsport gives our young athletes an opportunity to see firsthand where the game can take them while providing our community with a great weekend of softball, and even more exciting this year is being able to add a second day of action with Bucknell and Mansfield taking the field,” said Ashlea Miller, Little League Director of Softball Development. “The Girls with Game Experience is about creating access, building connections, and inspiring girls to continue playing the game they love. We encourage families, teams, and softball fans throughout the region to join us at Lamade Stadium and be part of the experience.”
Admission to the collegiate exhibition games throughout the weekend is free and open to the public, providing families and softball fans throughout the region with a unique opportunity to experience Division I softball at one of the most iconic venues in youth sports.
A Full Weekend of Softball in Williamsport
The 2026 Girls with Game Experience expands to two days for the first time, creating even more opportunities for young athletes to learn from and interact with collegiate softball players while sharpening their skills.
On Saturday, October 17, registered clinic participants will take part in hitting, fielding, and throwing instruction before the focus shifts to Lamade Stadium for a pair of collegiate exhibition games featuring the four participating programs.
A highlight of the day’s activities for the clinic participants will also be a chance to meet with Oklahoma City Spark pitcher, Maya Johnson, to talk about her experience playing professionally with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) while sharing some mental lessons and advice she’s learned along the way.
The experience continues Sunday, October 18, with a pitching and catching clinic for registered participants in the morning before Bucknell and Mansfield take the field at 1 p.m.
Following each of the exhibition games, registered clinic participants will also have exclusive opportunities to participate in autograph sessions with collegiate players.
Come Watch – For Free
While registration is required to participate in the instructional clinics and associated participant experiences, and has already closed for this year’s event, fans do not need to register or purchase a ticket to attend the collegiate exhibition games.
Families, local Little League programs, softball teams, coaches, and fans throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond are encouraged to make a weekend out of the experience and watch Division I softball at Howard J. Lamade Stadium.
What to Know: 2026 Girls with Game Experience Exhibition Games
- Location: Howard J. Lamade Stadium – Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Day One: Saturday, October 17 – 2 p.m. Maryland vs. Virginia | 4:30 p.m. Penn State vs. Army
- Day Two: Sunday, October 18, 2026 – 1 p.m. Bucknell vs. Mansfield
- Cost: FREE and Open to the Public
In addition to the action on the field, visitors can make the most of their trip to the Little League International Complex with a visit to the World of Little League® Museum, including its Girls with Game exhibit, and the Little League Flagship Store.
To learn more about the 2026 Girls with Game Experience, including game information and the latest event details, visit LittleLeague.org/GWGExperience.