September 23, 2026
FORT COLLINS, CO – The NCAA D-I softball season will once again find its perfect opening destination on the Pacific coast of Mexico, as the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge has announced its lineup for 2027.
The 11th edition of the event will run Feb. 11-13and 16-20,2027, at Nancy Almaraz Stadium in Puerto Vallarta, MX. Teams and fans will be hosted at the oceanside Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center, the official host hotel just a few blocks from the field.
This year’s field features nine programs, including four returning participants. Duke will make its third trip to Puerto Vallarta after competing in 2019 and 2024. Kansas returns after appearing in 2023, while Cal State Fullerton is back for the third time following appearances in 2017 and 2023. North Dakota State, a Puerto Vallarta staple, returns for a field-leading fourth appearance after competing in 2019, 2023 and 2025. The event will also welcome five first-time participants: Central Arkansas, Purdue, Miami (Ohio), Tarleton State and Connecticut. This outstanding mix of returning programs and event newcomers promises plenty of exciting softball in Mexico.
Session 1-
Play Dates- Feb 11-13, 2027
Kansas
Central Arkansas
Purdue
North Dakota State
Session 2-
Play Dates- Starting Feb 16-20,2027
Duke
Miami (Ohio)
Tarleton State
University of Connecticut
Cal State Fullerton
“We are incredibly proud of where this tournament stands today,” said Tournament Director Dave King. “Welcoming a full field in 2027 reflects the tremendous enthusiasm surrounding this event and sets the stage for continued growth over the next two years.
Puerto Vallarta marks the start of the collegiate softball season and plants itself as an incredible experience for fans and families alike. PV provides a unique experience in a walkable city with markets and adventure on every corner.
Fan Lodging & Tickets
Fan lodging packages are available. Explore your options for a relaxing, safe, and convenient stay steps away from the action: Fan Lodging – Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.
Tickets for the 2027 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge can also be purchased in advance here: Tickets – Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.
Full game schedule and matchups will be released in upcoming weeks.
About Triple Crown Sports
Based in Fort Collins, CO, Triple Crown Sports has been producing youth, high school and college events for more than 40 years. TCS runs both the Postseason WNIT basketball event and produces the men’s and women’s DI Cancun Challenge tournaments in November. Triple Crown also powers the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) and launched thePuerto Vallarta College Challenge in 2015, which annually features more than 10of the top DI college softball teams in Puerto Vallarta, MX. Anchored by the 1,200-team Colorado 4th of July event, TC fastpitch softball tournaments draw the nation’s finest club programs, and hundreds of college coaches attend TCS events for recruiting purposes. The company also produces one of the largest youth baseball events in the world with the 700-team Omaha SlumpBuster during the College World Series. The Triple Crown Volleyball NIT has become the top-recruited club volleyball event in the country each February when 550 teams compete in Kansas City, MO.