Where is the 5000 number coming from? This cut and paste is from: (apologies for the formatting)
http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/2018DIWSB_PreChamps_Manual_20180222.pdfPROSPECTIVE HOSTS
Host bid information and deadlines will be included in NCAAconnect in the coming months. The list below provides facility
requirements for softball championship hosts.
1.
Field dimensions: The distance of the outfield fences shall not exceed 235 feet. Outfield fences shall be a minimum of
190 feet in left and right fields (200 preferred). If a portable fence is used, it must be placed at a distance of 200 feet in
left and right fields, and 220 feet in center field. All portable fencing must be secured so as to prevent balls from rolling
under. The outfield fence is required to be a minimum of four feet but highly recommended to be a minimum of six feet.
Please see the 2018 and 2019 NCAA Softball Rules Book for future requirements.
2.
Backstop, sideline and outfield fences must enclose the playing field.
3.
The infield must be skinned; the outfield must be natural grass or grass-like synthetic surfaces.
4.
There must be a minimum of 25 feet and a maximum of 30 feet from home plate to the backstop.
5.
The facility must be enclosed in order to charge admission, with minimum seating capacity of 500 unobstructed-view seats.6.
Concessions and an athletic training facility must be available on site. If permanent facilities are not available, tents may
be used to meet this requirement.
7.
Restroom facilities must be available, readily accessible and reserved exclusively for student-athletes and team
personnel during the course of the game (e.g., permanent restrooms). Adequate restrooms at the facility also must be
made available for the spectators. Permanent restrooms are preferred; however, portable are acceptable if this is the
only option for private and team-use-only facilities.
8.
An electronic scoreboard, public address system (including backup, if possible).
9.
A warm-up area must be provided for the two non-playing teams. Minimally, designated restricted areas for throwing and
stretching only must be provided to teams in the immediate proximity to the playing field.
10.
On-site parking must be provided for teams, tournament personnel and umpires.
11.
A covered interview area must be provided separate from spectator and hospitality areas.
12.
A tarp must be available for inclement weather.
13.
Dugouts must be covered and enclosed from spectators.
14.
A minimum of six phone lines and internet access must be available for use at press row (radio, internet, phone, fax).
15.
Press box: Institutions are required to have minimally a three-sided, covered press box with internet access and telephone.
16.
Two separate bullpen areas of comparable composition to the competition field (dirt is preferred) and distance from
dugouts must be provided. Bullpens must be separated from the spectator access area. Dirt bullpens are required at
the Women's College World Series.
17.
A full complement of grounds crew personnel must be on site at all times during practice and competition.
18.
Umpire facilities: A private dressing area (to accommodate both males and females) must be provided. Portable locker
rooms, recreation vehicles, etc., may be used; however, a tent does not fulfill this requirement.
19.
In order to host preliminary rounds, a lighted facility is required. (Minimum lighting requirement for television is 125
footcandles).
20.
Hosts must provide, in the participant manual, a list of equipment available to all teams (i.e., screens, pitching machines,
etc.) and a list of indoor facilities.
21.
Videotaping. All team camera locations will be located in the center field area and be unmanned. The site representative
or a designee will check them periodically to ensure they are operational. The host will provide three-foot-high platforms
in both right- and left-center fields approximately 20 feet from center field. Teams that do not comply with these policies
will forfeit all video footage. (
See camera protocol on page 31 for specifications
.)