Weekend Countdown: Want to See Great Fastpitch Games?

Each day of the week we'll feature a different weekend-thing-to-do. On Monday we featured the . On Tuesday we told you about the

Today's pick: The Cobra Challenge, a fastpitch softball tournament hosted by the Oakland Cobras

• When/Where: The tournament starts at 5 p.m. Friday at and continues all day Saturday and Sunday at Borden Park and . A complete bracket-style schedule of games is posted here.
• Cost: A day pass is $5; a weekend pass is $8; kids 12 and under are free. Not cost for anyone wearing a RARA or Rochester Hills Little League jersey or cap.
• Registration? Tickets? Can be purchased at the gate.
• Why go? The fastpitch softball phenomenon took off after the University of Michigan won the College World Series Championship in 2005, according to Rick Troy, a coach and volunteer for the Rochester Hills-based Oakland Cobras. This weekend's tournament will feature 40 fastpitch softball teams — 480 rostered players — from around the state. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend. "It's the greatest opportunity for a dad and daughter to go out, watch the tournament and have a good time," said Troy, whose three daughters are involved in the Cobras. Plus, he added, with almost 500 teen-age girls competing, the boys may find the tournament fun, too.

Come back to Rochester Patch tomorrow for more weekend-things-to-do options. Or, visit our Events guide here.