SPORTS ALABAMA

Sports tourism is more than games—it's a powerful economic driver for Alabama.

Earlier this week the SPORTS ALABAMA team joined Sports Events & Tourism Association President/CEO John David at the Alabama Governor's Tourism Conference to discuss the statewide impact of sports tourism and the opportunities for all 67 counties to be part of this growing industry.

The numbers speak for themselves. In October, we'll release our annual report, but sporting events generated more than $1 billion in economic impact across Alabama.

Beyond the economic benefits, these events introduce thousands of first-time visitors to our communities, creating opportunities for future travel while showcasing why Alabama is a great place to live, work, play—and compete.

Nearly four decades of endurance, competition, and economic impact.

On July 25, the 39th Annual Mountain Lakes Triathlon returns to Guntersville, showcasing exactly why Alabama continues to be a premier destination for sports tourism. Athletes from across the region will experience a unique race environment featuring a lake swim, scenic cycling routes through Marshall County, and a run along Guntersville's beautiful trail system.

Long-standing events like the Mountain Lakes Triathlon demonstrate the power of sports tourism—bringing visitors to our communities, generating hotel stays, supporting local businesses, and highlighting Alabama's outstanding outdoor recreation assets.

For sports event owners, planners, and community leaders, Guntersville serves as another example of how Alabama destinations successfully leverage natural resources and local partnerships to create memorable event experiences.

📍 Guntersville, Alabama
📅 July 25, 2026
Learn more: https://marshallcountytourismandsports.com/events/

It was just one month ago that Mobile was the center of the gymnastics world as the USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling Region 5 Championships took over the Mobile Convention Center May 15-17th!

Over three exciting days, 650 athletes and 130 coaches from eight southeastern states traveled to Alabama to compete in one of the sport's premier regional championships. As a qualifying event for both the USA Gymnastics National Championships and the Stars and Stripes Cup, the Region 5 Championships brought elite competition, passionate fans, and significant economic impact to the Mobile community.


Check out highlights here or visit the Mobile Sports Authority website for the full photo gallery: https://www.mobilesportsauthority.com

Sports Alabama members gathered last week in Birmingham for our Mid-Year Meeting.

It was a great opportunity to connect with other members from across the state, share updates, discuss new opportunities, and continue working together to grow sports tourism in Alabama.

There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon, and we can’t wait to share what’s ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building momentum!

🏅 Let the Games Begin!

The 43rd Annual Alabama State Games kick off June 12-14 in Birmingham, bringing together thousands of athletes from across the state for Alabama's largest Olympic-style sporting event. From youth competitors to adults, athletes will showcase their talents across more than 20 sports while celebrating competition, sportsmanship, and the spirit of Alabama. a weekend of competition and celebration.





https://inbirmingham.com/event/alabama-state-games-opening-ceremony/

Sports tourism is about more than competition—it's about showcasing the communities that make Alabama a great place to visit, play, and stay.

As a member of Sports Alabama, Visit Cullman, Alabama continues to highlight everything that makes its destination special. Check out their new hype video and see why athletes, families, and fans love spending time in Cullman both on and off the field!

Visit Cullman This is "Visit Cullman" by Red Sage on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

On June 9, Jordan-Hare Stadium will transform from a college football powerhouse into an international soccer stage as reigning World Cup champion Argentina takes on Iceland in a highly anticipated Road to '26 match.

With kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. CST, fans will have the opportunity to watch one of the world's most celebrated national teams as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Events like this showcase Alabama's ability to host world-class sporting events and bring international visitors, media attention, and economic impact to our state.

From college football Saturdays to global soccer nights, Alabama continues to prove it's a premier destination for sports tourism.

Who's ready to see international soccer under the lights at Jordan-Hare? ⚽🔥 Check out Visit Auburn-Opelika for more info!

⚾ Alabama is the center of the college baseball world this weekend!

For only the second time in NCAA history, one state is hosting THREE NCAA Division I Baseball Super Regionals in the same weekend—and that state is ALABAMA.

🏟️ Troy Super Regional
🏟️ Auburn Super Regional
🏟️ Tuscaloosa Super Regional

Thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and fans will travel to Alabama communities, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses while creating an incredible atmosphere for college baseball.

This is sports tourism in action—driving economic impact, showcasing our destinations, and putting Alabama on the national stage.

Good luck to Troy, Auburn, and Alabama as they battle for a trip to Omaha! ⚾🔥

2026 NCAA baseball tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for the Men’s College World Series Here is what you need to know about the 2026 NCAA DI baseball tournament, including the bracket, scores and schedule for the Men's College World Series.

Viva Las Vegas for the 2026 Sports Events & Tourism Association Symposium