News Summary
The NCAA Collegiate Beach Volleyball National Championship will take place on the public beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, attracting athletes and fans from 2027 to 2031. This event emphasizes Alabama’s growing reputation as a premier sports tourism destination, with significant economic contributions bolstering local economies across the state. Recent sports events have reinforced this trend, highlighting substantial visitor spending and the development of new sports facilities, positioning Alabama as a key location for future sports tourism.
Alabama to Host NCAA Collegiate Beach Volleyball National Championship from 2027 to 2031
The NCAA Collegiate Beach Volleyball National Championship will be held on the public beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, from 2027 through 2031. This prestigious event will attract athletes and fans, further enhancing Alabama’s reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism.
The economic impact of Alabama’s sports tourism industry is substantial, having generated over $614 million in 2024 alone. The demand for such events has contributed significantly to local economies across the state, with sports tourism generating more than $249 million in local economic contributions in the same year.
In 2024, major sporting events further emphasized Alabama’s growing appeal for sports tourism. The SEC Baseball Championship recorded an impressive economic impact of $15 million and drew around 180,000 attendees. Birmingham, a hub for various sporting events, hosted 150 events in 2024, including a Major League Baseball event that reached an impressive 2.5 million viewers.
In addition to established venues, several new facilities are enhancing Alabama’s sports offerings. The 130-acre Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater in Albertville, which opened in 2021, hosts numerous travel ball tournaments and contributes over $20 million annually to the local economy. The site has stimulated further business activity, including new hotels and restaurants in the area.
Furthermore, Saraland is nearing completion of a $72 million sports complex, while Muscle Shoals is planning a similar $65 million facility. Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events has also acquired 111 acres for a new sports tourism complex, demonstrating the state’s commitment to enhancing its sports infrastructure.
Local leaders highlighted the economic significance of various locations in Alabama, with Lake Guntersville contributing an estimated $1 billion annually to the local economy. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach combined hosted 142 events in the previous year, resulting in estimated economic impacts exceeding $84 million.
A proposed new sports complex in Gulf Shores aims to cost nearly $56 million for outdoor facilities and an additional $43 million for indoor facilities. A feasibility study suggests that this new facility could host around 38 events in its first year, projecting an economic impact of over $62 million. By the fifth year, this economic impact could increase to $84 million.
In Millbrook, partnerships have resulted in the 17 Springs project, a state-of-the-art sports complex that is nearing completion. Phase 1, finished in 2023, features an 86,000-square-foot Fieldhouse with amenities for various sports, meeting the needs of the community and promoting synergy among partners.
Alabama’s beaches are regarded as uniquely attractive for hosting events due to their natural beauty and resources, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The state’s total tourism spending reached a record-breaking $23.9 billion in 2024, which is double the amount recorded in 2014.
The state has also benefitted from lodging tax revenues, which generated $88 million for the general fund, alleviating some of the tax burden on households. This income is crucial for supporting community needs and improving infrastructure.
Sports tourism events in Alabama play a vital role in stabilizing seasonal impacts on local economies, benefiting the hospitality industry and many surrounding businesses. As Alabama continues to invest in sports tourism facilities and infrastructure, the state is poised to remain a prominent host for high-quality sports events in the years ahead.
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