Conference USA will continue bringing major collegiate championship events to Huntsville through the end of the decade.
The conference announced Friday it has extended its partnership with the City of Huntsville to host multiple championship events through 2029. The agreement, coordinated with the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Huntsville Sports Commission, expands the city’s role as a host site for several conference championships.
Under the agreement, Huntsville will host the Conference USA Basketball Championships from 2027 through 2029, the Beach Volleyball Championships from 2027 through 2029, and the Cross Country Championships in 2026 and 2028.
“Huntsville has proven to be an exceptional host and partner for Conference USA championships,” Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod said. “Extending and expanding this partnership allows us to continue delivering first-class championship experiences for our student-athletes while showcasing the area’s outstanding venues, hospitality and commitment to collegiate athletics.”
The conference’s basketball tournament is held at Propst Arena inside the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville. The city is preparing to host the Air National Guard Conference USA Basketball Championships for the third consecutive season this year.
City leaders say the continued partnership highlights Huntsville’s growing reputation as a destination for major sporting events.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Conference USA to bring outstanding student-athletes to Huntsville for high-level competition,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “These events showcase our city, energize our economy, and create exceptional experiences for athletes, fans and visitors alike.”
Huntsville has previously hosted several Conference USA championship events, including the 2025 Cross Country Championships and the 2022 Beach Volleyball Championships.
Local tourism and sports officials said the expanded agreement reflects the success of those events and the city’s ability to support large collegiate competitions.
“Our team is excited to further our partnership with Conference USA through 2029,” said Joel Lamp, sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Extending our hosting duties for the basketball championships and expanding to the beach volleyball and cross country championships showcases Huntsville’s reputation as a championship destination.”
Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, said the organization looks forward to welcoming teams and fans back to the Rocket City in the coming years.
“Huntsville has established itself as a leading destination for collegiate sports, and we are honored to continue and expand our relationship with Conference USA,” Russell said. “We look forward to welcoming the conference back to the Rocket City.”
Conference USA, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Dallas, includes 12 member institutions competing in NCAA Division I athletics.
