GULF SHORES – The sports industry is continuing to provide a major financial boost to the state and cities and communities.
In fact, according to a report from Sports Alabama, its 12 member destinations hosted 824 events in 2024, resulting in $614.42 million in economic impact.
And that impact is expected to grow.
The member destinations are Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Auburn-Opelika, Birmingham, Decatur/Morgan County, Dothan, Foley, Huntsville, Marshall, Mobile, Montgomery, The Shoals and Tuscaloosa.
“Sporting events continue to be a major driver for tourism across the state of Alabama and 2024 continued that momentum in a big way with more than $600 million in economic impact going back into our destinations,” said Joel Lamp, Sports Alabama president. “Our member destinations have made significant investments in their facilities, which continues to pay major dividends, not just locally, but by increasing the state’s notoriety with the high caliber events that are choosing to bring their championships to Alabama.
“There is a tremendous amount of momentum in all of our destinations and I look forward to an even bigger and better year in 2025.”
Among the highlights is Alabama communities securing 10 NCAA championship events from 2025-2028, featuring the 2025 Men’s Golf Division I Regionals in Auburn-Opelika, the 2028 Men’s Basketball first and second rounds in Birmingham, the 2027-2028 Beach Volleyball National Championship along Alabama’s Beaches and the 2027 Men’s & Women’s Soccer Division II finals in Huntsville.
“With the continued interest and growth in women’s soccer, we believe this event has the ability to grow bigger and better each year,” Lamp, sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said about the NCAA soccer finals coming to Huntsville. “This is going to be a great showcase for the sport as these teams get set for the fall season and chase their respective conference and national titles.
“Looking ahead, our plan is for this event to lay the groundwork for us to do something special during the regular season in the near future.”
Other major achievements include Decatur/Morgan County hosting the inaugural HBCUAC Cross Country Championships, Foley hosting three Sun Belt Conference championships, Montgomery opening its premier whitewater park and The Shoals welcoming 400 college anglers for the Boat US National Championship.
Sports Alabama’s 2025 goals highlight increasing its profile through storytelling, building support among local, regional and state leaders as well as engaging its members by fostering a teamwork culture. The full report can be downloaded here.
For more information on Sports Alabama and its member destinations, visit sportsalabama.org.
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