Sports Alabama Produces $614M in Economic Impact

Sports Alabama reveals its member destinations produced $614 million in economic impact in 2024

The Sports Alabama annual report reveals record-setting numbers

Sports Alabama announces a major feat across its 12 member destinations, hosting 824 events throughout the state in 2024, resulting in $614.42 million in economic impact. Member destinations include Alabama’s Beaches, 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. 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. Click link to view the full report: 2024 Sports Alabama Annual Report. For more information on Sports Alabama and its member destinations, visit sportsalabama.org.