On the collegiate level, North Alabama boasts a number of universities. Huntsville is home to the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), Alabama A&M University, and Oakwood University. The University of North Alabama (UNA) is located in Florence, and Athens State University in Athens. Each university brings a unique sports offering to the table, with the bigger universities, UAH and UNA, bringing a large share of sports attendance to the area throughout the year.

One notable beloved sports team making waves in the area is the Rocket City Trash Pandas. As a Double-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels in the Double-A South, the team is well established and gaining more traction season by season. The Trash Pandas play their home games in Madison at Toyota Field from April through August, and the games are known for drawing fun crowds, with Friday and Saturday games ending with a fan-favorite firework show. Huntsville also has its own professional soccer team, Huntsville City FC. A relatively new addition to the area, the team played their first game in May of this year at Joe Davis Stadium to a sold-out crowd.

Another exciting recent development is the movement of a major league fishing tournament to the region. It has been announced by Major League Fishing that Huntsville will host their major tour championship Redcrest VI in 2025. This is a very important announcement as the event is set to last a total of four days and awards two important prizes: one of Major League Fishing’s most honored titles and a cash prize of $300,000. Over 40,000 attendees are expected at the event, and the projected economic impact will translate to over $6 million in revenue.

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association has taken note of this remarkable shift in the region. Known for their expertise in developing North Alabama’s travel industry, they have found a way to provide ongoing support for this exciting recent success. As a way to support the next generation, they have worked alongside educators throughout the state to put together a Sports Marketing curriculum that can be used to help resource individuals with the tools they need to properly foster this burgeoning industry. A careful collection of valuable information, the curriculum will allow students insight into a previously lesser-known field.

Between the growing excitement and enthusiasm amongst Northern Alabama residents, major organizations deciding to put their faith and resources into the region, and collaborators working together to provide resources for the industry’s future success, North Alabama is perfectly primed for a position as a well-respected state sports hub.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]