For the second year in a row, the complex is boasting a range of sports including soccer, lacrosse, and archery, across every level of play, from pro to community. In addition to its 16 state-of-the-art sports fields, the complex will also be hosting events in the brand new, 90,000 square-foot event center slated to open this summer.
The event center will be hosting one of Foley’s largest competitions the first week of 
December in the Alabama USA Gymnastics Compulsory Meet. The best young female gymnasts from around the state will be competing in a number events with beam, uneven bars and floor routine, to name a few. The competition is one of the two largest state held meets the sport has to offer.
While the future looks bright for the event center, other areas of the complex will still be busy throughout the year, especially the Graham Creek Nature Preserve. Building on the success it saw in 2016, the Preserve will be bringing in over 2,000 archers to compete in the Hoyt Archery Alabama Pro Am from February 16 to 19. There will be 14 competitive ranges, a practice range and known distance range, each with 20 targets, to take advantage of the different challenging aspects of the Preserve’s unique terrain.
In addition to a range of venues and sports on the docket for 2017, Foley Sports Tourism Complex will be home to a number of different levels of play. Collegiate sports are represented a number of times throughout the calendar, including the Sun Belt Conference Women’s Soccer Championship slated for October 31 through November 5. This will be the Championship’s second visit to Foley, after a successful event in fall on 2016, which aired on the ESPN family of networks.
One unique addition to the calendar is the 2017 USPCA National K-9 Trials. Police dogs from around the country along with their handlers will compete in events including agility, obedience, article search, suspect search, and criminal apprehension. Foley Police Officers Carlos Lizarraga and Daniel Hudson were part of a four man team that placed fifth overall in the competition last year and will be leading the Foley Police Department all of whom are looking to leverage the home field advantage and be crowned top dog.
“From pro to youth sports, lacrosse to flag football, the 2017 Foley Sports Tourism Complex calendar has something for everyone,” said Don Staley, Executive Director of the Complex. “The events are getting larger and bringing more, and more visitors to play, stay and enjoy all that Foley has to offer. I truly believe this calendar is the first step in a banner year for not just our city, but our entire region.”
Spectators are welcome at any and all of the Foley Sports Tourism Complex events. To learn more about our events or our complex visit our website at www.foleysportstourism.com. Feel free to reach out to Marketing and Communications Manager, Stephanie Godlewski with any questions at 251.284.0089.
