Play on the Sand with a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Event
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are a pair of gorgeous coastal cities that have plenty to offer to tournament planners
Introduction
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
When you’re organizing a sports event, it’s a known fact that the destination is a key selling point. As a sports planner, you know how difficult it can be to find an impressive location that also has all the facilities and amenities you need for a successful athletic event. There are times that perfect location may feel like a myth, a fairytale that can’t come true. The good news is, that ideal destination doesn’t only exist in your dreams. It’s down on the Alabama coast and waiting to host your sports event.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, located on the border of Alabama’s southern shore and the Gulf of Mexico, has long been a popular vacation spot. But don’t let the laid-back beach attitude fool you, this place means business with its sports events. Many reasons people vacation here—mild temperatures, variety of attractions and welcoming atmosphere—also make it a desirable place for a sporting event. Throw in a wide range of impeccable sports venues, a knowledgeable and friendly staff, and proven track record of hosting world class events, and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach make for great destination for your tournament.
Popular Activities
- Beach attractions are numerous in Gulf Shores, as visitors have the opportunity to swim, soak in the sun, play beach sports, enjoy beach bars and more. Gulf Place is one of Gulf Shores’ most popular beaches.
- Gulf State Park has two miles of beaches, a spacious campground and a new Lodge and Conference Center. It is a popular attraction that features a resort, trails, camping and more.
- The Wharf is one of the most popular sports in Orange Beach, as it features dozens of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, bars, a 10,000-seat amphitheater, a state-of-the-art marina, events every month and nightly laser light shows.
Get a Planner’s Perspective
Don’t just take our word for it, hear what these planners had to say.
Team Magic has enjoyed partnering with the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission for many years, beginning with the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon in 2007, followed by the Kaiser Coastal Half Marathon, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run in 2008. Every staff member is extremely professional and an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Faye Yates, owner, Team Magic
Find Your Perfect Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Facility
Facility Summaries
Gulf Shores Sportsplex
Sports Covered: Baseball, softball, football, track
This 100-acre facility hosts baseball, softball, football and track events and contains multipurpose fields. The facility boasts a state-of-the-art collegiate/high school track, a high school football stadium with college-level lighting, baseball fields, soccer fields and softball fields.
The stadium has seating for more than 1,500 and the sportsplex also features a field house, parking, Wi-Fi and more.
Orange Beach Sportsplex
Sports Covered: Baseball, softball, soccer, football
Opened in 2001, the Orange Beach Sportsplex is home to a variety of facilities, including playing fields, a new field house, a 1,500-seat stadium with a press box, locker rooms and a second concession stand. The Orange Beach Championship Stadium has played host to SEC teams, NCAA teams, the University of South Alabama, Troy State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Austin Peay State University, Florida State University, UAB, the University of Louisiana Lafayette and many others.
Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf
Sports Covered: The Wharf Concerts, trade shows, expos, sporting events
Conveniently located in Orange Beach at the base of the Beach Express and Canal Road and easily accessible from Gulf Shores and Foley, the Event Center is home to almost 100 events annually, from corporate conferences to small trade shows and banquets, sporting events, seminars and more. The facility features 18,000 square feet of convenient, rentable, and accessible event space that can host almost any event.
Gulf Place
Sports Covered: Beach volleyball, triathlons
One of Alabama’s most popular beaches, Gulf Shores Main Public Beach is a perfect spot to play volleyball, swim, surf or just hang out and catch some rays. Gulf Place is located where Highway 59 literally comes to an end, and this gorgeous slice of Alabama is home to a pristine, bright sand beach, new shaded areas and 350-seat beachfront restaurant The Hangout.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Sports Covered: Hiking, biking, running
Established in 2003, this scenic 28-mile trail system in Gulf State Park features nine distinct ecosystems and winds through Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Visitors can explore the timeless beauty of a Butterfly Garden, mystical freshwater marshes and coastal hardwood swamps. Another great attraction on the trails is Boulder Park, which is a boulder project that helps kids stay in shape and develop both physical and mental skills.
What are you waiting for?
Let Sports Planning Guide help you plan the perfect event.
[optin-monster slug=”kjl82zl6qcngokdod31n”]
Michelle Russ
CSEE
Telephone: 251-223-7198