Looking for the Latest Information on Gulf Sports, Weather, and Entertainment?

A martial arts camp, a tennis tournament, and a half marathon—these are some of the sporting events coming to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach at the beginning of the New Year. Sports certainly are a popular pastime on the Gulf Coast, whether it’s viewing/participating in the live action of a sporting event or visiting a local bar to watch another popular sport: football.

It’s an especially popular sport this year, with Gulf Shores & Orange Beach being an official sponsor of the SEC. For the latest information on SEC football, visit AL.com—a popular Alabama news website and a sponsor of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission.

Right there on the homepage, under Alabama Sports, you’ll find headlines on SEC and college football in general, as well as other sports headlines, from high school to professional. There is even a countdown to the BCS Championship—only 9 days to go! And if you’re planning a visit to the Gulf for some sports action—live or on the big screen—the website is an excellent source for local weather, entertainment, and travel information.

It’s going to be an excellent New Year!

Tune into the Perfect Holiday Balance

Balance is the key to many things in life. It’s important to balance out the day-to-day work life with a little fun, and balance out the cold of winter with a getaway to a place with more tolerable temperatures. And with less than a week until Christmas, many people have decided to balance out the chill of the holidays with a warm trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Now that you’re here, finding the right balance of holiday cheer is another important task. This is where Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission sponsor 95 KSJ—a Clear Channel radio station—becomes useful. Tune into this channel to hear a good mix of popular country music, with a little holiday music mixed in here and there.

The station’s website is a good place to find a mix of the latest news and local holiday happenings. And if you’re in the mood for non-stop Christmas music, the website offers links to stations streaming festive holiday music.

Strike that perfect balance, and enjoy the holidays on the Gulf.

Spending Black Friday on the Gulf? Check Out the Tanger Outlet Center

Maybe you’re spending the Thanksgiving holiday Gulf-style this year, or maybe you’re getting ready for the Kaiser Realty Coastal Half Marathon on Saturday, November 26th, or the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championships beginning Sunday, November 27th. Whatever the reason, many of you will be in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach on Black Friday. If you’re willing to brave the crowds, you’ll find many great options for shopping—including the Tanger Outlets, a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission sponsor.

With over 120 brand name outlets, the Tanger Outlet Center in Foley is a popular Gulf shopping spot. Shoppers can find deals on everything from clothing and accessories to housewares and home furnishings. The Tanger Outlet Center offers more than just shopping—visitors can scale the rock-climbing wall, go bungee jumping, and visit the family fun park. If you get hungry, there are several options for lunch.

Visit the Tanger Outlets website to find coupons, buy gift cards, and get information on the TangerClub (perks include special offers and savings). And if you really want to find some good sales, check out their Moonlight Madness sale—stores open at 10 p.m. Thanksgiving night!

Prepare for Thanksgiving with Publix Supermarkets

There are many reasons to visit Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this time of year (great weather, great sports, etc.) but one big reason is just a little more than a week away: Thanksgiving. Many of you will be heading this way soon to spend a mild Thanksgiving holiday walking the beach, playing some golf, and perhaps preparing a big meal in your condo or beach house. To help prepare for the big dinner, you might want to head over to one of the local Publix Supermarkets—an excellent source of quality groceries and a sponsor of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission.

In addition to a wide variety of grocery products, Publix also provides its customers with several other services and programs: get a prescription filled at the store’s pharmacy, order a custom-decorated cake from the bakery, or enjoy a sub from the deli. Clubs and programs include the Publix Wine Guide, the Publix Baby Club, and the Pet Program. And if you’re looking for meal ideas for the big holiday (or any other time), you may find the Publix Apron’s Simple Meals Recipes to be useful.

Publix has several locations in and around Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, making shopping for your Thanksgiving dinner convenient. And be sure to check out some of the post-holiday sporting events, including the Kaiser Realty Coastal Half Marathon and the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championships—inspire yourself to work off that Thanksgiving turkey!

Work Up an Appetite and Head to the Original Oyster House

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach is the place to be for sports fans in November. We’re kicking things off with the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship on November 2nd through the 6th, followed by the Alabama Adult Combo Tennis State Championships November 3rd through 6th, and the Alabama Soccer Festival November 4th through 6th. Other upcoming November events include the Professional Redfish Series Championship November 10th to 13th, the Kaiser Realty Coastal Half Marathon on November 26th, and the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championships November 27th to December 3rd.

With all the activity going on, fans and athletes alike are sure to work up an appetite, making the Original Oyster House both a tasty option and an appropriate sponsor of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission.

Two restaurant locations offer two scenic views: one overlooks Mobile Bay in Mobile, and the other overlooks Big Lagoon in Gulf Shores. But nice views and a casual atmosphere are only part of the dining experience; delicious food makes up the rest. The restaurants offer a variety of foods, from steak and chicken selections to a wide variety of seafood dishes.

And of course, there is no shortage of oysters at the Original Oyster House. Get them baked, deep fried, or simply on the half shell—whatever suits your palate.

Get Lazy on the Gulf with Meyer Real Estate

A vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach is the perfect time to get lazy—even if one of the area’s high-energy sporting events is on your agenda. Whether you’ve just competed in a championship tennis match at The Beach Club or are resting after cheering on your favorite SEC Women’s Soccer team before heading to the next championship game, being lazy is a good way to re-energize yourself. Rent a vacation property with Meyer Real Estate—a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission sponsor—and you’ll find it easy to accomplish this goal with the company’s “Be Lazy & Get a Free Night” special.

This special allows guests to rent a condo or beach house for two, three, or four nights and get the third, fourth, or fifth night (respectively) free. Guests can also get two free nights—rent for five nights, get the sixth and seven nights free.

Meyer Real Estate both rents and sells condos and houses in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, as well as Perdido Key and Fort Morgan. The company’s website allows visitors to search for rental properties by arrival and departure date, rental type, location, and even view (such as Gulf front or golf course oriented). Those interested in purchasing property can browse properties for sale and even choose a specific agent. And once you own a property, you can take advantage of Meyer’s Gulf Coast Property Management services.

The array of properties available with Meyer Real Estate makes it easy to find a place to lazily relax—whether renting a Gulf-front condo or beach house or staying in your own purchased property.

Hungry After the Big Game? Enjoy a Delicious Meal at LuLu’s

This time of year, you may be visiting Gulf Shores & Orange Beach for any number of reasons: to participate in a tennis championship or a softball competition; to watch one of the several sporting events taking place, such as Thunder on the Gulf, the Shrimp Festival Volleyball Invitational, or the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship; or simply to relax on the beach and enjoy what the area has to offer.

Whatever the scenario, delicious food and good fun will likely be welcome additions—which is why a visit to LuLu’s at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores should be part of the plans. Owned by Lucy Buffett, the restaurant is famous for its food—cheeseburgers, mahi mahi sandwiches, seafood baskets, wraps, and tacos. LuLu’s even offers allergy menus for those with gluten, egg, seafood, shellfish, or dairy allergies.

And not only is LuLu’s a sponsor of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission, but the establishment also offers its own form of sports fun, including volleyball nets and the “Mountain of Youth”—a three-story rope-climbing contraption. There is also a fountain for the kids to cool off in during the hotter weather, snow cones, a retail store, face painting, and a sand area with toys.

Grab a drink at the restaurant’s Bama Breeze bar, take in the view of the Intracoastal Waterway, and enjoy the nightly live music.

Comfortable Weather and Apples Make an Excellent Golf Experience

As we come into fall in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, we come into an ideal time for one of the area’s most popular sports: golf. Imagine playing a round of golf in comfortable fall temperatures, feeling relaxed as you make your last putt on the 18th, then enjoying refreshingly chilled apple to finish out your day.

The apple is just a little perk offered at certain courses, thanks to Honours Golf, a sponsor of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission.

A managing company of golf courses and clubs across Alabama and into northwest Florida, Honours Golf handles details such as course development and construction, marketing, turf care, and food and beverage services, among others. In the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area, the company manages Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, Craft Farms, and Rock Creek Golf Club—all members of the Gulf Shores Golf Association.

The company’s services benefit both the golf course and golfers, helping clubs maximize their course’s potential and providing enjoyable golf experiences for members and guests. And if you visit their website you’ll find some great golf deals, such as their double play and triple play fall rates and winter golf packages—a nice jump for those who are already planning ahead!

Cycling for a Cause

If you enjoy cycling and want to contribute to a good cause, you’ll want to check out the upcoming MS Ride: Tour de Beach, taking place on September 24th and 25th in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Not only can participating cyclists expect to challenge themselves with a 150-mile ride, they’ll also be helping out the Alabama-Mississippi chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, as all proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit this organization.

Whether you’re riding in the event, volunteering to help out, or simply cheering on the cyclists, it’s sure to be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. To make the event that much more enjoyable, you might consider lodging during those two days at Hampton Inn & Suites in Orange Beach, one of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission’s sponsors and the host site for the event.

The MS Ride begins and ends at the Hampton Inn, making it a convenient location for lodging during the event. In addition, the hotel offers Gulf-front views, comfortable rooms, a business center, fitness room, and a pool. After a couple of long days of cycling, easy access to the Gulf and a pool is a big benefit!

The Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon is Less than a Month Away!

Few sports can put an athlete’s skills to the test like a triathlon, and in less than a month athletes in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach will get the chance to challenge their athletic abilities right on the Gulf. It’s time to get ready for the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon and “Tri-it-on” Triathlon on September 10th!

The event will begin with a 1,000-yard swim, followed by a 20-mile bike ride through the area’s state park, and finishing up with a 5-mile run. The other race option is the “Tri-it-on” Triathlon, which involves a 300-yard swim, 9-mile bike ride, and a 2-mile run. Participants are also invited to a pre-race dinner, post-race party, and awards ceremony.

In addition to holding the event and supporting the Sports Commission as a sponsor, Brett/Robinson is also offering a special rate for the event for guests who stay at any Phoenix property—you might want to take advantage of their pools, lazy rivers, and hot tubs after a long day of racing!

More information on the triathlon and accommodations is available on the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission website.

Gulf Sports Make You Hungry for Gulf Food

When the big competition is over, one thing generally pops into the minds of athletes and fans alike: food. Sports make us hungry, and being in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach you may get a craving for some local flavors and a Gulf view. LuLu’s at Homeport Marina offers both—and more.

One of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission’s sponsors, LuLu’s is the place to go for good food and live music. Their menu offers a variety of delicious dishes, from fried oysters and fish baskets to hamburgers and sandwiches of all sorts. You can also enjoy one of several “specialty drinks” while listening to the music of a live band every evening—all while gazing out at the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Several events take place at LuLu’s throughout the year, too, such as the Annual Memorial Day Weekend LuLuPalooza Music Festival in May, LuLu’s Fresh Art Market every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the Annual Halloween “Boolu’s” Haunted House in October.

You can even take a little bit of LuLu’s home with you: shop the website for t-shirts, hats, glassware, and other fun items, or purchase the “Crazy Sista Cooking” recipe book and enjoy a bit of Gulf cuisine at home.

Cool Off With Caribe This Summer

Here we are halfway through July with August on the horizon. The “dog days” of summer are here, and it certainly feels like it in the South. Amid all the heat, several sports events are taking place in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this month and next, including softball and baseball world series, a beach volleyball championship, and the Mark Gottfried Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Whether watching or participating in these events, having a place to cool off afterward is vital. And if you happen to be staying with Caribe the Resort, a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission sponsor, you’re in luck—the resort has no shortage of swimming space. In addition to the 980-foot-long lazy river, Caribe also has three three-tier swimming pools—two with water slides—as well as an indoor heated pool at each tower. Caribe is also situated on Perdido Bay, giving guests plenty of access to the Gulf.

Though a big draw, water isn’t the only amenity the resort has to offer. Guests have access to three tennis courts, a putting green, two bocce ball courts, and a fitness center. The property also has a designated fishing dock and a “green space” for activities such as picnics, barbecues, and family lawn games.

The two-, three-, and four-bedroom condos are spacious and equipped with full gourmet kitchens, making them ideal for friends and family members—or teammates—to stay together.

Stay Close to the Sports Action This Summer

There are many reasons to stay with Orange Beach Villas, another sponsor of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. But for baseball and softball players and fans, there is one important reason to stay at these condos: their close proximity to the Orange Beach Sportsplex.

Several baseball and softball tournaments are scheduled to take place at the Orange Beach Sportsplex throughout the summer. If you’re in town either to play in or to watch one of these tournaments, you’ll appreciate being so close to the event location. In addition, the three-bedroom/two-bath condos create an ideal temporary living situation for those traveling with multiple family members or teammates.

The Villas are also close to The Wharf—so there’s a good chance you could catch a concert in between sporting events. Guests have access to the property’s swimming pool and a lake for fishing. Pets are also allowed to stay with payment of a small pet fee.

It’s Good to Have Choices When Planning a Vacation

If there’s one major benefit of visiting Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, it’s the variety of options you’ll find: options for where to eat, what to do, and even what sports events to watch or participate in. With so many choices, it makes sense to have plenty of options concerning where to lodge during your stay.

This is what makes Young’s Suncoast Vacation Rentals an ideal accommodations resource, as well as an appropriate sponsor for the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. They have properties in several locations around the area, so it’s easy to find something convenient to that big sporting event, or any other activity or event, you’re attending.

Young's Suncoast also offers a range of condos and rental houses to accommodate varying situations. In addition to condominiums ranging from one to six bedrooms and beach houses that sleep anywhere from eight to ten people, the properties also come with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and Gulf-front views. And if your favorite pet needs to come along, certain locations can accommodate him, too.

It’s simple to find what you’re looking for on their website—search according to location, whether they allow pets, or even if they accept boats. Check them out and start planning your Gulf trip!

Stay Close to Pools, Water Parks, and Other Attractions This Summer

A range of sporting events are coming to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this summer, from baseball and softball tournaments to tennis and volleyball and even a kayak fishing tournament. Whether you’re in town to compete or watch, you’ll probably want to check out the local attractions during non-competition times—making Microtel Inn & Suites of Gulf Shores, a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission sponsor, a convenient place to stay.

First of all, it’s going to be hot this summer, and not only does Microtel offer an outdoor pool, but it’s also less than five minutes away from Waterville USA—two convenient ways to cool off after a long day of sports activity. Gulf Shores State Park is also within five minutes, giving guests an opportunity to spend time on the beach and swim in the Gulf. Also nearby are the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Fort Morgan, deep sea fishing, and The Wharf.

The hotel offers some freebies, too: free continental breakfast, free 24-hour coffee, free local and long-distance phone calls within the U.S., and free wired and wireless internet. A fitness room and laundry are also available to guests.

And the Championship Title is Up for Grabs!

It’s the unpredictability of sports that makes them so appealing—there’s nothing exciting about knowing (or, rather, strongly suspecting) ahead of time who is going to win. So it’s bitter-sweet that the defending champs of the NAIA Women’s Softball National Championship are already out of the competition. With just one day left until the final championship game, the title is officially up for grabs.

And the competition is getting tougher. Looking at Monday’s final scores, no team really blew any other team away. The 7-1 win of Oregon Tech over Lubbock Christian was the biggest score difference on Monday. Otherwise, scores were much closer compared to the scores seen earlier in the competition.

One game in particular proved close with solid pitching. California Baptist defeated Oklahoma City with a final score of 1-0. That one run came from just one hit—a homerun in the second inning. Oklahoma City’s pitcher did a stellar job, giving up only four hits and striking out seven in six innings, while California Baptist’s pitcher allowed only one hit and struck out eleven batters.

The championship final is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25th at 12:30 p.m. Come cheer on the next NAIA National Champions!

High Scores and Shut-Outs Characterize Day 1 of NAIA Championship

One day down, six more to go in the NAIA Women’s Softball National Championship. So far it’s proving to be an exciting championship, with big scores, a no-hitter, and a fighting defending champion rounding out the first day.

Several games finished up with high final scores and/or shut-outs. Bethel (Indiana) shut out Morningside (Iowa) with a final score of 10-0, and defending champ Simon Fraser (B.C.) continued its fight for a repeat title by winning 10-2 against Reinhardt (Georgia). Trevecca Nazarene (Tennessee) also had a big shut-out score, beating Midland (Nebraska) 9-0, while Oliviet Nazarene (Illinois) won 9-4 against William Woods (Missouri). With scores like these, it’s apparent that these ladies are serious about winning!

Several players have shown amazing skill in pitching, too. Anyibell Ramirez and Morgan Paschall of Lindsey Wilson (Kentucky) combined their pitching efforts and pulled out a no-hitter and a 3-0 win against Blanks Minot State (North Dakota). In addition, pitcher Lauren Baker of Trevecca Nazarene allowed only one hit the entire game, as did pitcher Lily LaVelle of Oklahoma City in her team’s 5-1 defeat of Mobile.

With six more days until the final championship game, there’s plenty of softball still to be played!

Book a Last-Minute Stay with Fairfield Inn & Suites

This time of year, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is thriving with activity, including various sporting events. Softball, baseball, and basketball events are taking place in May, and tennis, kayak, and more baseball are scheduled for June. You might decide at the last minute to make a trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach to catch some tournament action—and you might want to check out the last-minute weekend deals offered by Fairfield Inn & Suites, a sponsor of the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is located in Orange Beach across the street from white-sand beaches. In addition to convenient access to the beach, Fairfield guests can take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor heated pool, lakeside Jacuzzi, and 24-hour fitness center. Other amenities include flat screen TVs, free wireless Internet, and a deluxe continental breakfast bar.

The hotel is an ideal location for meetings and events, with two meeting rooms totaling 1,480 square feet.

Besides offering deals on last-minute weekend rates, the hotel also honors Marriott Rewards points, which allow guests to redeem points for free nights. And if you redeem four nights, you get a fifth night for free—allowing you plenty of time to check out those sports tournaments!

Preparing for the NAIA Softball Championship

The 2011 NAIA Women’s Softball National Championship is only a couple days away now. But you don’t have to wait until Thursday to start getting involved.

Get into the spirit of the week by attending the Welcome Banquet on Wednesday, May 18th. First is the Parade of Champions—watch as participating softball teams parade down Main Street at The Wharf beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dinner follows at the Conference Center at The Wharf. Banquet tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the door.

And if you haven’t booked reservations to stay in the area, now’s the time to do it. Several accommodations and special rates are available to fans of the NAIA Women’s Softball National Championship, from Gulf-front hotel rooms to luxurious condominiums. More information on lodging is available on the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission website.

Fans have a few options for the actual event as well—pay for day to day attendance or purchase a pass to the entire tournament. Day passes to the tournament are available for $8 per adult and $3 per child (age 10 and under). The same rate applies to admission to the big championship game. Tournament passes are available for $30 per adult and $15 per child.

The 2011 NAIA Women’s Softball National Championship Starts Next Week!

Alabama Gulf Coast sports fans, and particularly softball fans, will be happy to know that the 2011 NAIA Women’s Softball National Championship is scheduled to start next Thursday, May 19th at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. Come watch as 32 college teams compete for the National Champions title!

All 32 teams will play three games in pool play action from May 19th to May 21st, followed by an eight-team double elimination round on the 23rd and 24th. The final champion-deciding game will be played on May 25th.

The mix of teams competing in this championship promises to make it an exciting event. The current national champion Simon Fraser (B.C.) is returning to defend its title. Oklahoma City, the leading team in all-time championship wins, will play against Mobile, who is competing in the championship for the 16th time. The Stars hold the record for the most NAIA championships attended, this year being their 25th trip. And there are several teams making a first appearance at the championship—a good setup for a potential underdog winner.

Don’t miss the excitement! Be there to cheer on your favorite team, or just follow the whole week-long event to see who will come out on top.

Relax with Spectrum Resorts

Accommodations are an important factor in a successful vacation. It’s a great feeling to return to a comfortable, luxurious condo after a day spent in the sun, whether at the beach, touring the local sites, or attending an Alabama Gulf Coast sporting event. So it’s very appropriate that Spectrum Resorts is one of the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission’s sponsors.

With three resorts to choose from—The Beach Club, Caribe the Resort, and Turquoise Place—Spectrum Resorts offers a number of lodging options, from one- to five-bedroom condos as well as charming, spacious beach cottages. Each property offers its own assortment of amenities and guest services, including several outdoor and indoor swimming pools, poolside cabanas and bars, fitness centers, lazy rivers, spa services, supervised child care, and novelties such as life-size chess (The Beach Club) and lawn bowling (Caribe).

All three locations also offer a variety of specials to enhance guests’ vacation experiences, including free concert tickets, resort credit, and packages that include guests’ choice of golf, fishing, shopping gift cards, and passes to places like Waterville USA and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

The company also offers a no-payment-until-you-stay policy, and guests can cancel reservations up to 72 hours before their arrival with no penalty.

Music, News, and Events from Sunny 105.7

Whether you’ve just woken up to your radio alarm, are driving to the latest Alabama Gulf Coast sporting event, or you’ve just arrived in town and the CD selection has run out, chances are you’re going to check out the music and news on the local radio waves. And you’ll likely come across Sunny 105.7, “the Voice of Paradise” and a sponsor of the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission.

If you like a variety of music, you’ll find it here—everything from classic ‘70s music to today’s tunes. You can also catch the Rick and Bubba show in the mornings and get updates on local news, events, and contests.

And if you missed something on the air, you can visit the station’s website: get the latest in entertainment news, browse the community calendar for information on events and activities, and even view the title and artist of current and previous songs played.

Hang Out at The Hangout

Any place worth visiting for any length of time has that one popular location that all the locals and regular visitors know about—whether it’s a widely held favorite restaurant, a hip night club with the best live music, or some outdoor location known for frequent parties and good times. Come to Alabama’s Gulf Coast and you’ll quickly learn that The Hangout, so aptly named, is one such location in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

With a wide-ranging menu of delicious seafood and land-based food, The Hangout, another sponsor of the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission, is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a beachside restaurant with good food and a fun atmosphere. As the site of the annual Hangout Music Festival and other major concerts, it’s also an ideal location for those in the mood for a good beach party and some live music.

And bringing a little sport to The Hangout next month is the 2011 Naked Tour, where award-winning author Chris McDougall will lead a 90-minute barefoot run along the beaches of Gulf Shores followed by a signing of his new book Born to Run. More information about this event is available on the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission website.

Kaiser Realty’s Cycling the Coast for a Cure

Kaiser Realty is typically known for its beach home and condo rentals and Gulf Shores real estate sales, but on March 26th the company’s name will be attached to another positive: the 5th Annual Kaiser Realty Cycling the Coast for a Cure.

Together with the American Cancer Society, Kaiser Realty, a sponsor of the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission, invites cyclists to ride either the 21-mile or 37-mile course, which starts at Tacky Jacks in Orange Beach. Via individual sponsorships and raffle ticket sales, participants are asked to raise $100 for the American Cancer Society before the cycling event.

Besides giving access to a fun event for a good cause, the registration fee ($35 for the 21-mile and 37-mile courses and $25 for the fun ride) also includes lunch and a Cycling the Coast t-shirt.

For more information, visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission website or call Kaiser Realty, Inc.

Making Your Stay Comfortable

Whether visiting Gulf Shores & Orange Beach for a sporting event, spending the weekend golfing with friends, or vacationing for a week with the family, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay. Fortunately, Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers several accommodations settings, ranging from hotel rooms for weekend guests on a quick getaway to resort-style condominiums for longer stays.

One notable vacation rental company, and a sponsor of the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission, is Brett/Robinson. With two hotels, several beach houses, and numerous condominium properties available to rent, Brett/Robinson has an option for anyone vacationing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. In addition to vacation rentals, the company offers money-saving deals and vacation packages, including free-night specials and golf packages.

Kaiser Realty, Inc., another Sports Commission sponsor, also specializes in vacation rentals, as well as real estate sales. The company aids temporary visitors in the renting of condos and beach homes in a variety of locations throughout the Alabama Gulf Coast. Kaiser Realty also assists in real estate sales for those who wish to stay permanently, and offers a property management program for property owners interested in renting out their beach homes and condos.

And shedding a little light on the whole experience is Baldwin EMC, another Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission sponsor and provider of electric services in and around Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. In addition to providing electricity to private residences and businesses in the area, Baldwin EMC also sells energy products such as CFL light bulbs and electric grills, provides energy-saving resources, and performs personalized energy audits.

Thanks to all three sponsors for their support and services!

Communication is Key

Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast and you’ll find that the area offers much more than just beautiful white-sand beaches and Gulf views. People come from all over to participate in sporting events ranging from baseball and soccer tournaments to triathlons and major fishing tournaments. Participation isn’t the only fun part of these events; they serve as entertaining spectator sports as well.

But sports aren’t the only activities taking place in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. All kinds of happenings are going on throughout the year, and thanks to companies like AL.com and Clear Channel—two big sponsors of the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission—knowledge of these events is passed on regularly to the public.

AL.com provides a wealth of information on news, entertainment, sports, travel, and weather for the entire state of Alabama. There is even a selection of forums where you can interact with others on specific topics and precise locations. If you’re looking for current information on news stories and events in Alabama—including the Alabama Gulf Coast—AL.com is an excellent resource.

Thanks to Clear Channel, a provider of entertainment and information services around the world, information relevant to the area is distributed via radio stations like 95 KSJ in Mobile. Along with music and news, Clear Channel radio also provides the latest information on local concerts and other events.

And thanks to both of these companies (as well as several other sponsors), the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission is able to support and promote a variety of sporting events throughout the year.