Why Choose Gulf Shores Orange Beach for Your 2015 Sporting Event Destination

Santa's packed his bag with lots of goodies for the Gulf Shores Orange Beach Sports Commission in 2015! We are proud to bring numerous sporting events to the beach in the coming year. Why not add your next event to our schedule? 

We enjoy welcoming players, coaches, fans, and families. This area will be able to give you the best of both worlds - you can take pleasure in competitive games and also have some fun in the sun on the spectacular beaches. Restaurants, shopping and family-friendly attractions are available at every corner.  

Don’t take our word for it – see for yourself! Plan a trip down south to check out why the Alabama Gulf Coast is the ultimate location for all kinds of sporting events. Gulf Shores Orange Beach is home to well-maintained venues that are sure to meet your needs and wants. A site visit will prove that this area is ideal for your particular event. We play host to sports such as, baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, track & field, swimming, golf and tennis. We also offer venues that provide unique possibilities, including marinas, boat launches, pavilions, an amphitheater and nature trails. 

The goal of the Gulf Shores Orange Beach Sports Commission is to assist you in with every detail of your event. Our list of services includes:  facility and site selection, bid preparation and presentation, being a liaison with local officials, providing special accommodation rates, public relations and marketing, finding volunteers, welcome bags with coupons, and handling vendor supplier referrals. When you work closely with our professional team, we will make sure it’s your best event to date!

A December to Remember

It truly is a magical time here on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Not only will there be lots of fun-filled holiday activities taking place in the area, there will also be two sports events for you to enjoy during December. You’ll have the opportunity to be a spectator at one and a participant in the other.

Like fishing and golf, baseball happens year-round here in Gulf Shores Orange Beach. Baseball All-Stars from around the state will be headed back to the ball park to compete for the title in the USSSA Fall Alabama State Baseball Tournament on December 13. While you’re in the area, head out to the Orange Beach Sportsplex cheer on your favorite player as you watch baseball at its finest.

After all of the Christmas festivities are over this year, how about a jump start on taking off that extra holiday weight? No need to wait until after New Year’s Day. The last event of 2014 is set to take place on December 27. Sign up to run, jog, walk or even crawl to the finish line in the Make it to the Line 4 Mile Run/Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run. The run will be starting and finishing at the Flora-Bama Lounge. The whole family can come out and participate together in this fun event.

Individuals and families of up to three members can compete in this event. Trophies will be awarded three deep for all age groups in the both run and the walk. Special awards will be given for the following groups: overall male, overall female, overall wheelchair, master male, master female, grand master male, grand master female, senior grand master male and senior grand master female runners and walkers.

With Holidays Near, More Sports Events to Cheer

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are nearly upon us. It’s certainly been an exciting year in sports but it’s not over yet. During the happiest season of all, the Gulf Shores Orange Beach Sports Commission has more events heading to the beautiful white sandy beaches on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

On November 21, swing by Craft Farms in Gulf Shores to watch junior golfers battle it out at the 2014 Craft Farms Junior Classic. The Southeastern Junior Golf Tour is a set up for female and male junior golfers between the ages of 12 to 19 to show off their skills on the golf course. Get your golf clap ready for this event!

Thanksgiving generally means two things - turkey and football. Why not skip the games on television and head out to cheer on youth football teams from across the country as they compete to take home the title in the Gulf Coast Youth Football Classic. This tournament will take place November 27-November 29 at both the Gulf Shores Sportsplex and Foley High School.

On November 29, you’ll be able to run off that turkey weight when you participate in the 2014 Kaiser Realty by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Coastal Half Marathon and5K Run. From a 1 mile fun run to a 5k to a half-marathon, everyone can enjoy running on the scenic trails through Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The collegiate ladies will be competing at the 2014 NAIA Women's Soccer NationalChampionship in Orange Beach. On November 30-December 6, don't miss the action as sixteen teams from across the country compete for the NAIA Championship title. This week-long event will be played on the fields at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. Don’t miss your chance to see all the dribbles, kicks and goals at this exciting event.

The last event on deck will be held on December 13. How about grabbing some peanuts and Cracker Jacks before taking yourself out to the ballgame? The USSSA Baseball All-Stars from around the state of Alabama will be competing right here in Orange Beach. The 2014 USSSA Fall Alabama State Baseball Tournament will be held at the Orange Beach Sportsplex.

What event are you most looking forward to this holiday season?

Run off Your Turkey with a Half Marathon or 5K

This time of year, we are anticipating the fast approaching holiday season. We have some enjoyable events coming up that will add to all the festivities during the most wonderful time of the year.

How about running down south to celebrate with food and fun on the beach? Go over the river and through the woods with the whole family as you make your way down to the beaches of the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast. If you eat too much on Thanksgiving, we have a way you can shed that turkey weight you may gain. Run away with us at the 2014 Kaiser Realty by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Coastal Half Marathon and 5K Run, a holiday tradition brought to you by Team Magic and the Gulf Shores Orange Beach Sports Commission. The event is set to take place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 29, 2014. 

 

If you’re not in half marathon shape yet, you’re in luck because there is a distance for everyone. A 5k run and a 1 mile fun run will also take place. The Half Marathon will begin at 8 a.m., while the 5k and 1 mile fun run start at 8:10 a.m.

During the event, you will enjoy running on the serene, scenic paved trails through Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.  The mix of paved trail throughout with stretches on the Gulf State Park main drive- all but about 1/3 mile is on the beautiful, back-country paved trail system.

Following the race, be sure join us for the post-race party at the Orange Beach Sportsplex with great food and drink, Gulf Coast style! It will be a great way to mingle with other runners and their families.

You can register online until midnight on Tuesday, November 25, 2014.

Kicking off a Soccer-Filled November to Remember

The Gulf Shores Orange Beach Sports Commission is proud to be kicking off November with not one, but two soccer tournaments. First up, the ladies of the SEC will take the field in the 2014 SEC Women’s Soccer Championship. Ten teams will compete to be crowned the SEC Women’s Soccer Champions. The battle will start on Monday, November 3, 2014 and conclude on Sunday, November 9, 2014. All of the games will be played at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. The final match is scheduled for Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 2 p.m. and it will be broadcast live. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the action! 

In the middle of all the SEC excitement, goals will continue to be scored by youth teams at the Alabama Soccer Festival. This tournament kicks off on Saturday, November 8, 2014 and will finish on Sunday, November 9, 2014. The festival is in conjunction with the SEC Women's Soccer Championship. More than 100 teams will be participating in this festival, which will take place at both the Gulf Shores Sportsplex and the Orange Beach Sportsplex. Come out and show your support! 

Run Off the Great Eats at Shrimp Fest

Will you be in town for the 2014 Annual NationalShrimp Festival on October 9-13? If so, you’ll need a way to burn off all the succulent seafood calories that you’ll be consuming over the course of the weekend. So get ready, set, go get your running shoes, lace them up, then race to the finish line of 2014 AnnualNational Shrimp Festival 5K/10K Run! The run will be taking place on October 11, 2014 at the Orange BeachSportsplex in Orange Beach, AL. The 10K race will begin at 8 a.m. and the 5K race will start at 8:30 a.m.

The event is produced by the Coastal Business Chamber and is an officially sanctioned event of the Annual National Shrimp Festival. All the proceeds will be given to the Coastal Baldwin Education Enrichment Foundation, which benefits the public schools in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. You can register for the 2014 Annual National Shrimp Festival Run at the main entrance to the Shrimp Festival on Thursday, October 9 from 4-7 p.m., or on Friday, October 10 from 4-8 p.m. You can also register the day of the event when you head off to the races at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. You can find more information at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/OrangeBeach/2014ShrimpFestivalRun

Race on the Beach towards a World Record

The 2014 World-Beater All-Beach 10K Race & Relay will be off to a running start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2014. The race is a certified World Record Event, so this could be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to break a World Record! Runners have the option of either racing in a three person 10K relay or in an individual 10K race. Children 12 and under are also allowed to participate in this family-friendly event.

The 6.2 mile route will be held entirely on the gorgeous white beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The race will start at the Cotton Bayou State Park Beach area and the finish line will be on the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Even if you’re not running, you won’t want to miss out on all the fun.

After the race, runners and supporters can stay for food, beverages, and music at Bills By the Beach, located across the street from the finish line. All registered participants will be eligible for door prize drawings, but they must be present at the event.

If you are interested in participating, you can register online at www.AllBeach10K.com by midnight on September 25, 2014. Runners can also register in person the morning of the event, from 5:30 – 7:30 a.m. See you at the starting line!

For the Love of Tennis

For those that love the sport, the Alabama Gulf Coast and tennis is a match made in heaven. The Gulf Shores Orange Beach Sports Commission is proud to be hosting some upcoming tournaments in September and October.

On September 25-28, 2014, come and see all the action as over 300 tennis players vie on the courts to see which team will win the championship title. The location of all of these matches is in the City of Gulf Shores, as well as the Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club and The Beach Club.

Looking ahead to October 23-26, over 400 athletes hailing from the state of Alabama will battle it out for the Southern State Senior and Super Senior Championships. The 2014 Alabama State 40 & Over and 55 & Over Combo Doubles Tournament will be zooming over the net and landing at The Peninsula, The Beach Club and the George C Meyer Tennis Center.

If you’re in the area, plan on coming out and showing your favorite player or team your support during the games. We look forward to welcoming the players, coaches and fans to the courts as the cooler weather sets in on the beautiful beaches.

You'll Flip for the Beach: The Bama Bounders Beach Bash

The Bama Bounders Beach Bash is on the schedule on September 5-7, 2014. The event will take place at the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama. Fans and families will gather as female gymnasts compete while showing off their strength, coordination, balance and flexibility.

Will you be tumbling down from Tuscaloosa and landing the dismount on the Alabama Gulf Coast? There are special rates that are offered for this event so you can save on luxurious accommodations.

During your downtime, you’ll be able to enjoy all that the area has to offer. We know you’ll flip for the sandy white beaches and emerald waters along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The beaches will be less crowded during that time, so you will have prime seating on the sand.

Are you a seafood fan? Well, you are in luck because there is a fresh selection at many of the local restaurants. This area is known for both golfing and fishing, so bring your clubs and your pole. There are also many family-friendly attractions such as the zoo and mini golf.

Strike Out Pediatric Cancer

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Gulf Shores Orange Beach Sports Commission is proud to help benefit this worthy cause. Whether you are a participant or a spectator, you can hit a grand slam by showing your support at the 2^nd Annual Strikeout Pediatric Cancer Girls Fastpitch Tournament.  The event is set to take place at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex in Gulf Shores, Alabama on September 27-28. It is also a USSSA Qualifier event.

The participating softball teams need to be composed of girls 18 & under. To qualify, there will be a three pool play leading into a double elimination. After the tournament, awards will be presented to the first and second place teams.

For further information about the cause, and the tournament itself, visit www.jensensheartofgold.com or call 251-978-4579.

Come Back for a Vacation after Your Event

When you came in town for your Gulf Shores Orange Beach sports event, you may not have had time to appreciate the fact that you were near the gorgeous white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Now that you’ve seen all that the area has to offer, isn’t it about time you planned your next getaway?

This vacation won’t be about uniforms, teams, or tournaments. Your only worry will be finding the perfect spot for your beach chair and umbrella. Dining, playing and relaxing are all on the agenda when you head back down with family, friends, or that special someone.

The Alabama Gulf Coast is known for its spectacular beaches, but travelers will find that there is also excitement at every turn. Family-friendly attractions such as water parks and the zoo are fun for any age. For those that crave adventure, things like parasailing and zip-lining are both exhilarating and breathtaking. Top rated golf courses will delight golfers and world class fishing for anglers is available in the Gulf. Whether you’re in the mood for fun or just being lazy on the beach, you will find it in Gulf Shores Orange Beach.