Combine Holiday Activities and Soccer in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family, Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping deals to kick off the official start of the holiday shopping season, Christmas decorations, festive holiday events, and an exciting women’s soccer event.

Well, the soccer may not be part of the holiday spirit elsewhere, but it is in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. The NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship is scheduled to take place at the Orange Beach Sportsplex from December 1st through the 7^th. And an exciting event it is—throughout the week, 16 college women’s soccer teams from across the country will compete for the national championship title. If you’re in the area, this Orange Beach sports event is definitely worth checking out.

But if you can’t be here for this soccer event, don’t worry—the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship is already set to return to the Gulf December 1^st – 6^th in 2014, and again in 2015 (November 30^th to December 5^th). There’s plenty of time to plan a late-fall Gulf Coast vacation!

Decompress from holiday shopping and come out and watch these talented ladies in action.

Get the Kids Ready for the Coast360 Beach Games in Gulf Shores!

Summer is a perfect time for many things in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, and sports are no exception. The sporting events are continuous throughout the next couple of months, with sports such as baseball, softball, basketball, and even some football rounding out the event lineup.

Summer is also an ideal time for family vacations, and sports-minded families with young children have an extra incentive for a Gulf getaway this year: the 1st Annual Coast360 Beach Games, sponsored by Coast360, a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission sponsor.

The games are a chance for children ages 7 to 11 to engage in some fun, friendly competition by participating in games like Hula Hoopla, Bucket Ruckus, Low Tide Slide, Seafood Scramble, and Fish in a Barrel. Participants can compete for prizes including beach balls, medals, and coupons to local businesses, and will appear on Coast360 TV, which will air the games each week.

The Beach Games officially began Thursday, June 14th and will take place every Thursday at 11 a.m. through July 26th at Gulf Shores Public Beach. Only the first 10 registrants will be allowed to participate, so those interested should arrive before 10:45 a.m.

Plan a Last-Minute Weekend Getaway to the Gulf

If you like boats and sports, then there are several reasons why this weekend is a good one for visiting Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. First up is the 2012 Gulf Coast Yacht and Boat Show, taking place March 30th through April 1st. See over 400 exhibits featuring fishing boats, yachts, and cruisers, among many others.

Then on March 31st and April 1st, take your pick of either volleyball or baseball. Check out the action as more than 60 youth volleyball teams compete in the 2012 Pleasure Island Volleyball Tournament-American Riviera Classic at Gulf Shores Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Or make your way over to the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, Orange Beach Sportsplex, or Simms Park to watch the 2012 USSSA Sandlot Spring Lead Off Super NIT Baseball Tournament.

And if you don’t yet have plans to be in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, it’s not too late. The area has plenty of accommodations to choose from, and Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission sponsor Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott even offers last-minute weekend rates (as well as some nice amenities, like a lakeside jacuzzi and outdoor heated pool).

Don’t miss out on a fun weekend!