Hit a Home Run When You Combine Baseball and Beach

It’s officially time for some baseball action here on the Alabama Gulf Coast! There are so many USSSA tournaments happening this summer, our slogan should be Take Me out to the Ballgame!  Whether you’re a player or a supporter, you’ll hit a home run when you combine some competitive baseball with the sandy white beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The best part is that it’s the perfect excuse for a family vacation!

So what is there to do around here when you’re not at the ballpark or the beach? Eat! The Gulf Coast is known for its wide array of fresh and scrumptious gulf seafood prepared at many local restaurants. There is also a variety of fun-filled options for teams, coaches, families, and fans. Water parks, mini golf and the zoo are great family-friendly attractions, and all are in close proximity to the beach. You could also get hooked on some gulf fishing or swing on by one of the beautiful golf courses for a round or two. With so many exciting things to do, you’ll have a baseball trip that you’ll never forget! 

The Gulf Coast Region USA Volleyball Beach Series Tournament

The sugary white sand between your toes, the sound of the waves, a gulf breeze, plus an abundance of sunshine all work together to make a perfect beach day. What could make it even better? Well, if you said a little sports action to watch, you’re in luck! The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Sports Commission is bringing in an exciting beach volleyball tournament for you to watch while you’re in relaxation mode!

On June 14, 2014, get ready for lots of bumps, sets, spikes and scores at the Gulf Shores Public Beach! There will be junior volleyball athletes making their way to the Alabama Gulf Coast from all across the United States. These athletes will hit the sand to compete in the Gulf Coast Region USA Volleyball Beach Series Tournament, which is part of the USA Volleyball Junior Beach Tour. So come out and cheer them on!

NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championship

Do you love that feeling of anticipation you get when you watch an exciting race? Do you enjoy seeing young track stars show off their skills? Well, you are in luck because on May 22-24, 2014, the Gulf Shores andOrange Beach Sports Commission, along with the City of Gulf Shores, AL, is thrilled to be hosting The 2014 National Association of IntercollegiateAthletics (NAIA) Outdoor Track & Field National Championship. The competition will include both the Men’s and Women’s divisions.

The Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex

will play host to this exciting event. Athletes will be running long-distance from all across the United States to compete for the National Championship title on the Alabama Gulf Coast.  Come out and show your support for these amazing individual athletes as they compete to be a National Champion based on the skills of running, jumping, and throwing.  

Beach Volleyball

Do you like watching sporting events with sand between your toes? Beach volleyball is heading to the Gulf Shores Public beach! Don’t miss a single bump, set, spike! There are a couple of tournaments coming up. First up is The 2014 Gulf Coast Region USA Volleyball Beach Series II. Adults and Juniors will both be competing on April 26, 2014.

Come out on May 2-4, 2014 and support your favorite college teams! The AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball Championships will feature the top female volleyball college teams in the country. The top doubles teams across all schools will also be competing. Don't miss the action when the best collegiate teams hit the sand to battle it out to see who will become the champion of the beach!

 

So throw on that swimsuit, grab some sunscreen and get ready for some fun in the sun! You can’t beat the view while you watch enjoy some serious sand volleyball on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Tee Off with Spring Golf

Are you a golf fan? If so, you know there is nothing like Gulf Coast golf in the spring. We have two fun events coming up later this month – a tournament for spectators and another for participants.

The 2014 Conference USA Women's Golf Championships will be held on April 20-23.
 
Women's collegiate golf teams will compete for the championship title in Gulf Shores this year. It is set to be hosted by Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club and the Beach Club. If you have a favorite college team, this is sure to be a fan-tastic time! So come out and show your support!

If you would much rather play than watch, we are hoping that you will help us and join the 17th Annual “Mullet Swing” Golf Classic. A portion of the proceeds from this tournament will support the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  It will be held on April 23 with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. This event is popular and helps kick off the Interstate Mullet Toss, which will be on April 25-27. Sign up today and start swinging!

Get Running Shoes Ready

Spring is the perfect time for outdoor activities here on the Gulf Coast. If you like to participate rather than watch athletic events, then you need to check out two huge events making their way to the area in April.

We are excited about the Color Run adding red, yellow, green, blue and purple to Orange Beach on April 5^th at the Wharf. Participants will be sprayed head to toe with colors at each kilometer as they head towards the finish line. The Color Run is untimed and called the “Happiest 5k on the Planet” for a reason. Afterwards, there is a huge post-race party for all with lots of music and dancing. There is no way you’ll leave without a huge smile on your face! Sign up today!

The Mullet Man Triathlon is a great addition to the Annual Interstate Mullet Toss. The event will take place on April 19^th at the Flora-Bama Lounge. Participants will take on a 17 mile bike ride, a 4.2 mile run, plus a ½ mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico.  This event will include a great course, awards, as well as a post-race party with tons of food and fun. Be sure to secure your spot today!

Plan Your Fall Event this Spring

Are you a sports event planner with an event coming up in the fall? We know that lots of things go into the planning process and it can be a bit overwhelming. The most important thing is to reserve a venue this spring and what better place than one on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast? The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission has well-maintained facilities for just about every sport out there including golf, tennis, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, track and field, swimming and fishing. 

In Gulf Shores, there are both unique and well-maintained sites. First up is Johnnie Sims Park, which includes two youth baseball fields, one high school baseball field, one softball field for both youth and high school, two outdoor basketball courts and a skate park. Next, we have the George C. Meyer Tennis Center with twelve hard surface tennis courts. There is also the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. This facility includes a multi-use field house, a football field, a baseball field, a soccer field, a track and six softball fields. Indoor gymnasiums can be found at the Bodenhamer Center and the local high school.  

In Orange Beach, there is the Orange Beach Sportsplex which hosts five softball fields, five baseball fields and two soccer/football fields. This venue has played host to the Southeastern Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament. There is a junior Olympic size pool at the Aquatic Center and eight medium speed hard courts at the Tennis Center.

While you are here, check out restaurants that can hold team dinners during your fall trip. You can also look at different accommodations to get a feel of where the most convenient lodging would be for you and your team. There is plenty to see and do while visiting this beautiful area.

Whatever the sport, The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission is ready to help facilitate a tour for you. Contact Michelle Russ, Sports & Events Sales Manager at 1-800-982-8562 for further information.