Future Sports Tourism Development

Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events

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We're Planning for the Future!

Sports and event tourism is a vital part of the economy in the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, particularly outside the peak summer season. Recognizing the importance of this sector of our business, the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Board of Directors approved the purchase of 111.26 acres of land for future sports and event tourism development through Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events.

We are in the conceptual site planning phase of this long-term project. Keep up with our progress here as we dream and plan for big things to come! Continue scrolling for FAQs, timeline information and a map of the property. View Press Release

We worked with local businesses to create a sports advocacy video to explain the importance of sports tourism in our area. Watch now!

Timeline

June 2022: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism closed on 111.26 acres of land in northeast Gulf Shores
November 2022: Feasibility study began with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC)
January 2023: SFC conducted meetings in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with key community stakeholders, staff members and sports planners
March-June 2023: SFC delivered findings, recommendations and pro-forma
August 2023: Agreement extended with SFC to move into next phase of planning, including conceptual site plan
September 2023: Facilities Task Force visited comparable facilities within the State of Alabama
October 2023: RFQ issued for an architectural company to deliver a conceptual site plan
December 2023: Facilities Task Force interviewed companies and chose Chambliss King as the architect to develop initial conceptual site plan
2024: Site planning with Sports Facilities Companies and researching funding mechanisms

FAQs

Q: Why did Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism / Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events decide to purchase land?
A: There is a greater need to help alleviate sports tourism play from the local sports complexes and school facilities to leave room for residential use with a growing population in the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and two city school systems.

Q: What purpose will the land serve?
A: The land will be used by Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events to maintain and grow sports and event tourism in the future.

Q: Where is the land located?
A: The parcel of land is located to the west and north of the Auburn University satellite facility at Coastal Gateway Boulevard (County Road 8 East) and the Foley Beach Express. The far north end of the property meets the city of Foley line and is close to the Orange Beach city limits.

Q: What is the goal of the project?
A: Sports and event tourism remains a key economic driver in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, particularly outside of the peak summer season. The goal of this project is to fill the facility gap to grow sports and event tourism while enhancing residential needs.