College football season is a popular time in Alabama, which is home to two Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams: the Auburn University Tigers won a national title in 2010; and the Tuscaloosa-based University of Alabama Crimson Tide, the winner of last year’s national championship, is in the running for another national title this year.
While a college football game might be the most fun and memorable sporting event to score tickets to, groups doing business in Alabama will find many other sports opportunities that will add points to the meeting itinerary.
From cheering in the crowd at a Minor League Baseball game or car race to getting in on the action during a golf tournament or paddleboarding event, following are some winning ideas for groups that would like to include a sports element during football season and beyond.
Gulf Coast Region
While golf tournaments and bicycle tours can be arranged in Mobile, the area’s proximity to water makes it a popular spot for group activities such as guided kayak and canoe tours, and deep-sea fishing charters, according to Stacy Hamilton, vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Mobile.
“We can also arrange for tickets to a Mobile BayBears baseball game,” she said, adding that the AA affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim plays at Hank Aaron Stadium.
Elsewhere along the Gulf Coast, there are local companies that can assist with Olympic-style teambuilding beach activities, according to Beth Gendler, vice president of sales for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.
And waterborne pursuits, including fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, she added, showcase the area’s diverse landscapes and allow attendees to get active together and connect outside the meeting room.
Groups can also enjoy either a traditional round of golf or FootGolf, which combines soccer and golf by challenging players to kick a regulation soccer ball into a 21-inch diameter cup in as few “strokes” as possible.
“Craft Farms Golf Resort can accommodate groups on its nine-hole FootGolf course,” Gendler said.
River Heritage Region
Golf is also an option in Auburn, where groups can arrange tournaments or a less formal putting challenge at the Grand National on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which is a collection of championship-caliber golf courses scattered across the state.
According to John Wild, president for the Auburn & Opelika Tourism Bureau, groups can also arrange a behind-the-scenes tour at Auburn University that showcases the history and complexity of hosting events in the SEC.
“Aubie, the official Auburn University mascot, is available to welcome or entertain the group,” he added.
Groups can also enjoy a visit with retired football coach Pat Dye, who coached part of his career at Auburn University.
“He has both a hunting camp and offers tours of his Japanese maple tree farm,” Wild said. “Hear old stories about college football in the SEC while touring a beautiful tree farm.”
In Montgomery is the Riverwalk Stadium, where groups can check out a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game during the summer.
“All groups of 20 or more enjoy a long list of benefits, including a group raffle prize, seating together, a group photo, recognition on the scoreboard, no lines and flexible payment,” said Meg Lewis, director of brand development and special projects for the Montgomery Area COC/CVB.
The Riverwalk Stadium, Lewis added, has four different venues for groups, including the Whistle Stop Grille, the Boxcar Buffet, the Locomotive Loft and Luxury Suites, “all complete with dining packages to satisfy a hungry group.”
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail also includes Capitol Hill, a popular course located minutes from downtown Montgomery where groups can arrange a tournament.
Metro Region
Birmingham is hopping with teambonding sports opportunities for visiting groups.
They can hit the links at Ross Bridge, another championship Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail course, or visit Red Mountain Park, where they will find over 1,500 acres of hiking and biking trails, ziplines and an adventure tower.
“Here thrill-seekers can get a customized teambuilding program working together to zip, climb and rappel, or enjoy the history of the park by discovering and recovering clues,” said Tonia Whatley, national sports marketing sales manager for the Greater Birmingham CVB.
Groups can also get tickets to a Birmingham Barons Minor League Baseball game at Regions Field.
“Game tickets, food and dedicated area options are available for groups of all sizes,” Whatley said.
She also suggested, for those groups who enjoy the thrill of speed, the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, the Honda Superbike Showdown or the Barber Vintage Festival, all held at Barber Motorsports Park, where group event/food pricing is available.
“One should note that college football in the state remains king,” said Whatley, who recommended groups get tickets to the annual Magic City Classic or the SEC/Atlantic Coast Conference matchup.
Tent, sky box and ticketing packages are available.
When meeting in Tuscaloosa, it’s worth the effort to see if group tickets are available for University of Alabama sporting events, especially football.
“The University of Alabama sporting events are a great avenue for small groups or large groups,” said Brandt Garrison LaPish, director of marketing for Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports.
Tuscaloosa isn’t just home to the Crimson Tide; there are five large bodies of water, including Lake Lurleen, Lake Nicol and Lake Tuscaloosa, on which groups can arrange a friendly paddleboarding competition, and Center Court Tennis, where they can facilitate a fun tournament.
Mountain Region
Huntsville offers a recreation district where groups will find a variety of sporty options.
Among them are the Huntsville Tennis Center, Becky Pierce Municipal Golf Course, Athletic Club Alabama and the Benton H. Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex, where groups can arrange parties complete with ice skating or broom ball.
Florence is home to the University of North Alabama. According to Suzie Shoemaker, manager, sport/event sales for the Florence/Lauderdale CVB, discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available to sporting events such as football, volleyball, soccer, baseball, basketball and tennis.
The Florence/Muscle Shoals area is also home to the Schoolmaster and Fighting Joe courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
“Both overlook the Tennessee River,” Shoemaker said. “Staff there can arrange group golf outings and tournaments.”
