New Huntsville Sports Complex expected to boost sports tourism for the city

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Huntsville city leaders gathered Monday to cut the ribbon on the new Loretta Spencer Sports Complex. They believe this will boost sports tourism across the Rocket City by hosting more high school soccer tournaments.

James Gossett, The Director of Parks and Rec for the City, said these new fields will allow them to host higher-level soccer events.

“I think we would hopefully get some college-level events here, said Gossett. “We hosted a college-level event here already this year. We had soccer here with Alabama, Tennessee, and played here earlier in the year. So, we would like to expand that as we can.”

Over 40 high school teams across the state will visit the complex this weekend as part of a big tournament.

The new complex will be a place where lacrosse, rugby and ultimate frisbee events can also be held.

This newly expanded sports complex includes two new artificial turf fields, a press box and PA sound systems.

“Well, I’m excited that we have the opportunity if it rains this week, we’ll have grass fields as well as synthetic turf fields,” said Russell. “And so there’ll be a big worry off my mind is we’ll have an option if it rains.”

Parking was also expanded to handle the crowd size of bigger events.

They also created additional gathering spaces for athletes to hang out and interact with people after the event is over, so they don’t feel like they must immediately leave.

Mark Russell with the Huntsville Sports Commission, said the new sports complex will help bring money to the city.

“This week, we’ll have over 40 teams coming in and spending the night. Teams will be coming from all over the state,” said Russell. “It will definitely have a big hit on our hotel lodging rate and we’ll also be filling up restaurants in this area.”

The new sports complex will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at 10 a.m. Former Mayor Loretta Spencer, who this complex was named after, will be at the ceremony.

Click Here to Subscribe on YouTube: Watch the latest WAFF 48 news, sports & weather videos on our YouTube channel!

Copyright 2024 WAFF. All rights reserved.