ALABAMA RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION (ARPA) BOYS STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SELECTS TUSCALOOSA AS HOST CITY

Visit Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) are thrilled to announce the upcoming ARPA Boys State Basketball Tournament, taking place March 21-23, 2025. This highly anticipated championship will bring 65 youth basketball teams from across Alabama to compete at premier venues including the Belk Activity Center at Bowers Park, Central High School, and Holy Spirit School.

The ARPA Boys State Basketball Tournament features boys aged 8-14, with teams earning their spots through State District Qualifying Games. With an expected turnout of 1,000 participants and 1,500-plus spectators, most teams are traveling from outside Tuscaloosa County, creating a significant opportunity to showcase Tuscaloosa to families from across the state. The tournament will not only deliver thrilling basketball action but also contribute to the local economy through hotel stays, dining, and shopping and is estimated to generate over $600,000 in economic impact.

Kelsey Rush, President and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa, expressed excitement about the event: “We are honored to host the ARPA Boys State Basketball Tournament. Events like this showcase Tuscaloosa’s strength as a premier destination for top-tier competitions, providing families with unforgettable experiences while driving economic growth and fostering connections with our community.”

Through the bid process, Visit Tuscaloosa and PARA partnered to secure this prestigious championship, underscoring their shared commitment to promoting sports tourism and providing exceptional experiences for athletes and their families.

“Hosting the ARPA Boys State Basketball Tournament is a testament to Tuscaloosa’s ability to bring people together through sports,” said Jay Logan, PARA’s Director of Community Outreach, Athletics, and Senior Programming. “We are proud to collaborate with Visit Tuscaloosa to deliver an unforgettable experience for the players, their families, and our community.”

For more information about the ARPA Boys State Basketball Tournament, please contact Jay Logan, Tournament Director, at jlogan@tcpara.org.