Visit Tuscaloosa is proud to announce that Tuscaloosa has been named the No. 2 Best College Sports Town in the country in the 2026 USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards, earning national recognition as a leading destination for college sports.
Nominees for the Best College Sports Town category were selected by an expert panel, which identified 20 destinations across the country that best capture the energy, traditions and atmosphere of college sports. The finalists were then put to a public vote, with Tuscaloosa ultimately securing the No. 2 spot among the 10 winners nationwide.
“College sports are woven into the fabric of Tuscaloosa, and we are incredibly proud to see our community recognized this way,” said Kelsey Rush, president and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa. “Game days bring an unmatched energy to our community and is a bucket-list experience for sports lovers, but what makes Tuscaloosa even more special is everything visitors can experience beyond the stadium. Tuscaloosa thrives at the crossroads of tradition and energy and offers a balanced blend of hospitality, excitement and authenticity, making every visit meaningful and memorable.”
The recognition comes as Tuscaloosa heads into a lively fall season, with college football complemented by signature events and cultural experiences as well as live entertainment throughout the area. Highlights include the Moundville Native American Festival, Oct. 1-3, featuring Native American artisans, traditional dances, storytelling and music; Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest, bringing German culture and festivities to Government Plaza on Oct. 3; and the 55th Kentuck Festival of the Arts, Oct. 17-18, showcasing artists from across the country. On Oct. 31, families can also enjoy Tannehill State Park’s Annual Halloween Fairyland, featuring lantern-lit trails, trick-or-treating and games, as well as Lake Lurleen State Park’s returning Camp Fear celebration, with trick-or-treating, hayrides, decorated campsites and many other fall festivities. Several live concerts are also scheduled for the fall season at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater.
To view the full 2026 USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards results for Best College Sports Town, please visit https://www.usatoday.com/sports/readers-choice-awards/best-college-sports-town/.
