TUSCALOOSA PREPARES FOR SOFTBALL BOOM AS HOST CITY FOR PROFESSIONAL TEAMS

The City of Tuscaloosa is set to experience an economic boost this summer as it welcomes the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) to Rhoads Stadium at The University of Alabama. The event will feature two regular-season games on July 22-23, followed by the AUSL Championship from July 26-28, drawing fans, athletes and media from across the country.

Hosting the AUSL not only solidifies Tuscaloosa’s reputation as a premier sports destination but also promises a substantial economic impact for the city. Local hotels, restaurants and businesses are expected to benefit from the influx of visitors attending the games. With an estimated economic impact of more than $1 million, the event will generate increased tourism revenue and create opportunities for local vendors and service providers.

“It brings us great pride when Visit Tuscaloosa has the opportunity to recruit such top-tier athletic competition to our community,” said Kelsey Rush, president and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa. “Our Senior Sports Sales and Event Development Manager, Robins Bonner, and the team at Alabama Athletics collaborated to make this possible for the City of Tuscaloosa and Athletes Unlimited. It’s another great example of why our city is a vibrant hub for sports tourism.”

The AUSL’s decision to bring its championship games to Rhoads Stadium means Tuscaloosa will serve as the backdrop for the ESPN’s broadcasts. With several UA alumnae on team rosters, it will facilitate homecomings for players such as four-time All-American and Talons pitcher Montana Fouts. The event will also shine a spotlight on the city, fostering future opportunities for hosting high-profile sporting events.

Visit theausl.com/alabama to sign up for more information and to be notified when tickets become available. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, March 19 at 9 a.m. CT through the Alabama Athletics Ticket Office on RollTide.com.