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.
We’re getting ready for another great weekend in Tuscaloosa! The Alabama gymnastics and women’s basketball teams are gearing up for some competitive SEC matches. Tuscaloosa native Ham Bagby returns home to jam at Green Bar, and CHOM is celebrating the Chinese New Year with arts and crafts for the children. Don’t forget to tag @VisitTuscaloosa in all your photos from the weekend for a chance for them to be featured on our social media accounts.
Alabama Gymnastics vs. Kentucky
Join Alabama gymnastics for a high-energy matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats for a thrilling meet against a conference team. Take your kids and enjoy the performance by Alabama’s talented gymnasts. Head to Coleman Coliseum this Friday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. to enjoy the fun. Visit rolltide.com to purchase a ticket.
Ham Bagby + The Seige at Green Bar
Ham Bagby returns to his hometown of Tuscaloosa on Friday night for a special show at Green Bar. Ham nails the southern rock vibe and actually sounds a lot like the Drive-by Truckers. Doors open at 8 pm for this 10 pm show. Tickets are $8 and you can get them at greenbarttown.com.
Chinese New Year at CHOM
Celebrate Chinese New Year at the Children’s Hands-On Museum this Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. There will be tons of creative activities for the kids to enjoy such as, making your own dragon, finding out your zodiac animal, making a mask and learning to write your name in Chinese. Bring the kids out for a day of fun!
Alabama Women’s Basketball vs. Auburn
The Alabama Women’s Basketball team is ready to roll against their rival, the Auburn Tigers. The action begins at 4 pm Sunday afternoon in Coleman Coliseum. Come out and support the Crimson Tide in this SEC matchup. Visit rolltide.com to purchase tickets.
There are plenty of other events going on this weekend and every weekend in Tuscaloosa. Go to visittuscaloosa.xyz/events to see them all!