NCAA Division II National Championships coming to Huntsville, expected to boost local economy

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A few major sporting events are slated to come to the Rocket City in 2027.

Earlier this month, the Huntsville Sports Commission announced that for the first time ever Huntsville has been selected to host two NCAA National Championships. It will host the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships at John Hunt Park in 2027 and the NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships at Joe Davis Stadium in 2027.

“It’s a real big deal and we’re really excited to be the host,” said Mark Russell, the Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission.

Russell said having a major soccer tournament like the Division II National Championship, is exactly what Huntsville hoped for when building Joe Davis Stadium.

“This is just proof that it was a great concept and a great idea,” Russell said. “Having Wicks Family Field lets us go out and get these high-level events.”

Russell said the Huntsville Sports Commission is also excited for the Division II Cross Country National Championship at John Hunt Park.

“Having [the] Division II National Championship will bring runners from all over the United States here to Huntsville which of course helps our economy” Russell said.

Sports tourism is a big focus of the Sports Commission. Russell said each major sporting event could bring thousands of athletes, their families, and supporters to the City, which could help with the local economy.

“They’ll spend several nights here in hotels and in our local restaurants,” he said. “So it’s going to be a big economic boom for Huntsville.”

In addition to helping the local economy, tournaments and sporting events draw out-of-town participants who may have never been to Huntsville before. Russell said some of those visitors, especially younger ones, may consider a career in Huntsville.

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“These events bring more and more people to Huntsville, especially young people for our workforce development,” he said.

Russell the Sports Commission closely works with the City of Huntsville and other partners to ensure athletes, parents, and other event attendees have a positive experience while in Huntsville. That includes working together to schedule events to coincide with the sporting event.

“When people come here, they only spend so many hours at the race, but then they have to figure out what to do, where to eat and all that,” he said. “We’re only as good as the people that work where they stay and where they eat.”

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