October 2, 2024
Huntsville, AL — NCAA championships are coming to Huntsville in a big way over the next four years!
For the first time ever, Huntsville has been selected to host not just one, but two NCAA National Championships in 2027. The Rocket City will welcome the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships at John Hunt Park and the NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships at Joe Davis Stadium.
In addition to these landmark events, Huntsville has also been chosen to host the NCAA Division II South Region Cross Country Championships in 2026 and the NCAA Division I South Region Cross Country Championships in 2027.
The selection of Huntsville marks a significant milestone for the city, underscoring the growing recognition of John Hunt Park’s world-class cross country course and the collaborative efforts of the Huntsville Sports Commission, Huntsville/ Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Jacksonville State University and the City of Huntsville’s leadership. The selection of Huntsville to host these prestigious events showcases the city’s ability to accommodate and execute large-scale championships with excellence.
Joel Lamp, Sports Manager for the CVB, highlighted the importance of this achievement, reflecting on the hard work that went into earning this honor. He said, “Thanks to the NCAA and the championships committees on the opportunity to host these national and regional championships. We have great facilities at John Hunt Park and Joe Davis Stadium with partners that make our city a great destination to host these events. I’m extremely proud of the hard work our team has done over the years to get in the conversation to host a national championship and look forward to using this platform to showcase Huntsville over the course of the next few years.”
John Hunt Park’s cross country course continues to attract nationwide attention from coaches and athletes alike. The venue will host a portion of the NCAA postseason over the next four years, including two Division II regionals (2024, 2026), two Division I regionals (2025, 2027), and the 2027 Division II National Championship.
As Huntsville gears up to host its first NCAA National Championship, the pride and dedication within the community is evident. The city has long been recognized for its ability to host premier sporting events, and this championship further cements its place on the national stage.
Huntsville has long been a champion of hosting top-tier sporting events, and we are thrilled to be chosen to host two NCAA Championships in 2027,” shared Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “This is an incredible opportunity for our city to shine as a destination for world-class competition, and we’re confident that our community, our course, and our hospitality will provide an outstanding experience for everyone involved.”
The recently renovated Joe Davis Stadium will also take the national stage in 2027, hosting the NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships. Huntsville has been a regular host for the Gulf South Conference Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships and is set to host the NJCAA Division II National Championship later this fall. The NCAA Championships will bring the final four men’s and women’s teams to Huntsville for an exciting championship weekend on Wicks Family Field.
The events also reflect the strong partnership between UAH Athletics and the city of Huntsville. Cade Smith, UAH Athletic Director, emphasized the pride that UAH feels in bringing such a significant event to the community stating, “We couldn’t be more excited for people to experience what we already know: Huntsville is awesome! I’m incredibly grateful for the collaborative efforts of Team Huntsville, and we look forward to hosting several great events on a national stage over the coming years.”
With anticipation building for Huntsville’s first-ever NCAA National Championships, the city’s sports tourism team is committed to making 2027 a milestone year. Huntsville is ready to welcome athletes, coaches, and fans from across the country for an unforgettable experience.
NCAA Championships in Huntsville
2024 Division II South Regional – Cross Country
2025 Division I South Regional – Cross Country
2026 Division II South Regional – Cross Country
2027 Division I South Regional – Cross Country
2027 Division II National Championship – Cross Country
2027 Division II Men’s & Women’s Soccer National Championship
For more information, please contact Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, at mark.russell@huntsvilleal.gov.
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The Huntsville Sports Commission is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), organization that promotes and enhances the quality of life in Huntsville by identifying, recruiting, promoting, and staging sporting events and meetings. For more information, contact Brooke Izzo, Director of Marketing & Communications, 256-883-3769, brooke.izzo@huntsvilleal.gov.