Northport's River Run Park Named Host Site For HBCUAC Baseball, Softball Tournaments

NORTHPORT, AL — The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) announced Monday that Visit Tuscaloosa and the City of Northport will host the league’s baseball and softball championships for the next three years at the newly built River Run Park in Northport.

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The agreement will run through 2028 and will bring 16 teams annually to the $27 million sports complex, which officially opened on Saturday.

This also represents another major win for Stillman College as a member of the HBCUAC, with the school's Tuscaloosa campus previously hosting the conference's men's and women's basketball tournaments.

“The significance of the City of Northport landing the HBCU Athletic Conference Softball and Baseball Championships at the newly opened River Run Park is far-reaching from an economic, cultural, and community perspective,” Northport City Council President Christy Bobo said. “Hosting these baseball and softball championships offers economic benefits and boosts community pride."

ALSO READ: Northport Celebrates Opening Of River Run Park

Bobo went on to say that the tournaments will also showcase the city and its new 36-acre, state-of-the-art sports complex, while providing a positive impact to local businesses and the hospitality industry by providing tournaments where young people can see themselves as future student athletes.

"We thank HBCUAC Commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, city staff, Visit Tuscaloosa, Stillman College, and our amazing partner and all-star consultant, Don Staley, for supporting Northport’s efforts in making River Run Park a premier destination to host sporting events," she said.

Each championship week will also feature a welcome reception hosted by Visit Tuscaloosa.

“This opportunity is a win for our student-athletes, fans and the entire conference,” Barnes said. “River Run Park will provide a premier stage for competition, and Visit Tuscaloosa’s commitment to creating an exceptional experience will make these championships memorable for years to come.”

Visit Tuscaloosa President and CEO Kelsey Rush echoed Bobo in saying the partnership will highlight both the new facility and the area’s hospitality.

“We are thrilled to welcome the HBCUAC back to Tuscaloosa and to showcase all our community has to offer,” Rush said.

Ticket information for the events will be announced at a later date.

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