Tuscaloosa To Host ARPA Boys And Girls State Basketball Championships

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa has once again been selected to host the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Boys and Girls State Basketball Championships in 2026 and 2027.

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Visit Tuscaloosa says the 2026 tournament is scheduled for March 13–15 and will be played at Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) facilities and local school gyms.

“We are thrilled to bring the Boys and Girls State Basketball Championships to Tuscaloosa in both 2026 and 2027," ARPA Youth Athletics Chair Natalie Norman said. "Tuscaloosa’s outstanding facilities, dedicated partners, and proven success in hosting statewide tournaments make it the perfect home for this event. We look forward to welcoming teams from across Alabama for an unforgettable championship experience.”

Tourism officials also said nearly 100 youth basketball teams from across Alabama are expected to qualify through local Parks and Recreation leagues.

The event expands on last year’s Boys State Basketball Tournament, which brought more than 1,200 players, families and fans to the city.

Starting in 2026, the championships will include girls’ teams for the first time, adding about 40 squads to the competition, with organizers estimating the tournaments will generate more than $1 million in economic impact for the area.

“Visit Tuscaloosa is proud to once again partner with ARPA and PARA to serve as the host city,” said Visit Tuscaloosa President and CEO Kelsey Rush said. “With the addition of girls’ teams, we expect the tournaments to be even bigger and better, bringing more visitors while showcasing our community as a destination for youth sports.”

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