“We are truly in awe of the power of sports tourism and the value it brings to our destination,” says Beth Gendler, vice president of sales for the Sports Commission. “Huge thanks and appreciation goes to the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and our sponsors for not only welcoming thousands of athletes and families but accommodating special requests with warm hospitality. We look forward to continuing to welcome athletes, families and fans for a diverse fall sports lineup.””

Beth Gendler, vice president of sales

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Through the end of August the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission reports $119.88 million in economic impact – a 65.86 percent increase from 2015 year-end figures.

As the fall sports season gets underway, the organization attributes these record figures to resilient relationships with the beach cities, sponsors, athletes and families.

“We are truly in awe of the power of sports tourism and the value it brings to our destination,” says Beth Gendler, vice president of sales for the Sports Commission. “Huge thanks and appreciation goes to the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and our sponsors for not only welcoming thousands of athletes and families but accommodating special requests with warm hospitality. We look forward to continuing to welcome athletes, families and fans for a diverse fall sports lineup.”

From September through December, the variety of events from participation-based races to collegiate championships includes the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon on Sept. 10; USA Wakeboard Collegiate Nationals from Sept. 16-18; SEC Women’s Soccer Championship from Oct. 31 to Nov. 6; Alabama Soccer Festival from Nov. 4-6; World Food Championships from Nov. 11-13; Kaiser Realty by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Coastal Half-Marathon, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run on Nov. 26; and NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3.

One new event this year is a “food sport” – the World Food Championships. From Nov. 11-13 at The Wharf in Orange Beach, the public may see and savor this “ultimate food fight” as upwards of 400 teams representing 45 state and 20 countries will compete in nine categories for the ultimate food crown and a share of $300,000.

Competitor experience ranges from professional chefs with national television exposure to home cooks with legendary family recipes. Visit WorldFoodChampionships.com for more information.

Gendler also notes the need for volunteers at several fall events. The Sports Commission Volunteer Incentive Program supports civic groups by contributing $40 per volunteer per shift worked at designated athletic events. To learn about volunteering with the Sports Commission, contact Sarah Cooper at 251-947-4611 or SCooper@GulfShores.com.

For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit GulfShores.com/Sports/Media-Room, or call 1-800-745-SAND.

2016 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission Fall Schedule:

Sept. 3: Tacky Jacks Bloody Mary 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run

Sept. 9-10: 6th Annual Super Slugger Co-ed Softball Tournament

Sept. 9-11: Bama Bounders Beach Bash Gymnastics Competition

Sept. 10: Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon

Sept. 10-11: Publix Super Cup Soccer Tournament - Girls

Sept. 16-18: USA Wakeboard Collegiate Nationals

Sept. 17-18: Publix Super Cup Soccer Tournament - Boys

Sept. 17-18: MS Ride - Tour de Beach

Sept. 22-25: Alabama State Tri-Level Championships

Sept. 24-25: USSSA Baseball Fall Road to World Series

Oct. 1: South USA Grappling Southeastern Championship

Oct. 8: NBL Beach Brawl Karate

Oct. 8-9: WSL Gulf Coast Fall Nationals

Oct. 13-16: Shrimp Festival Volleyball Invitational

Oct. 15: Shrimp Festival 10K and 5K Run

Oct. 20-23: Alabama Adult Combo Tennis State Championships

Oct. 22-23: Sand Dollar Exposure Softball Tournament

Oct. 31-Nov. 6: SEC Women’s Soccer Championship

Nov. 3-6: Alabama Southern Combos Doubles Tennis State Championships

Nov. 4-6: Alabama Soccer Festival

Nov. 11-13: World Food Championships

Nov. 19: NJCAA Men’s & Women’s Half-Marathon

Nov. 19-20: Gulf Shores Junior Classic - Southeastern Junior Golf Tour

Nov. 24-27: Gulf Coast Youth Football Classic

Nov. 26: Kaiser Realty by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Coastal Half-Marathon, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run

Nov. 27-Dec. 3: NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship

Dec. 3-4: Challenger Soccer Cup

Dec. 17: Make it to the Line Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run

About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission:

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission is a partnership between Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT), the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In 2007, this commission became a department within GSOBT. In this role, the commission – along with assistance from both cities – works to bring quality sporting events to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. To learn more about a whole different state of play, please visit GulfShores.com/Sports/Media-Room.