Weekend sporting events expected to net half-a-million dollars for city

This past weekend marks the beginning of summer sports in Huntsville, a season that is expected to make an economic impact of $500,000.

While the season doesn’t officially start until the Summer Solstice on June 21, the Rocket City got a jump start with the week-long International Model Power Boat 2022 Nationals that began with time trials Sunday, June 5 and will conclude June 11 at Brahan Spring Lagoon.

Two other events on the early schedule were held Saturday – the Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail at Ditto Landing and the 18-and-under, four-team Rocket City Moonshot Polo Tournament at the Huntsville Aquatic Center. 

More than 500 nights of hotel rooms were booked for the events that combined efforts from the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Huntsville Sports Commission.

This year’s model boat nationals, the week’s headline event, will mark the 10th time the championships will be held in Huntsville. The races have three stages – Straight Line and Two-Lap Oval time trials and Heat racing featuring 75 competitors.

“This is a great weekend to start our summer season and welcome a wide and diverse group of competitions to Huntsville,” said Judy Ryals, president and CEO of the CVB. “We have a long history with model boats and are proud to have them return for their championship again this year while welcoming two new groups that will get their first taste of everything our city has to offer.”

The King Kat Tournament Trail drew 100 anglers from across the Southeast as the third off an 11-stop national tour leading to the national championship in November. There was also the King Kat Kids Fishing Rodeo at Aldridge Creek.

Other events scheduled for June include:

• June 11-17: Willys-Overland-Knights collector’s tour and auto show, Marriott at the Space and Rocket Center.
• June 17-19: American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) section championships, Merrimack Complex.
• June 26: Qualifying round of Drive, Chip, & Putt at Hampton Cove.
• June 27-30: American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Championship, Hampton Cove. 

For more information, contact CVB Sports Convention Sales Manager Joel Lamp (256) 551-2334 or via email at jlamp@huntsville.org.