An already vibrant 2027 schedule for national sports events in Huntsville is getting crowded as 360 teams, an estimated 15-16,000 visitors and a projected $9 million addition to city business coffers will arrive for a two week summer soccer tournament that year. The dates for the tournament are June 29 – July 3, 2027.

At a press conference on a humid Friday morning, with sectional soccer tournament action serving as the backdrop, it was announced the 2027 American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) national tournament will be played at Merrimack Park and the Loretta Spencer Sports Complex.

“Huge event,’’ Huntsville Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Russell said. “At $9,000,000, I would think that it’s one of the bigger events we’ve had. It’s the biggest soccer event we’ve held for sure.’’

The AYSO national tournament joins at least four other national events coming to the Rocket City in 2027 – the World Amateur Disc Golf Championships, National Beach Volleyball Championships, collegiate Division II National Cross Country Championships and the DII Soccer Championships for men and women.

“Over the years, Huntsville has established itself as one of the leading soccer destinations in the Southeast,’’ Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “Whether the strength of our local clubs, hosting the Alabama high school state championships, or our team Huntsville City FC, our city is a known commodity in the soccer world.

He added, “Over the years, we’ve invested in building these facilities to make sure our children have the venues to chase their dreams while also creating opportunities like this to show how great our city is to all of the families coming in to compete for the championship. Those investments continue to pay dividends.’’

AYSO President Doug Ryan said when the group was looking for a site for the 2027 tournament, picking Huntsville was a “very simple decision with the city’s attractions and other amenities.” He added the tournament will be a boon for hotels, restaurants and other sites.

“Some families plan their vacation around the tournament,’’ he said.

When looking for a destination, Ryan said several factors come into play.

“The ability to support the games, and it’s not just about the games,’’ he said. “What else does the community have to offer? What’s the tourism opportunities? I think NASA’s got a presence here and some other events. And we try to ensure that we’re being inclusive across the country and not always in the same spot.’’

He also noted that businesses interested in supporting the event are encouraged to get involved—highlighting how, at a recent national tournament, even a local laundromat offered discounts to the 800–1,000 referees who traveled from as far as California.

Any business interested in sponsoring or offering deals for the tournament can email www.director@aysoarea5c.org. The city expects to fill 8,000 hotel rooms during the championships.

“We’ve never had anything like this,’’ said Joel Lamp of the Huntsville-Madison County CVB. “And we’re not done, yet.’’