Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
REPORT: NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament injected $12.3M into Birmingham economy
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The NCAA’s Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 and Elite 8 injected $12.3 million in direct economic impact, according to the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB).
“Delivering an unforgettable experience for visiting fans was a top priority for us. The Fan Zone at City Walk was a huge hit, giving fans a dynamic hub where they could rally together, enjoy live entertainment and experience the energy of March Madness beyond the arena. The atmosphere throughout the city was electric and it was incredible to see fans fully immersed in everything Birmingham has to offer.”
David Galbaugh, Vice President of Sports Sales & Marketing, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
Played between March 28-31, The Magic City hosted fans from:
- Duke University
- University of Maryland
- University of North Carolina
- University of Notre Dame
- University of South Carolina
- University of Tennessee
- University of Texas
- Texas Christian University
Attendance for the weekend tournament totaled over 45,000. The GBCVB also stated in a news release that hotel occupancy in downtown Birmingham peaked at 82%, reflecting a 45.7% increase compared to the same weekend in 2024.
What’s next Birmingham
This coming weekend is filled with sporting events in the Greater Birmingham area.
On Friday, April 11, The Magic City welcomes home the UFL defending Champion Birmingham Stallions at Protective Stadium.
On Saturday evening, the Birmingham Bulls are scheduled to take on the Fayetteville Marksmen in a SPHL President’s Cup playoff match at the Pelham Civic Complex. If there needs to be a game three, they will play Sunday afternoon in Pelham.
The third Magic City sports team playing this coming weekend? Birmingham Legion FC. The “Men in Black” return to Protective Stadium for their first home game in almost a month on Sunday, April 13, 4:00PM.
In addition to our sports teams (don’t forget the Birmingham Barons), Birmingham is hosting in the next few months the World Police & Fire Games, SEC Baseball Tournament, Regions Tradition, presented by Coca-Cola and the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix.”
Looking way ahead, Birmingham will host the 2028 NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds.
Did you attend the NCAA’s Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 and Elite 8? Tell us what you thought of the national tournament by tagging us at @bhamnow.
