Sponsored

The 43rd annual Alabama State Games return June 12–14, transforming the BJCC and venues across the Greater Birmingham Area into a celebration of community, competition and statewide pride as thousands of athletes compete across 20+ sports.

We spoke with Laura Creel Burt, Executive Director of the Games and daughter of the Games’ founder, for a behind-the-scenes look at how this inspiring tradition came to life in Alabama—and what it takes to bring it back year after year.

Bonus: The Opening Ceremony and most sporting events throughout the weekend are free to attend.

Alabama State Games—quick event details

When: Fri, June 12–Sun, 14
Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC + venues across Jefferson County
Cost: Free public events, including Opening Ceremony
- Note: Most Alabama State Games events are free and open to the public, including the Opening Ceremony. However, parking is charged at Birmingham Crossplex, and a gate fee applies at baseball + softball venues.
Tickets: Not required

The Games’ Opening Ceremony brings competitive energy to Birmingham

The Alabama State Games officially kick off on Friday, June 12 at Legacy Arena with an Olympic-style Opening Ceremony that celebrates athletes from across Alabama and beyond.

Here’s what you can expect on opening night:

Patriotic tributes
The Parade of Athletes
Lighting of the cauldron
Scholarship presentations
Live performances + entertainment 
Musical performances by Troy University’s POPulus, Kirbi + Deborah Allen

Two must-sees:

Birmingham native and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Noah Galloway will be the keynote speaker of the Athlete Leadership Summit, sharing his story of resilience and perseverance. He’ll take the stage at 5PM in the BJCC’s North Exhibition Hall.
The Alabama Sports Festival (ASF) Foundation will award 17 academic scholarships worth $2,500 each throughout the evening to participating athletes.

Fun fact: The Alabama State Games are also an official America 250 Alabama certified event, with the Opening Ceremony featuring the ASF Foundation’s “Honoring Our Heroes” tribute recognizing military members, first responders and generations of service across Alabama.

The family behind the Alabama State Games legacy

_{(L) Laura Creel Burt, Executive Director of the Alabama State Games; (R) and with a past Alabama State Games staffer at the inaugural event in 1983.} _{(Alabama State Games)}

For Laura Creel Burt, the Alabama State Games are deeply personal.

“My father, Ron Creel, founded the Alabama State Games when I was 15 years old. I attended the very first Games at Auburn University in 1983, and it has been woven into my entire life ever since.”
Laura Creel Burt, Executive Director, Alabama State Games

Over the years, she’s experienced the Games from nearly every perspective: volunteer, spectator, parent of an athlete, staff member and executive director.

“This insight into every element of the Games changes everything. You understand what this experience means to families, athletes and the City of Birmingham.”
Laura Creel Burt, Executive Director, Alabama State Games

What it takes to host the Alabama State Games

ASG43 MEDIAKIT 18 FREE: Watch athletes compete in pickleball, equestrian, + more at the Alabama State Games—June 12-14

_{From Opening Ceremony celebrations to precision sports like archery and bowling, the Games showcase it all. (Alabama State Games)}

While spectators see the excitement during the Games’ Opening Ceremony and at sporting events across the Greater Birmingham Area, there’s a massive amount of preparation required to bring this type of event to the city.

Here are a few things going on behind the scenes during the stretch before the Games begin:

BJCC spaces are transformed into an Olympic-style venue
20+ competition sites are activated across the Greater Birmingham Area
Staff + volunteers coordinate signage, equipment + athlete logistics
Teams prepare venues across Birmingham, Gardendale, Trussville, Vestavia Hills + more

“It’s nonstop action and momentum. But everything comes back to the athlete experience.”
Laura Creel Burt, Executive Director, Alabama State Games

20+ sports to see at the Alabama State Games + some you might not expect

The Alabama State Games feature sports for all ages and skill levels, from longtime favorites to unique competitions you don’t see every day. More than 4,000 competitors are expected to take over venues across the Greater Birmingham Area during the action-packed three-day event.

Check out some of this year’s sports:

Bass fishing
Baton + color guard
Chess
Disc golf
Equestrian
Mountain biking
Soccer
+ more

Personally, I’m most curious about kickball. There’s just something about revisiting those chaotic elementary school PE memories that feels right.

From Opening Ceremony moments to all-out competition across the Greater Birmingham Area, this is one of those weekends that turns the whole city into a sports stage.

Plan to attend the Alabama State Games June 12–14, and check out the full schedule of free events.

Sponsored by: