HBCU Athletic Conference Baseball, Softball Championships Head to Tuscaloosa

Visit Tuscaloosa and the city of Northport, Alabama, have been awarded the HBCU Athletic Conference’s Baseball and Softball Championships through 2028 at the newly constructed River Run Park one mile north of the Stillman College campus, the first time a college softball and baseball conference championship has been hosted north of the river in Tuscaloosa County.

The agreement extends Visit Tuscaloosa’s partnership with the HBCU Athletic Conference, which began in October 2023 when the then Gulf Coast Athletic Conference announced Visit Tuscaloosa would host the conference basketball championship at Stillman College. That bid was extended through the 2025—2026 seasons.

“We are thrilled to welcome the HBCUAC back to Tuscaloosa and to showcase all our community has to offer, including this brand new sports complex in Northport,” said Kelsey Rush, president and chief executive officer of Visit Tuscaloosa. “From our state-of-the-art facilities at River Run Park to the vibrant energy of our entire area, we look forward to hosting student-athletes, coaches, and fans for an unforgettable championship experience.”

Tuscaloosa County will now be home to three HBCUAC championships in the 2026 spring semester. Each championship includes a welcome reception hosted by Visit Tuscaloosa.

“The opportunity to bring 16 teams to our baseball and softball championships in Northport for the next three years is a win for our student-athletes, fans, and the entire conference,” said Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, HBCUAC Commissioner. “River Run Park will provide a premier stage for competition, and Visit Tuscaloosa’s commitment to creating an exceptional experience will make these championships memorable for years to come.”