Sports TourismSaturday, November 7
Hattiesburg is named one of seven top U.S. cities for hosting sporting events
The Daily Hattiesburg team
Hattiesburg is one of seven U.S. cities recognized as a top destination for hosting sporting events in the 2026 SportsTravel Awards. Visit Hattiesburg announced the honor after an open nomination and nationwide voting process run by SportsTravel magazine. Miami received the top award in the category.
Visit Hattiesburg's application highlighted Southern Miss baseball hosting an NCAA regional and William Carey baseball hosting the opening round of the NAIA National Championship this past summer, plus youth and community events. CEO Marlo Dorsey said the recognition reflects growth in the city's sports tourism industry. She added that more than $85 million is currently being invested in sports-related facilities across the city.
Hattiesburg landed among seven top sports host cities
- 7
- cities recognized as top sports host destinations
- $85 million
- now being invested in sports-related facilities
Sources: SuperTalk Mississippi Media, Tippah News
“We're honored to be recognized on the national stage.”
- Other finalists: Houston, Monroe-West Monroe, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Virginia Beach
- Visitor spending from the events: tens of millions of dollars
- Facility work: Hattiesburg Sports and Recreation Event Center and Reed Green Coliseum
Hattiesburg's application pointed to five events
| Event | What it was |
|---|---|
| Southern Miss baseball | Hosted an NCAA regional |
| William Carey baseball | Hosted opening round of NAIA National Championship |
| Diamond Boys Baseball World Series | Youth sports event |
| Big Rip Classic | Mississippi's largest disc golf tournament |
| Hattiesburg Half Marathon | Record-breaking |
Sources: SuperTalk Mississippi Media, Tippah News
Sources: SuperTalk Mississippi Media, Tippah News