Elmore Autauga News
With opening ceremonies June 13 for the Alabama State Games, our area will be well represented in multiple categories. People from across Alabama, and even residents from other states, are converging in Birmingham for competitions in many areas of sports. Locally, we have people from our area that will participate in softball, wrestling and track among others.
The following release is from Griffin Pritchard, Media Relations Manager for the Alabama State Games. These events are hosted by alagames.com and asffoundation.org.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham and Jefferson County will once again take center stage on June 13 as they host the Opening Ceremony for the 42nd Alabama State Games in Legacy Arena at the BJCC. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the highly anticipated ceremony will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. CST across the Alabama State Games Television Network, including affiliates WAFF (Huntsville), WBRC.2 Bounce (Birmingham), WSFA (Montgomery), WALA (Mobile), and WRGX (Dothan), the AHSAA Radio Network Facebook page, andALAGAMES.com, the Alabama State Games Facebook page, the AHSAA Radio Network Facebook page, ALAGAMES.com, and the Alabama State Games Facebook page.
“We’re proud to be one of the longest-running host cities for the Alabama State Games. It’s a true collaboration across Jefferson County that highlights our strength in hosting multi-sport events. The continued growth of the Games is a credit to the hard work of the Alabama State Games staff, and we’re grateful for their dedication to making this event a success. Each year the Games generate a positive economic impact across our community and help showcase the many hotels, restaurants, attractions and hospitality partners that support this impactful event.” — Tonia Whatley, Director of Sports Business Development for the Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
Here is a schedule of events you won’t want to miss! Friday, June 13, 2025:
3:00 PM – Athlete check-in opens, North Exhibition Hall at the BJCC.
4:00 PM – GRIT 101 For Teens, ASF Foundation’s newest program that helps teens navigate life situations, North Exhibition Hall at the BJCC.
5:00 PM – State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit with Keynote Speaker Hall of Fame Coach Spence McCracken, North Exhibition Hall at the BJCC – Academic scholarship drawing to follow for present registered athletes.
6:00 PM – Legacy Arena at the BJCC opens to Opening Ceremony spectators.
6:15 PM – Parade of Athletes line up, South Exhibition Hall at the BJCC.
6:30 PM – Athlete check-in closes.
7:00 PM – Opening Ceremony begins in Legacy Arena at the BJCC – academic scholarship drawing to follow.
“There’s nothing quite like the energy of the Opening Ceremony – the music, the lights, the athletes and the pride that fills Legacy Arena. Everyone is excited as we await the start of the Parade of Athletes and Lighting of the Cauldron. I hope all will experience it for themselves. It’s the best free admission in the state! — Laura Creel Burt, Executive Director & Vice President of the ASF Foundation
The 42nd Alabama State Games will feature 20+ sports across venues throughout Jefferson County and surrounding communities. For more information, visit
www.ALAGAMES.com
Get ready for the ultimate celebration of sport, spirit, and community. The Alabama State Games bring together athletes of all ages for a high-energy, multi-sport showdown unlike any other. What began in 1983 with just four sports has exploded into a weekend packed with 20+ competitions, a dynamic Opening Ceremony, and a powerful scholarship initiative that’s awarded over $415,000. It’s more than a competition—it’s a movement for opportunity, growth, and the future of amateur athletics.
