The Hoover Metropolitan Complex had a record 785,000 visitors in fiscal 2025 and record $101 million economic impact, General Manager Shannon Ealy told the Hoover City Council Monday night.

The Sports Facilities Companies has announced that William Knox and his firm, The Legacy Sports Group, have joined the SFC team. Through a strategic collaboration, The Legacy Sports Group will become part of SFC, which manages and develops sports, recreation, wellness and events venues, a move aimed at strengthening SFC’s capabilities in sports tourism, destination development and community impact initiatives nationwide.

As we kick off 2026, we’re taking a moment to look back at the Destinations, Event Organizers, Facilities, Events, and RFPs that made 2025 such a strong year across the Playeasy community.

From standout hosting moments to highly engaged RFPs, 2025 was shaped by partners who leaned into visibility, collaboration, and growth. This year-in-review highlights the Top 5 Destinations, Event Organizers, Facilities, RFPs, and Events based on engagement and activity throughout 2025.

Before we fully turn the page to the year ahead, let’s revisit the partners and moments that helped define the past year.

The Hoover Metropolitan Complex, a classic case of “if you build it, they will come,” has moved toward ever-greater success and versatility since getting its start with a $14.5 million stadium opened in 1988. The stadium was built by the city of Hoover to host the Birmingham Barons professional baseball team and then in 1998 became home to the SEC Baseball Tournament, which it still hosts.

The Rocky Mount Event Center has earned silver in the 2025 Stella Awards for Best Conference Center, recognizing its exceptional hospitality and service. Located in downtown Rocky Mount, the venue combines state-of-the-art facilities with genuine Eastern North Carolina hospitality to deliver world-class event experiences.

The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) selected to operate East Texas A&M’s new arena.

The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) selected to operate and fund Clary Anderson Arena.

Three SFC facilities chosen as ultimate volleyball venues by nationwide voting.

The Hoover Met Complex in Hoover, Alabama, has solidified its position as a premier sports and events destination, driving significant economic impact and providing valuable community resources throughout 2024. This state-of-the-art facility, comprising multiple venues including the Hoover Met Stadium and Finley Center, has become a cornerstone of both local and regional development.

Economic Success and Visitor Numbers

In the 2024 fiscal year, the Hoover Met Complex broke its own record in generating $91.3 million in total economic impact, with major sports tournaments and events contributing to the local economy. The facility’s ability to host a wide range of activities, from sports competitions to cultural events, made it an attractive destination for visitors from the region and across the country.

In the competitive landscape of sports and entertainment venues, Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater in Albertville, Alabama, continues to prove that it is a shining star with its success in 2024. This multi-use facility not only met but exceeded expectations, setting new benchmarks in attendance, economic impact, and community engagement.

As we look back on the year, it’s clear that Sand Mountain Park has become a model for how thoughtfully designed multi-purpose facilities can serve as catalysts for both economic development and community enrichment.

The Myrtle Beach Sports Center was renamed four years ago to the day, April 3, to the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center. The name change honored the late mayor who played a huge role in its construction.

On Thursday, March 27, the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center marked its 10-year anniversary. City leaders joined together to celebrate the facility and its positive impact on the community.

Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, in partnership with The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), the nation’s leading provider of sports and recreation venue management, today announced a special Youth Clinic to be held Monday, May 19, at the Hoover Met Complex in Hoover, Alabama.

The clinic will welcome nearly 500 students from Birmingham City Schools and Hoover City Schools for a morning of instruction, games and inspiration led by five former Major League Baseball players: 13-year veteran Wes Helms, World Series champion Brett Myers, three-time All-Star reliever Tom “Flash” Gordon, All-Star slugger Ryan Klesko and seven-year veteran Jason Phillips.