March 3, 2021
Economic impact estimated at roughly $530,000.
Huntsville, Ala. (March 3, 2021) – Tickets are now available for the 2021 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Gymnastics Championships, scheduled for March 20, 2021 at the Von Braun Center (VBC) Propst Arena in Huntsville, Ala.
“The SEC Gymnastics Championship is annually one of the most exciting and competitive events in the sport, and we appreciate the support from the Huntsville community and the Von Braun Center to provide an excellent venue for this year’s Championship,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.
This is the first time Huntsville will host the SEC Gymnastics Championships. There will be two sessions of the Championships – one beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT and the second session beginning at 7:00 p.m. CT followed by an awards ceremony. One ticket will include access to both sessions throughout the day.
“We are honored to step up and host the SEC Gymnastics Championships in Huntsville,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We promise participants will find a high-caliber venue and a welcoming community, and we look forward to seeing this outstanding competition in the Rocket City.”
Due to public health guidelines, the capacity inside the VBC is limited to accommodate for social-distancing, with seating separated into Pod groupings. Tickets are available in Dual Session Packages (one purchase for both sessions) and range from $24 to $38 (additional fees may apply). Remaining Single Session Tickets will be available on Monday, March 15 and will range from $17 to $24. Tickets may be purchased in-person at the VBC Box Office or online at ticketmaster.com and must be purchased by entire Pod groupings. Facemasks will be required to enter the facility.
“Being chosen as the hosting venue for an event of this magnitude is an exciting achievement for the entire VBC team and the City of Huntsville,” remarked Von Braun Center Executive Director Steve Maples. “We are working alongside the Huntsville Sports Commission, Knight-Eady and the Huntsville-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau to ensure all attendees, athletes, SEC and ESPN officials have a safe and memorable event in Huntsville, and we look forward to future possibilities.”
For 20 years beginning with the inaugural event in 1981, SEC campuses hosted the Conference championship until it moved to a neutral site in 2001. It has since been held in seven different locations. The decision to relocate the 2021 SEC Gymnastics Championships to Huntsville is due in large part to the combined efforts of the VBC, Huntsville Sports Commission, Birmingham sports marketing company Knight-Eady, and the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
“It’s the Huntsville Sports Commission’s mission to enhance the quality of life in Huntsville through sports, and this level of event does that,” said HSC Executive Director Mark Russell. “We are thrilled to host a top-tier event like the SEC Gymnastics Championships in a collaborative effort and look forward to future event opportunities with the SEC.”
The 2021 SEC Gymnastics Championships will include eight teams from the Southeastern Conference, including: University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, and University of Missouri.
“Bringing this event to Huntsville is a win all around,” commented Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau President/CEO Judy Ryals. “For the SEC, in finding a location that meets their needs in the midst of the current health climate; for our local hotels, restaurants and other hospitality partners in the positive economic impact for the community; and for our city overall in the national exposure that comes with an event of this stature. This decision truly underscores our reputation as a top sports and event destination, and we look forward to providing a uniquely Rocket City experience for the athletes, their friends and families, and all attendees.”
For more information about the 2021 SEC Gymnastics Championships and to purchase tickets, visit www.vonbrauncenter.com or call 256.533.1953.
About Southeastern Conference
A pioneer in the integration of higher education and athletic competition, the Southeastern Conference is a leader on the national landscape for intercollegiate athletics in the 21st century. Since its formation in 1933, the SEC has achieved stature and stability by designating governing/voting power to the presidents of the member institutions. These university leaders determine the policies of the conference and through the years this involvement has been the principal source of strength in the evolution of the SEC. Throughout its history, the SEC has provided leadership on the vital issues facing intercollegiate competition. Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Tennessee and Vanderbilt have been in the SEC since its formation in 1933. The league has expanded twice, adding Arkansas and South Carolina in 1991, then Missouri and Texas A&M in 2012.
About Huntsville Sports Commission
The Huntsville Sports Commission is a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3), organization that promotes and enhances the quality of life in Huntsville by identifying, recruiting, promoting and staging sports events and meetings. For more information, contact Director of Marketing & Communications Brooke Izzo at brooke.izzo@huntsvilleal.gov or 256.427.6749.
About Huntsville/Madison County CVB
The Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization which was developed in 1970 to create economic growth for Huntsville/Madison County by marketing the city as a top-of-mind convention and visitor destination. As the official city/county agency which promotes the area as a tourist destination and convention site, the CVB works with an array of hospitality industry partners to market our destination to visitors of all types. For more information, contact Marketing Director Kristen Pepper at kristen@huntsville.org or 256.551.2294.
About Von Braun Center
The Von Braun Center is a multi-purpose facility located in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. The VBC offers multiple venues for presenting cultural, educational, entertainment, sporting and social events. Venue spaces include the Propst Arena, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Mars Music Hall, North Hall, South Hall, and East Hall. Additionally, the VBC has an on-site full-service restaurant and rooftop bar – Rhythm on Monroe. With over 170,000 square feet of flexible meeting space the VBC is able to accommodate events of all types and sizes. For more information, contact Marketing & Public Relations Manager Samantha Nielsen at snielsen@vonbrauncenter.org or 256.551.2231.
About Knight Eady
Knight Eady is a full-service event, strategy and creative agency, working with clients across the country to build dynamic brand engagement through sport. As a team of passionate and innovative professionals, Knight Eady understands the power of sports and what it takes to win in this competitive arena. From start-ups to national brands, Knight Eady has helped dozens of organizations enhance their brand, amplify their message and achieve their goals with unique and proven strategies for success. For more information, please visit knighteady.com.