Check out our 2023 year in preview to learn more about what big, bright things are on the horizon for Central Alabama.
Happy Trails
Montgomery’s Mayor Reed said plans to enhance outdoor recreation in the capital city are on tap in 2023. “We’re excited about a cross-city trail network and ongoing revitalization projects along the Oak Street Corridor, the Southern Boulevard, Centennial Hill and West Fairview,” he said. “These projects will complement one another and will help attract new businesses while increasing quality of life for residents.”
Tidal Wave
Montgomery Whitewater opens this summer, bringing the thrills of whitewater sports to the stretch of the Alabama River running beside downtown. Its whitewater course, an action-packed experience of roller-coaster-like rapids usable by kayaks, duckies and more, is the focal point of this world-class, Olympic-standard whitewater, recreation and entertainment venue, which will also contain climbing areas, a ropes course, hiking trails and restaurants. All combined, the attraction is expected to bring a tsunami of economic positives in addition to tons of fun thanks to increased tourism and city image enhancement that will influence recruitment efforts.
Play On
Alabama State University has been selected to host the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands as the event returns with a live showcase event in The ASU Stadium. Honda made the official announcement late last summer. Fans voted and chose five marching bands (in addition to the Mighty Marching Hornets) to perform live on February 18. We will welcome Savannah State University, Langston University, Virginia State University, Morgan State University and Texas Southern University.
Flying High
After four years of hard work and preparations, the first 20 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets will arrive to “bed down” at the historic 187th Fighter Wing in December 2023. When the jets are finally here, the Wing will have poured $110 million into conversion construction projects. It’s all worth it; in the years to come, the F-35 mission’s direct economic impact will total more than $100 million annually.
