MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Montgomery continued to strengthen its position as a premier youth sports destination as the city welcomed the 2026 Diamond Youth Baseball (DYB) Regional World Series to Lagoon Park. The week-long tournament brought 32 teams from across the Southeast to Alabama’s Capital City, generating an estimated 1,100 hotel room nights while showcasing Montgomery’s outstanding sports facilities and hospitality.
More than 500 players and coaches, along with hundreds of family members and supporters, traveled to Montgomery from Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and communities throughout Alabama. Two Montgomery teams also qualified to compete, giving local athletes the opportunity to represent their hometown on a regional stage.
Opening ceremonies were held Wednesday, July 15, at approximately 3:30 p.m. at Cramton Bowl, officially welcoming athletes, coaches, and families and kicking off regional championship competition. Mayor Steven L. Reed, City Council President CC Calhoun, and Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton offered welcoming remarks.
Throughout the tournament, visitors had opportunities to explore Montgomery’s history, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment, including a special visit to a Montgomery Biscuits game on Friday, July 17.
Building on Montgomery’s Success in Sports Tourism
The 2026 DYB Regional World Series reflected Montgomery’s continued investment in sports tourism and its growing reputation as a destination for regional and national athletic events. Through strong community partnerships, quality facilities, and a commitment to delivering exceptional visitor experiences, Montgomery continued to attract tournaments that generated economic impact while introducing new visitors to the River Region.
The event was made possible through the collaboration of the City of Montgomery, Montgomery Parks and Recreation, Diamond Youth Baseball, and Experience Montgomery.
“Montgomery is proud to welcome athletes and families from across the Southeast for the 2026 DYB Regional World Series,” said Mayor Steven L. Reed. “Events like this showcase what makes our city special—outstanding facilities, a welcoming community, and a commitment to creating memorable experiences for visitors. Youth sports not only bring families together but also strengthen our local economy and highlight Montgomery as a destination for regional competition.“
“Hosting the DYB Regional World Series is an outstanding opportunity to showcase Montgomery’s commitment to youth athletics and sports tourism,” said Brandon Dean, Director of Montgomery Parks and Recreation. “Our team is dedicated to providing a first-class experience for every athlete, coach, and family who visits Lagoon Park, and we’re excited to welcome teams from across the region.“
Tournament by the Numbers
2026 DYB Regional World Series
- 32 participating teams
- 500+ athletes and coaches
- Five-state regional tournament
- Two hometown teams representing Montgomery
- Approximately 1,100 hotel room nights
- Hundreds of visiting spectators
- Strong economic impact for local businesses
ABOUT EXPERIENCE MONTGOMERY
Experience Montgomery, a division of the Montgomery Regional Chamber, is the official destination marketing organization for Montgomery, Alabama, and a leading tourism driver for the River Region. With a focus on sharing the city’s powerful story and unmatched southern hospitality, Experience Montgomery promotes the region as a hub for history, culture, sports, outdoor adventure, and group travel, including meetings, conferences, and tournaments. By attracting visitors and events to the area, the organization helps drive regional economic growth, support small businesses, create jobs, and enhance quality of life throughout Central Alabama. Learn more at www.experiencemontgomeryal.org.
