Hattiesburg: The Perfect Sports Destination in the Gulf South
When it comes to hosting tournaments and team competitions, Hattiesburg, Mississippi is a hidden gem just up the road and around the corner from many major metros in the Gulf South. With first-class venues, expert event planning, and a welcoming community, Hattiesburg provides teams with an ideal location to train, compete, and celebrate success. Conveniently positioned 90 minutes north of New Orleans, LA and West of Mobile, AL, Hattiesburg offers a sports-friendly atmosphere without the congestion of a major metro area.
A Convenient and Accessible Location
Known as the "Hub City," Hattiesburg's strategic location at the intersection of major highways makes it easily accessible from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Gulf Coast. This central positioning ensures a hassle-free journey for teams and spectators, allowing them to focus on the competition ahead. In fact, tournament organizers experience a surge in registrants when hosting in Hattiesburg due to its driveability across the Gulf South including Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia.
Diverse and High-Quality Sports Facilities
Hattiesburg boasts an array of state-of-the-art venues suitable for various sports disciplines:
- Baseball & Softball: With 27 well-maintained fields, the city has hosted prestigious events like the DYB World Series in 2023 and is set to welcome the 2025 DBB World Series. The University of Southern Mississippi's Pete Taylor Park has a history of hosting NCAA regional and super regional tournaments, drawing fans from multiple states. William Carey University's Crusaders baseball team also competes in top-tier facilities, contributing to Hattiesburg's "Baseburg" reputation. Allow your athletes to play in the same complexes as some of the nation’s rising ball players.
- Soccer: Home to 25 soccer fields, Hattiesburg regularly hosts youth and collegiate tournaments, providing ample space for both practice and competitive play. In 2025, two championship fields were completed, providing turf and natural grass surface options.
- Tennis & Pickleball: With 49 tennis courts, the city caters to racquet sports enthusiasts, offering venues for both casual matches and organized tournaments.
- Running & Biking: Over 150 miles of trails, including the renowned Longleaf Trace, provide scenic routes for marathons, 5Ks, and cycling events.
- Water Sports: With 86 miles of blueways, Hattiesburg offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based activities.
Comprehensive Event Planning Support
Planning a sports event in Hattiesburg is streamlined with the assistance of Visit Hattiesburg. Our team collaborates closely with event organizers to coordinate with local food vendors and restaurants, ensuring participants have access to quality meals to energize their stay.
Additionally, Visit Hattiesburg offers Red Carpet Services, assisting with securing room blocks, coordinating with local businesses, and providing logistical support to ensure a seamless event experience. Need help selecting the perfect diamond or court for your next tournament? Visit Hattiesburg has you covered with virtual and in-person site visits.
You're Welcome in HBURG
While New Orleans offers major league excitement, Hattiesburg provides top-notch sports facilities and support without the big-city challenges. The city's commitment to sports tourism, combined with its Southern charm, makes it an ideal choice for hosting tournaments, training camps, and championship events.
For more information on planning your next sports event in Hattiesburg, visit the Sports Planning Resources page.
Note: This blog post incorporates information from the Visit Hattiesburg Sports Guide.