Top 5 Reasons Hattiesburg is Your Sports Event Destination

Hattiesburg is home to top-tier venues that host major sporting events, including Mississippi High School State Championships in football and softball, NCAA baseball regionals, and numerous youth and amateur tournaments.

The city is also home to Hattiesburg Thunder, a pre-professional USL2 soccer team, and the annual Raising Cane’s Classic, a major youth soccer tournament attracting up to 200 teams from across the region. Whether it’s baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, football, tennis, pickleball or more, Hattiesburg has the facilities to make every competition a success.

Some of the city’s premier venues include:

• Tatum Park – A top baseball, soccer, tennis, disc golf, and softball complex hosting major tournaments.
• Smokie Harrington Park – A historic stadium for youth and amateur baseball, Hattiesburg High School’s diamond is deeper than any MLB park in the country, measuring in at 445 feet from home field to centerfield wall.
• Sports Facilities – The University of Southern Mississippi is home to some of the nation’s finest D1 sports facilities including complexes for swimming, track, soccer, softball, football, basketball, and baseball.
• William Carey University Facilities – NAIA powerhouse William Carey University offers collegiate facilities for sports including soccer, baseball, basketball, softball, and track.
• Sacred Heart Athletic Complex – Versatile space for soccer, baseball, softball, and more.
• YMCA of Southeast Mississippi – A hub for basketball, volleyball, swimming, and recreation.
• Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center – A top venue for rodeos, equestrian events, and indoor competitions.

For details on sports venues, event planning resources, and how to bring your next competition to Hattiesburg, visit www.visithburg.org/sports.

Located at the crossroads of Interstate 59, Highway 49, and Highway 98, Hattiesburg is known as the Hub City for a reason. Its central location makes it an easy-to-reach destination for teams traveling by car from across the Southeast. With short drive times from major cities like New Orleans, Jackson, and Mobile, parents, coaches, and athletes can arrive quickly and conveniently. Location matters!

Hattiesburg offers just under 3,000 hotel rooms, providing comfortable and high-quality lodging options for teams, families, and event organizers. Whether you’re looking for national hotel brands or locally owned boutique stays, there’s something for every budget. Plus, team-friendly amenities like group rates, meeting spaces, and select complimentary offerings make planning even easier.

Sports events are about more than just the competition—they’re about the full experience. When teams and families come to Hattiesburg, they’ll find a variety of fun, family-friendly attractions to explore between games:

• Longleaf Trace – A 44-mile scenic biking and walking trail, offering a great outdoor escape for athletes and families.
• Hattiesburg Zoo – Perfect for kids and families, featuring interactive exhibits and animal encounters.
• HBURG Public Art Trail – Named a Top Public Arts Destination by Travel + Leisure, showcasing more than 60 murals, sculptures, and installations.
• Pine Belt Blueways – Ideal for kayaking and canoeing adventures.
• FestivalSouth – A multi-week arts celebration held annually in June, featuring a diverse lineup of music, theater, and visual arts events.
• Live at Five – A free, family-friendly concert series in downtown Hattiesburg, bringing the community together with live music each Spring and Fall.

For even more to do between games, check out the best attractions and activities at www.visithburg.org/things-to-do.

Hattiesburg doesn’t just host sporting events—we celebrate them. Our community is passionate about sports, and visitors will feel the energy from the moment they arrive. With local restaurants ready to fuel up athletes, breweries for post-game celebrations, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visitor feel at home, Hattiesburg is built for sports tourism.

From championship tournaments to weekend competitions, Hattiesburg is the perfect place to host your next sporting event. With top facilities, easy access, great lodging, and plenty of entertainment, your team will have an unforgettable experience.

For more information on sports venues, accommodations, and things to do, or to schedule a tour and book your next event, contact the team at Visit Hattiesburg www.visithburg.org/sports.