HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville is on the sports tourism map again, this time to host the USA Track & Field Masters Outdoor Nationals in 2025.
Milton Frank Stadium has hosted a number of big football games in its history, but it will be the host of a national championship for the first time as the USA Track & Field Masters Outdoor Nationals will be contested at the venue on July 17-20, 2025.
“We are proud to welcome all of the competitors with the USA Masters Track & Field Championships to Huntsville in 2025,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “Hosting a national championship is always a special opportunity. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Rocket City for a memorable event.”
USA Masters Track & Field offers local, regional, and national competition opportunities in track and field and race walking for athletes 25 years of age and older, and international competition opportunities for athletes 35 years of age and older.
“The four-day event will see a variety of track and field events contested each day, with a number of different age groups battling for top honors in the country in an effort to improve their world rankings,” said Robert Thomas, Chairman of the USA Track & Field Masters Committee.
The venue has undergone significant renovations over the last two years in preparation for an opportunity like this – starting with resurfacing the track last year and the current creation of the throws area capable of hosting major events. The partnership between the City of Huntsville, Huntsville City Schools, Huntsville Sports Commission, and Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau was critical in winning the bid.
“It is an exciting time to be in Huntsville, and thanks to the support of my fellow board members, we are excited to have Milton Frank Stadium as the home for this year’s Masters championships,” said Huntsville City Schools board president Carlos Mathews. “The investments we have made over the years to upgrade the stadium and become a track & field destination will reap financial rewards while also introducing our students to amazing athletes and role models for them to meet.”
The four-day event will see all of the track and field events contested each day, with a number of different age groups battling for top honors in the country in an effort to qualify for the world championships.
“As a city that is known for running, it is exciting to bring this prestigious event to Huntsville,” said Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “Now we are able to build upon the culture with major track & field meets, and for our first to be a national championship is a very special opportunity.”
The Masters Outdoor Championship delivers a significant economic impact to the city, bringing in more than 800 competitors for four days of competition that is projected to make a $1.3 million economic impact.
“This has been a whirlwind to bring this event to Huntsville, and I’m proud of how our sports tourism team came together so fast to make this event a reality,” said Joel Lamp, sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This marks the second straight year that we will host a major national championship, furthering our efforts in making Huntsville a prime sports destination.”