Media Contact:

Ally Dorrough, APR • Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events
[email protected] • alabamasbeaches.com/sports
1-800-745-SAND • 251-968-9327 (direct) • 334-391-7745 (cell)

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) will host its 2026 Men’s Soccer National Championship in Orange Beach, Alabama, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7. Featuring the top 16 NAIA teams in the nation, student-athletes will battle it out for the “red banner” with the championship taking place Monday, Dec. 7.

Known for its focus on character-building, the NAIA will implement the Teaming Up for Character program Wednesday, Dec. 2. The top eight teams will run mini soccer camps during Orange Beach Elementary School’s P.E. classes, teaching the NAIA’s five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. This community-focused component of NAIA’s culture is an ideal fit for Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events.

“Championships like this bring teams, families and fans to Alabama’s Beaches during our quieter season, filling rooms, restaurants and shops across our community,” said Michelle Russ, vice president of sales for AB Sports & Events. “Sports tourism drives real economic impact here, and the NAIA’s focus on character makes this partnership one we’re proud of.”

In 2025, unseeded Grand View (Des Moines, Iowa) delivered the ultimate underdog story, upsetting No. 1 seed Bethel (McKenzie, Tennessee) in the first round on the way to its first national title. This year, families and fans can expect another thrilling championship week at the Orange Beach Sportsplex.

Tickets are card-only and will be available at the gate for $15 per day for adults, $10 per day for students and free for children under 5. The schedule is as follows, and all times are in CST:

• Monday, Nov. 30: Round 1 — 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 1: Round 1 — 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 3: Quarterfinals — 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 5: Semifinals — Noon, 3 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 7: National Championship — Noon

For information on upcoming athletic and major leisure events along Alabama’s Beaches and to book accommodations, visit alabamasbeaches.com/sports.

###

Photos:

Download: https://gsobt.widen.net/s/djksnmppj8/mi3_5343
Download: https://gsobt.widen.net/s/xm2wc8vrgc/10am-bethel-tn-vs-grand-view-ia228
Caption: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) will host its 2026 Men’s Soccer National Championship in Orange Beach, Alabama, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, featuring the top 16 NAIA teams in the nation.\
Credit: Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events

About Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events:

Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events (AB Sports & Events) is a partnership among Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT), the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Gulf State Park and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In 2007, the organization became a department within GSOBT. In this role, AB Sports & Events – along with assistance from both cities – works to bring quality athletic and leisure events to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. To learn more about sports and events along Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches, please visit alabamasbeaches.com/sports.