Rocky Top Sports World and the amateur Athletic Union (AAU) announce the AAU Girls Basketball 5th Grade National Championship will be coming to Gatlinburg, Tn., in 2018.
Founded in 1888, the AAU is one of largest, multi-sport, amateur sport event organizations in the United States. Its girls’ basketball program dates back 1972 and its women basketball history as far back as 1926 when the first Women’s Basketball National Championship was held.
Participating girls’ teams from across the country will visit the Gatlinburg area in the summer of 2018- bringing with them a positive economic impact for area hotels, shops and restaurants. In the past, the 5th Grade Girls Basketball National Championship has drawn up to 100 teams for this six (6) day event.
“The state of Tennessee has always been a huge supporter of girls and women’s basketball,” said Dr. Roger Goudy, AAU president/CEO. “With its state of the art facility and top notch professional staff, Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg is the perfect fit to host an AAU Girls Basketball National Championship.”
Rocky Top Sports World is no stranger to hosting AAU tournaments. The new 80 acre state-of-the-art sports campus in the heart of the Smoky Mountains hosted two state AAU Championships in Girls Basketball (May 8-10 and 15-17) this year alone. “It is truly a great opportunity for Rocky Top Sports World to be awarded an AAU National Championship in our first year of opening,” stated Rocky Top Sports World General Manager Steve Daugherty. “The AAU is an industry leader and we are glad to have such a strong working relationship with this organization.”
Rocky Top Sports World is the premier youth and amateur tournament destination in the Great Smoky Mountains. “The Rock” indoor facility features six state-of-the-art hardwood courts, Champs Grill, team rooms and mezzanine viewing area. With an additional 4 courts on-site, Rocky Top Sports World is an ideal location for the AAU Girls Basketball 5th Grade National Championship. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains offer numerous attraction, dining and shopping opportunities for athletes and spectators. “For many years, the City of Gatlinburg has been a top vacation destination for families seeking special experiences while making lasting memories,” stated Cindy Ogle, Gatlinburg City Manager. “We are excited to welcome the AAU National Championship and plan to make this tournament event an unforgettable one.”
Numerous girls’ basketball AAU alumni have gone on to college and professional ranks including Candace Parker, Chamique Holdsclaw and Diana Taurasi to name a few.